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We all burst into laughter. “That’s good to hear. I should start reading, too. I’ll get to it before the next meeting.”

Then Riley changes the subject, her face lighting up. “So, I’m looking for a bouquet—something special. Ethan’s coming back into town today, and I wanted to buy him something to welcome him home. He’s been gone way too long.”

I nod, already mentally running through the flower arrangements in the shop. “You’ve come to the right place. We’ve got plenty of options—you can take a look around.”

She strolls around the aisle and finally returns to the counter with a chrysanthemum bouquet.

“Looks like everyone’s getting hitched these days,” I add casually as I arrange the bouquet. “Seems like everyone is starting families now, and honestly, I love it. Makes me feel like this town is changing in the best way possible.”

Riley grunts, while fighting back a smile.

“It’s changing in the best way possible,” Emma butts in with a playful wink at Riley. “Especially in the romance aspect. Look at me. Look at Riley…”

Riley rolls her eyes. “Now we better do something about Mia.”

“We’re on it,” Emma answers. “Don’t worry. We’ll all gang up on her and matchmake her with someone the same persistent way she did for us.” She turns to Riley. “Right?”

Riley scoffs. “Call me when it’s time to snatch her up and drive her over to the home of the next Prince Charming. Sometimes a little force is welcome.”

“Oh, come on, you two,” I laugh. “I’ll get to it when I’m ready.”

As I bag Riley’s flowers, I think about what she said. Even if my friends gang up on me, who in town would be my perfect match? An image of Ryan pops up in my mind. For a split second, I pause and shove it back down. No.

So what if years have passed? What if we’re now adults with a new perspective on life? What if he looked at me like he wants to hold me in his arms like he used to those years ago? I’ve moved on!

As I wrap up my thoughts, I see Jack, and this time, I shut it down faster than I did with Ryan. Impossible, and that’s all I’ll say about it.

JACK

I’m lost in my thoughts, my paintbrush hovering over the canvas as I try to find a new direction. I’ve been at this for hours, but the creativity I usually have feels like it’s slipping away. The room smells of oil paint, and the soft hum of the air conditioner is the only sound that fills the silence. Frustration begins to settle in.

My date with Denise is in two days. Last night, Nova suggested I take her number and try to break the ice before the actual date, but I shut her down so fast she didn’t bring it up again. There’s no way I’m exchanging numbers with someone I’m not sure I’ll be seeing again. It’s taking me forever to muster enough courage to actually go on the date. But I’ve promised my father I’ll behave, and even though he doesn’t know the intricacies of what I’m doing here, I’ll try not to mess it up. For him. And for Mia.

The silence on her end is frustrating, and I’m trying so hard not to think about it.

I glance over at the table, where I’ve left all my supplies neatly arranged. That’s when I realize—again—that I’m missing a few colors I need. Typical. I really should’ve checked before I gotstarted. But I was too eager to lose myself in the canvas; I just got right into it.

“Brody!”

When I don’t hear a response, I set down the paintbrush and leave the room, wiping my hand on my work pants.

“Brody?”

He’s always rummaging around in the kitchen, so I check there first. But he’s not there, so I head toward his room, wondering why it’s so silent. Brody isn’t a particularly quiet person.

“Brody?” I push his door open and peek in, only to see him asleep on the bed, his laptop open in front of him as he snores. I shut the door with a groan, realizing I may have to run this errand myself. Since coming to Bardstown, I’ve not gone into town, and I’m not eager to do so now.

But my painting is half done, and I need the mental reward that comes with completing a painting, so I quickly shower, change into casual loungewear, and grab the car keys. As I slide into the car, I text Brody to let him know I’m out to locate the mall, just in case he wakes up and I’m not there.

The drive into town is short, only about ten minutes, but it’s enough time for me to think about Mia. I haven’t seen her in days. Not since that awkward kiss. I still can’t get over it, and I’m wondering if she thinks about it as much as I do. Knowing Mia, she’s probably forgotten I exist.

As I cruise through town, I think about how these past few days have been the most relaxing I’ve ever had in a long time. It’s like the world can’t find me here, and it’s the most freeing feeling ever.

I’m still trending on the news, but since none of the paparazzi have been able to find me anywhere, they have no recent pictures, so there is no buzz. Brody tells me there’s a debate online about where I could be, and although I was tempted to look through it, I know it’s a rabbit hole. So, instead of being on my phone, I spend more time outside gardening and painting. At night, I gaze at the stars. It’s a beautiful life for a small town.

“There’s a Starbucks?” I gasp as I drive past a thriving spot. I’m a little disappointed by how ignorant I am of this town, but I don’t have enough time to dwell on that before I find the Bardstown Peddlers Mall just up the street. I drive in, park my car, and step out.

I enter and glance around, quickly locating a vendor with art supplies. It’s small—cozy, even—with aisles of paints, brushes, and canvases. The smell of fresh paper and paint hits me, and a brief sense of peace settles over me.