Page 70 of Burning Daylight

I grab my phone from the end table and swipe it open. There’s a text from Felicity, grinning like a fool, decked out in her cap and gown. She has a cardboard cutout of me propped proudly at her side, her arm slung over it.

It’s possibly the worst picture of me in existence, and she swore that she deleted it. I’m mid-glare, wrapped in my fuzzy all-pink onesie, fresh off a forty-eight-hour NyQuil bender and looking like I’ve just clawed my way out of a crypt.

Even worse, she’s added some fake lashes and drawn a giant margarita in my hand.

Felicity:

Since you bailed, I brought your cardboard twin instead. She’s stiff, but at least she didn’t argue. Total doormat. Either way… WE DID IT! Happy Graduation Day, Jules! Wish you were here.

I chuckle, but the ache in my chest creeps in fast, and I attempt to rub it away. I wish I could be there, and her text only reminds me that we didn’t get to close this chapter of our lives together.

Me:

If I’d known you had that cutout, I wouldn’t have shown up to half the shit you dragged me to.

Sighing, I toss my phone down and yank the comforter over my head, sinking into the pillows, and resisting the urge to grab it so I can search Ryder’s name again. I’ve been trying to find him ever since I opened that sketch, and I’m so mad at myself for not at least getting his number.

I give in, grabbing my cell and tapping it awake, opening a browser.

Just to check.

Burrowing my head beneath the covers again, I type:Ryder, brownish-black hair, artist

Nothing.

I chew on my lip, brows furrowed, and add:hot.

Rolling my eyes at myself, my stomach tightens as the results load.

Nothing.

I delete that and try:Ryder. Artist. Rosebrook Falls.

My teeth tear into my lip as I wait.

Still no Ryder, but one headline grabs my attention.

Breaking: Preston Ascott Says He’s Back…for Her?

Sources say Rosebrook’s former golden boy Preston Ascott is telling close friends he’s “ready to try again” with none other than his high school sweetheart Juliette Calloway, who just landed back in town.

Coincidence? We think not.

But will Juliette take the bait? Or is Prescott going to become the next most eligible bachelor of Rosebrook Falls?

#JulietteReturns #PrestonAscott #SecondChanceSwoon #CallowayWatch #RosebrookRag

I stare at the screen, pulse ticking in my throat.

Perfect. Just what I need.

Seconds later, my door opens, footsteps scurrying into the room followed by the squeaky wheels of a rolling tray.

I got in late last night, so I haven’t seen anyone yet, but I’d know the sound of that gait anywhere.

Beverly.

She flutters about the room, and even though I can’t see her, I can imagine exactly what she looks like. Long blond hair in a tight bun on the top of her head and a sharp jaw that makes her perma-frown more pronounced. Cool brown eyes that can communicate any emotion with a single look.