It was great up until Micah dropped a bombshell on me. It seems his plans now involve me leaving my current job to run their front office. Call me crazy, but I’m considering it. I asked him to give me a few days to think it over, though. Life with Liza has been a struggle. Eating, sleeping and working with her is not working out. Living with the daily struggle, prompted Micah to not only ask me to work with him, but to move in with him as well. If I had to bet, I’d say this worked to his advantage perfectly.

Living and working with him does solve the Liza situation entirely. On both fronts, it’s a good idea. Moving too fast? Maybe to some people, but my heart knows what it wants, it always did when it came to him. So moving too fast? I think not!

“What can I do for you, Elsa?” Sitting across from my boss, he sits smiling at me, and I’m sure he’s not ready to hear what I’m about to say. His desk is messy with charts, x-rays, and even plastic teeth. I’m going to miss this.

Even though I’m positive about leaving, I’m nervous facing my boss. “I have to give you my notice, I’m leaving Dr. Davis.” Biting my lip, my leg bounces with nervous energy. God, I hate this.

Pausing he nods his head, but looks puzzled. “I see, can I change your mind?”

Shaking my head, I truthfully answer. “No, I’m sorry. It’s not you or the office, I’m going to work for Micah.” I know he has heard all about him and what he means to me. He’s also noticed the coolness between Liza and me lately.

He eyes me, knowing there is not a thing he can do to sway my mind. “I figured as much, I don’t like it though. You’re an excellent member of this team, and you will be missed.” Sighing loudly, he adds, “I also fully understand. Thank you for all the time you’ve given this office. It will be hard to replace you. I can contact the agency to send someone over.”

I sat in disbelief. That was easier than I thought it would be. I had expected him to be upset, but he was quite the opposite. In fact, it bothered me a little. I’m not sure if I wanted him to fight a little harder to get me to stay, but I wanted something, at least. I know this is what I want, but I’m also leaving my friends and patients I’ve come to love and see on a daily basis. I’ve got to remember, it’s for me and Micah. This is a good thing. Dr. Davis gave me a big hug and an open door to come back anytime.

Climbing in my car, I dial Micah to tell him the good news.

Answering the phone, he’s as cheery as always. “Hey beautiful, what’s new with you?”

Smiling from ear to ear, his voice alone sends my heart singing.

“Well,” I teasingly say, “I’m about to make your damn day.”

He chuckles into the phone. “You already do, pretty girl, but what did you do now?”

I don’t hesitate. “Gave my notice, I’m now a week away from begging you to give me a job.” I can hear his gasp, oh yeah, I surprised him.

“Oh baby, you’ve absolutely made my day. Excellent news, now move in with me and I’ll have it all.” He says eagerly.

I disclose my secret. “I’m ready.”

“I’m sorry, did I hear you right?”

Chuckling, “Yes, Micah, you did. You were right. Living with Liza is not going well, and when I’m not with you, I miss you.”

Going five long years without him was bad enough, but now, even going without him for one night, just seems wrong. I need to be where he is.

“You miss me giving you some loving, don’t you?”

“Well, there is that…” I can’t help cracking a smile.

As if on cloud nine, he says, “Dinner, my place around seven. I have some things we need to talk over. Saw my parents today, and we had a long talk.” I don’t feel great with the seriousness in his voice, but I’m sure it was a hard conversation to have with them.

“Everything okay?” Holding my breath, I’m afraid to even ask.

“Better than okay, they are happy we are together. Believe it, or not my parents love you. They want to talk to you about…well, you know.” He pauses for a moment letting out a slight groan. “They are missing Michael as much as we do, and it hurts them.”

Sighing, I can only shake my head. “They blame me, too, you mean?”

“Not at all, baby. Now your parents are another issue.”

Oh yes, my beloved parents.

“Yeah, go figure.” I can only imagine what his parents think of mine. “See you soon, I’m leaving work now.”

“Later, pretty girl.”

SHOWERED UP GRABBING my things to head over to Micah’s place, I stop dead in my tracks when Liza walks inside the door. The tension is not getting any better between us. In fact, Liza and Nick are now best buds, and I’m on the outside. I need to get this moving thing happening sooner rather than later. For all of our sakes.

“Hey Liza, um…by the way.” I’m struggling to find the words. “I’m going to move out soon, it’s the right thing to do.” Figured might as well come right out and say it.

“I hear you put in your notice today, too. Wow, moving fast to shack up with him, aren’t you.” Shaking her head back and forth, she lets out a grumbled laugh. “Good for you, I’d do the same thing given the situation and your history.” She says with a slight chip on her shoulder. Her words are cold, like her posture. She’s stiff as a board with a not so happy looking Nick. His stance mirrors hers.

I take offense with her attitude, biting my lip. “Look, this is not easy for any of us, I’m doing what I need to do to try to make it better.”

Her annoying roll of her eyes, tells me I’m not going to be happy what she has to say next.

“I get it, okay? I tried to tell myself you both deserve one another, yadda, yadda, yadda. But, it still hurts and I’m trying not to hate you both, but right now I can’t.”

Her shoulders relax, and her eyes are endearing. Finally, she’s admitting her real feelings, about time.

“I know, and I’m sorry,” I say.

I lower my head when she grumbles, and walks by me. She goes to her room and shuts the door. My only thought is to tell Micah the sooner we can move me in the better…for all of our sakes.

Standing outside the little two-story house, Micah shares with Matt, I knock on the door.

“Hey little sis,” Matt says opening the door. “Get in here.”

Matt is the brother I never had. His messy brown hair flops on his forehead, so walking by I mess it up even more.

“Hey sexy, how are ya?”

“Yeah you got that right, all the sexiness went to this brother. Are you sure you don’t want to switch Taylor boys?”

I laugh and punch his arm. Got to love those dimples he has. “Oh, I’m sure, poor ugly Micah. I feel sorry for his hideous looks, I can dump him now.” My attempt at humor has Matt laughing, but Micah is not very amused, judging by the look on his face.

“My girlfriend is so funny, tonight. But seeing you smile is worth it, so make fun of me all you want. Matt, on the other hand, needs to watch his hands when it comes to my very sexy girlfriend.” To make his point Micah stares at his brother.

Holding his hands up, Matt amusingly replies, “Options, I’m giving the girl options.”

“Yeah, well flaunt yourself at another pretty girl, not mine.” Micah side steps Matt to take me into his arms for a hug.

“Ah, thanks baby.” Being wrapped in his arms allows me to take in his cologne, damn… pure heaven.

“Anytime, now give your ugly man a proper kiss.”

His light laugh makes me blush, the idea of his name and ugly in the same sentence…no way. Micah is straight up every girl’s dream guy.

“Not ugly sweetness, just pure male stud muffin.”

“Oh God,” Matt moans, walking away. “You both make me sick, truly it’s not fair. Why can’t I find myself an Elsa?”

Micah and I both agree and say in unison, “You will.”

I’m impressed as I watch both boys making me dinner that consists of spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, and a salad. Looking at the food makes my mouth water, and I realize just how starved I am.