My Missing Boyfriend Was Alive, So I Chose His Best Friend Chapter 16

My Missing Boyfriend Was Alive, So I Chose His Best Friend Chapter 16

The reason I needed that money from the Vances was to study abroad. I wanted to learn more, to see

a wider world.

The second I got the funds, I emailed a professor I admired in the UK. Turns out, my undergrad record really interested him. I’d worked a ton of part-time jobs and volunteer gigs. Schools over there love that. The professor was willing to take me on; I just had to wait for the next intake.

“I’m sorry,” I said. “I wasn’t trying to hide it. I just didn’t know how to bring it up.”

“Hailey, with me, you never have to overthink anything.” Gavin kissed my hand, like I was something sacred.

“I know the UK well. I used to go all the time. It’s just a plane ticket. If you’re okay with it, I’d rather move with you and take care of you.”

My eyes went wide. “Really?”

“You’ve eaten my cooking. Are you worried I can’t look after you?”

“No, no. I just don’t want to hold you back.”

He shook his head. “My parents have actually been meaning to hand me the UK operations.”

“Then it’s settled!”

“Hailey, would you want to meet my parents?”

“Isn’t that a little soon?” The memory of Tyler’s parents silently judging me made me hesitate.

Gavin read my mind. “I’ve already told them about you. They love you. That pan-seared salmon you like-my mom was so worried I’d screw it up, she coached me through it herself.”

We traded little bits of home back and forth, walking hand in hand through the first snowfall of the

year.

Nine months later, Gavin and I boarded a plane to the UK together. My parents and his were all there to see us off. Gavin’s dad wouldn’t stop talking. “You look after her over there, you hear me? Whatever she wants to eat, you cook it. If money’s short, I’ll send more. Don’t mess this up.”

The Hayes family really didn’t play around.

His mom bustled around too. “Got everything? Hailey, if Gavin gives you even a hint of trouble, you call me. I’ll fly straight to England and set him right myself. And don’t stress about a thing-just focus on your studies.”

“Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Hayes.”

“Mom, Dad, we gotta go…”

The weather was perfect for flying. I was headed toward a better future.

The future was wide open. The person I loved was right beside me. In that moment, everything was

exactly as it should be.

I don’t have to fit into anyone’s boxes. Soft, quick to cry-so what? A brave heart finds its own way

to shine.