Page 45 of Professional Consult

“But you can’t live your life like that.”

“Luke, you have no idea what it’s like to have so many people depend on you.”

He frowns, his eyes growing hard.

“I didn’t mean it like that. I know how much you do for your town.”

“It’s fine,” he says curtly.

“It’s just…you love what you do and people depend on you for it. I’ve never loved acting.”

“What do you love?”

I ball my hands into fists, not wanting to tell him my true passion. That one thing that makes me feel alive.

“You have to have something you like doing.”

“I do, but I’m not sure if I want to tell you.”

“Stripping? Because you can talk to Alvin about those shows he watches. He could give you some pointers.”

I smile. “No, not stripping. It’s just…I’ve always wanted to be an author.”

“What’s stopping you from writing?”

“Sixty hour work weeks coupled with endless promotional tours. Oh, and I’m not the fastest at typing.”

His hand rubs across my neck to my shoulder, and it strikes me that I don’t think I’ve ever felt this safe before.

“Why don’t I get you home so we can get ready for dinner with Tiffany?”

“Yeah, I’d like that.”

He’s silent the entire way to his house, which only makes me feel worse about how I’ve acted.

Pond Spring is small and simple. It’s wonderful in a way I’ve never known existed. Like out of a storybook.

Despite her prickliness, I like Barb. Tiffany is a breath of fresh air. And Luke is amazing.

Yeah, I got it bad for Luke.

But they represent something I can’t have. Connection, comfort, sameness.

I was meant for great things, all of which I achieved at a very young age. It was a curse, because where do I have left to go? How do I maintain what I started at four?

I freshen up, coming back into the living room to Luke holding something bulky and black.

I arch a brow. “What’s that?”

“I don’t have much, but I do have this. It’s not fancy, but maybe you could practice on it.”

It’s a typewriter.

He sets it down on the coffee table. “I can grab ink tomor—”

Before he finishes his sentence, I close the distance between us and hook my hand around his neck, pulling his mouth to mine.

It takes him by surprise, and his lips flutter, unsure of what to do.