Page 71 of Wanted

I stifle a laugh in my bicep. Oh, Jude. I found your secret snack stash. Tucking the envelope in the corner, I return to flat feet. We’ll see if he notices the little addition the next time he needs to satisfy a craving.

As I pick up the keys, I read the note.

Call if you need anything.

-J

I tuck the paper in my pocket and drive myself into town.

I decide to park on the street at the entrance to the main road so that I can walk and browse on one side and return on the other.

The overcast day is warm enough to forgo a jacket but gray enough that I miss the sun. I slide on a pair of black sunglasses from Jude’s center console and meander down the sidewalk.

The fresh air feels good and clears the cobwebs from my mind. I could do with a nap later. I imagine staying up with a howling puppy is not far off from staying up with a crying child. While I didn’t hate the experience, I can’t say I’m exactly ready to run full steam ahead into motherhood.

With Dillon in the rearview, I can breathe freely knowing the pressure to have kids won’t exist in my near future.

Frustration burns inside me at the thought of my past relationship and all that I can’t remember. The idea of a conversation that I took part in missing from my memories is annoying at best and terrifying on the other end of the spectrum.

I’m trying to move on the best that I can knowing I might never know what happened and feel firm about my choice to start over here. I’m lucky. The damage could have been much worse. I could have forgotten people or entire periods of time. No matter what Dillon says, I know in my gut I can’t trust him. Whatever happened in that car was bad. That more than solidifies my desire to move on.

I stop near the window of a flower shop, gazing inside at the colorful assortment of petals on display.

Dillon never bought me flowers. Not once in the two years we were together.

I bet Jude would buy me flowers. I wouldn’t even have to ask.

The image of the grump handing me a bouquet with a scowl on his face lightens my thoughts.

Jude would definitely buy me flowers.

With a smile still tilting my lips, I move down to the next business. The corner houses the town library, but it doesn’t open for another hour.

I timed my little jaunt downtown too early, but it doesn’t matter. I can browse the library any time. This is about getting to know the little town I plan to call home without being solely dependent on Jude.

A cute diner sits across the street. Planters filled with vibrant flowers frame the door. I slow my pace and peer inside at the customers enjoying an early breakfast. This seems to be one of the few places open at this early hour, and despite just having my own meal, I contemplate treating myself to a pastry behind the glass counter.

If only my stomach had a little more room. I pull myself away with a reluctant sigh and accidentally crash into someone trying to enter the restaurant.

“I’m sorry!”

“Frankie?” Jude’s mom catches me by the elbows and holds me at arm’s length. “I thought that was you.”

“Hi, Mrs. Powell. I’m sorry, I wasn’t looking where I was going.” Through my embarrassment, I manage a genuine smile.

“Stop that. Call me Nancy. How are you doing, dear?”

A critical eye scans me from head to toe. One perfected after years of studying her six children.

“I’m doing well. Just getting some fresh air this morning.”

“Where’s Jude?”

I wonder how much he’s told her. She obviously knows I’m staying with him. A harsh blush paints my cheeks as I realize she probably thinks we’re sleeping together. That’s the obvious assumption when two adults shack up with each other, right?

I lick my dry lips. “He’s at the Sanctuary. He has some business this morning so I thought I’d check out the town.”

“Then I have to take you for breakfast. I was just about to grab something to eat.” She links her arm with mine.

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