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“Is that why you paint? Mia said you’re a painter. She couldn’t show me any of your pieces, though.”

I’m a little grateful Mia didn’t tell Ashley I’m an actor. If the relationship develops, she’ll find out, but at least not immediately.

“I’m very shy. I don’t like to show people my work.”

“You don’t seem shy to me.” She winks. Normally, I’d build on this momentum and have her by the end of the night, but for some reason, I pump my brakes and change the conversation.

“I’m boring, Ashley. Why don’t you tell me more about yourself?”

As we eat, Ashley goes on and on about her life—which is quite interesting, actually. She tells me about studying business at NYU and returning to her small town after living a life of disillusionment for the longest time. At least I agree with her on that one.

“You’re right about big cities,” I say. “There’s too much noise. Too much speed. No matter how strong you are, you get swept up in the waves if you’re not careful enough.”

Ashley smiles, her eyes softening with understanding. “Exactly. It’s like everything’s just… so much. I think I needed to step away from all of that, come back to something more peaceful. That’s why I love planning events here, in a smaller town where people can actually slow down and enjoy life, you know?”

I nod, feeling a strange connection to her words. There’s something comforting about the simplicity she’s describing, something that almost aligns with the peace I’ve found in Bardstown.

“So, do you miss New York?” I ask, curious about her transition from the city to here.

She shrugs, pushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “I miss the energy sometimes, sure. But I think I’ve grown past needing the chaos.”

I watch her as she speaks, her voice steady and confident. She seems happy, grounded, and content. The kind of person who would make a good partner, someone who can handle a life that isn’t always predictable. And yet, a part of me still feels detached. Something is missing—an emotional connection, a spark that I can’t force no matter how hard I try.

Ashley laughs softly as she picks up a grape and pops it into her mouth. “I have to admit though, it was a little intimidating coming back to this town after so many years. People don’t forget, and there’s a lot of pressure to prove that I made the right decision. You know, leaving behind all those big opportunities.”

We talk a little bit more, until the sun dips down the horizon and our fruit baskets and little food plates are empty. It’s an enjoyable date. Really.

When it’s time to go, Ashley smiles as we stand up, and I can’t help but return the gesture. She’s sweet, easy to talk to.

“I’ll walk you to your car,” I say, trying to sound more engaged than I feel.

Ashley’s eyes light up, and she leads the way toward her vehicle parked a little further down the path. As we reach it, she turns to face me, giving me a quick hug. “It was really nice spending time with you, Jack,” she says, her voice light and hopeful.

I hug her back, though it feels like a courtesy more than anything else. “Yeah, you too,” I reply, giving her a half-smile.

She pulls back slightly, eyes still shining. “Let’s do this again sometime.”

I nod. “Take care, Ashley,” I say, giving her a small wave as she climbs into her car. She waves back, and I watch as she drives off.

I get into my car, starting the engine without much enthusiasm. The drive back to town is quiet. I don’t bother with the radio. It’s been a long day, and I can’t stop thinking about how unfulfilled I feel, despite having a great time with Ashley.

When I reach Bardstown, I don’t go straight home. Something inside me makes me veer left, pulling into the parking lot outside Mia’s flower shop.

I tell myself it’s just to check in. It’s just a quick stop to see if she’s around, no big deal. But even as I get out of the car, I know it’s more than that.

I push open the door and step inside, the sweet scent of fresh flowers immediately filling my lungs. I’m surprised to see only Flora in the shop. She looks up when I walk in, surprised to see me.

“Jack! What brings you here?” Flora greets me warmly, her eyes lighting up with recognition.

“I was just in the area,” I say casually.

“Wonderful. It’s lovely to see you again.”

“Thank you.” I scan the shop. “Is Mia around?”

She shakes her head, her curls bouncing. “No.”

I pause, expecting her to say more, but when she doesn’t, I clear my throat. “Um, will she be away for long?”