Aaron

"So, Aaron," Celia leaned forward, resting her elbows on the glass breakfast table as she pushed aside her half-eaten plate of eggs benedict. "What's the verdict, my friend? Did you speak to Renee about Seattle?"

My eyes flickered from Celia's face and down to the glass of water as I focused on the drop of condensation slipping down the glass. I furrowed my brow, my chest contracting with anxiety.

"I tried to talk to all of them about it," I told her. "But it didn't go so well."

"Why not?" Celia asked. She reached for her mimosa and took a sip, eying me over the table. "Did she not think it was a wonderful opportunity for you?"

"She wasn't the problem," I admitted. "It's my friend Matt. I wasn't able to break the news before he had some drama that needs to be sorted out."

Celia said nothing for a long moment. She merely stared at me from her side of the table, swishing the juice in her glass as she watched me in tense silence.

"Have you considered," she said slowly, thoughtfully. "Going to Seattle by yourself? Or asking only Renee to go with you?"

Once again, I focused on the water glass instead of her face, hating myself for even pausing to consider this. Could I really do that? Leave Jake and Matt behind?

I sighed, my fingers tracing the rim of the water glass. The idea of leaving my friends behind, especially Matt, who was currently going through a rough patch, weighed heavily on me. But at the same time, Celia had a point. Seattle offered a plethora of opportunities for artists, a vibrant art scene, and the chance to truly immerse myself in my craft without distractions.

"Celia, I don't know if I can just leave them," I said, my voice tinged with uncertainty. "Matt's going through a tough time right now, and I feel like I can't abandon him when he needs his friends the most. Not to mention, there's a very good chance Renee won't leave them behind."

Celia's gaze softened, and she leaned back in her chair, giving me a sympathetic look. "I understand, Aaron. Friendship is important, and it's clear you care about them. But you also have to think about your own growth and career. This opportunity in Seattle could be a turning point for you, a chance to take your art to the next level. Could you forgive yourself down the road if you decided not to do this?"

Deep down, I knew she was right, and I hated it. My art had been stagnating lately, and I longed for a change of scenery and fresh inspiration. Seattle had always intrigued me with its mix of nature and urban life, a perfect backdrop for my artistic endeavors. But the thought of leaving behind the comfort of familiarity and the people who had been by my side for years held me back. I loved Renee; she was the love of my life. But I wasn't the only love of hers, and that was more difficult than anything else.

Celia's voice brought me back from my thoughts. "Aaron, I'm not saying it's an easy decision. But sometimes, pursuing your dreams requires making tough choices. And your friends, if they truly care about you, will understand."

I nodded slowly, considering her words. Renee was more than just my friend, she was my soulmate. And I hated to think about it, but what if she decided that she wanted to go with me to Seattle? What if Matt's betrayal was enough for her to end things with him? Would she go with me then?

Some friend you are, I thought bitterly, but it wasn't enough to detour me. For years it had been all about Matt and Jake, never me. Now that the opportunity had risen, maybe it was time to take advantage.

"You think I should go, then?" I asked, meeting Celia's gaze. It was a stupid question because I knew damn well she wanted me to go. But I needed to hear it again.

Celia smiled warmly. "I think you should seriously weigh your options and consider what you truly want. It's your life and your career. And remember, change can be scary, but it can also be incredibly rewarding."

I glanced to the sky, lost in thought as I watched the sunlight filtering through the leaves of the trees above our heads. Seattle seemed both distant and full of potential. The idea of forging a fresh path, challenging myself, and discovering a new artistic voice enticed me. But at the same time, leaving Renee behind terrified me. I wasn't even sure I could do it, or if I'd want to do it. What did I cherish more, a relationship I had to share, or my growing career? I had no idea.

"I'll have an answer for you soon," I told Celia, taking a sip of my water and wishing it was a cold beer. "I need to get the others on board. I'm not confident I can just leave them all behind."

"I understand."

"But if worse comes to worse, maybe I can talk just Renee into coming with me."

"I think it's entirely worth a shot."

I raised my glass, and she did the same. "To the future," I said, and Celia glowed with anticipation.

"To the future. I look forward to seeing where you end up."