Page 21 of Heart Strings

What the fuck is wrong with me? I didn’t intend to make her feel pressured or confused. Hell, I hadn’t even intended to play that fucking song—it just came out, as if my subconscious knew before I did that the words were meant for her. And now, I might have pushed her away.

But am I in love with her? The thought keeps gnawing at me, refusing to be silenced. The more I think about it, the more it starts to make sense—why else would I feel this void when she’s not around? Why else would my world tilt off its axis at the thought of losing her?

The cabin is too quiet, too filled with memories of us laughing, talking, just being together. I need a distraction, something to pull me from this spiral. I grab my guitar, strumming aimlessly, trying to drown out the thoughts with music.

But even the music reminds me of her.

Chapter 15

Gracie

The minute I step into The Sugar Drop, the familiar smell of coffee and freshly baked pastries doesn’t comfort me as it usually does. Instead, my mind is racing, replaying the almost-kiss with Connor, the song he chose that had to be for me, and the way he looked at me this morning. It’s all too much. I need to talk to someone who can help me sort this out.

Sophie spots me from behind the counter the moment I walk in. She takes one look at my face and immediately knows something’s up. Without a word, she points to a booth in the corner. I nod, grateful for the sanctuary, and slide into the booth to wait.

A moment later, Sophie joins me, sliding into the seat across from me with a concerned frown. “Okay, spill. You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

I exhale sharply, my hands wrapped around the warm mug of coffee she’s placed in front of me. “It’s Connor,” I begin, and even saying his name stirs a mix of emotions inside me.

Sophie’s eyebrows shoot up, a mix of surprise and intrigue lighting up her face. “Connor? What about him? Did he finally confess his undying love for you?” She teases, but her eyes are sharp, missing nothing.

I shake my head, a humorless laugh escaping me. “I wish it were that simple. Last night, he almost kissed me. And then this morning... there was this song, and the way he looked at me—it felt like everything was about to change.”

Sophie leans in, her expression serious now. “And how do you feel about that? About him?”

I pause, considering her question. My heart knows the answer, but admitting it feels like stepping off a cliff. “Confused,” I admit. “I mean, part of me was thrilled, you know? But then there’s this fear... What if this ruins everything? Our friendship?”

Sophie nods, her hand reaching out to cover mine. “I get it, Gracie. But sometimes, the best things in life come from taking that leap. You can’t let fear decide your future.”

“But what if he doesn’t feel the same way? What if it was just a moment of weakness for him?” The questions tumble out, each one adding weight to my already heavy heart. “What if it gets awkward and we can’t go back?”

Sophie’s expression softens, her role as the voice of reason coming to the forefront. “Then you’ll deal with it. You’re both mature adults. Talk to him, Gracie. Really talk, not just those half-conversations where you both dance around what you really want to say.”

I consider her words; the idea of opening up completely to Connor is both terrifying and relieving. “I just don’t want to lose him, Soph,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.

“You won’t know unless you open up about how you feel. And Gracie,” Sophie adds, her tone serious but gentle, “you might even find out he feels the same way.”

The possibility hangs in the air between us, heavy and daunting. I nod slowly, the weight of making a decision settling on my shoulders. “I guess you’re right. I need to talk to him.”

“That’s the spirit!” Sophie encourages, her usual vivacity returning. “And hey, if things get a little rocky, you’ve got me. I’ll be here, ready with cupcakes and bad advice.”

I can’t help but smile at that, her light-heartedness providing a brief respite from the turmoil inside. “Thanks, Soph. I might need a lot of both.”

Sophie winks, standing up as she prepares to head back to the counter. “Anytime, hon. Now, go sort things out with that man. And remember, whatever happens, you’re stronger than you think.”

Her words bolster me a little, a blend of courage and fear mingling within as I stand to leave. As I walk out of The Sugar Drop, my steps feel a bit more determined. The conversation with Sophie, her unwavering support and advice, they’ve given me a new perspective. Maybe it’s time to face this, to find out if what lies beyond our friendship could be even better, or if the risk might cost me the most important person in my life.

Chapter 16

Gracie

Iunlock the door to Chapter One, my bookstore that feels more like a sanctuary most days, but today it just echoes my own restlessness. The familiar scent of old paper and coffee does little to ease the tightness in my chest as I step inside and flick on the lights.

I drop my bag behind the counter, my fingers brushing against my phone. It’s been two days since I asked Connor for space, two days of aching to reach out, to hear his voice, to just know how he is. But I resist. I asked for this space, so I have to respect it, no matter how much it twists at me.

I start my morning routine, dusting off shelves and organizing books that don’t really need organizing. It’s more of a distraction, a way to keep my hands busy so I don’t end up texting him.

The door chimes, pulling me from my reverie. I look up, hoping, but it’s just Mrs. Peterson, one of my regulars.

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