Page 35 of Heart Strings

The evening air is crisp as I open the door to find her on my doorstep, a bottle of red wine in one hand and her other arm dramatically thrown over her forehead. “I have arrived, and I brought the good stuff,” she declares, stepping into the apartment with her usual flair.

I can’t help but laugh as I take the wine from her. “Drama queen,” I tease, leading her into the kitchen.

“You know it,” she retorts, dropping her purse onto a chair and looking around. “Smells amazing in here. Is that the pasta I love?”

“Hm mm, It’s on the stove, simmering to perfection,” I assure her, leading her into the kitchen. “Wine glasses are in the cupboard. Can you do the honors?”

Sophie grabs the glasses and begins to uncork the wine. “So, spill it. What’s going on with you and Connor? I get one cryptic message between you two and then silence. You’re killing me here!”

I take a deep breath, stirring the sauce before turning to face her. “It’s been... a lot, Soph. A whole lot.”

Sophie pours the wine, handing me a glass before leaning against the counter. “I’m all ears,” she says, her tone softening, seeing my serious demeanor. “You know I’ve been Team Best-Friends-To-Lovers since forever.”

Sophie can be lucky I love her so much.

“We had a date,” I start, accepting the glass and taking a sip to steady myself and I see the way she wants to scream. “It was wonderful, Soph. Like, really wonderful. We’ve decided to see where things go, naturally. No pressure, just... exploring whatever this is between us.”

Sophie’s eyebrows rise, a smile creeping onto her face. I give her an A for effort… then she lets out a squeal. “Finally! I’ve been saying for years you two have more sparks than a Fourth of July fireworks show.”

I can’t help but laugh, the sound more nervous than I intend. “Yeah, well, it feels right, you know? But that’s not all.”

Sophie’s smile fades a little, sensing the seriousness in my voice. “What else is going on?”

I take another sip of wine before continuing. “The bookstore, Soph... I’m selling it.”

The glass pauses halfway to her lips. “You’re what?” she says, mouth agape. “Are you sure, Gracie? That place is your life.”

“It was Mom’s life,” I correct gently. “And while I love it, I’ve realized it’s been holding me back from... from so much. Ever since I read my mom’s letter and her blessing to not feel tied down by the store, the decision was pretty much easy.”

Sophie sets her glass down, her expression softening into one of understanding. “Wow, that’s big, Gracie.”

“Yeah,” I admit, swirling the wine in my glass. “It’s scary, but also liberating? I mean, there’s so much I haven’t done because I felt I needed to hold on to the store, to preserve what Mom built. But I’m starting to see that maybe the best way to honor her isn’t just to keep things running, but to live fully, like she wanted.”

Sophie reaches out, squeezing my hand. “I think that’s a beautiful way to look at it. And honestly, I’m excited for you. This is a new chapter, Gracie. A big, bold, beautiful new chapter. And with Connor?”

I smile, feeling the weight of her support. “With Connor,” I echo, feeling the truth of it settle in my heart. “He’s been incredible through all this, Soph. He supports me, like really supports me, without pushing or being overbearing.”

We move to set the table, laying out the plates and silverware as we talk. The conversation shifts from heavy to light, back and forth, the way only conversations with old friends can.

“So, what’s next for you, then?” Sophie asks, leaning back in her chair with a satisfied sigh after our meal.

“I’m not entirely sure yet,” I admit, feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty. “Maybe I’ll travel, see some of the places Mom and I always talked about. And who knows? Maybe Connor will come along for some of it.”

Sophie grins, her earlier sassiness returning. “Better keep me updated with lots of pictures. And not just of the landscapes, if you get my drift.”

I roll my eyes but can’t suppress a smile. “You’ll be the first to know, promise.”

Sophie chuckles, raising her glass for a toast. “To new beginnings, Gracie. To love, life, and chasing your happiness.”

“To new beginnings,” I echo, clinking my glass against hers, the sound crisp and promising in the warm air of my kitchen.

We spend the next few hours talking it all through—the potential sale of the bookstore, what I might do afterward, and, of course, more about Connor. Sophie’s sass mixes with genuine concern and support, grounding me, reminding me why her friendship is so vital to me.

As we clear the dishes and finish off the bottle of wine, I feel a sense of relief. Sharing everything with Sophie not only helps me process my decisions but also reinforces that I’m not alone in this transition.

Later, when Sophie gathers her things to leave, she pulls me into a tight hug. “You’re doing great, Gracie. Just remember that, okay? No matter what happens.”

“I will, Soph. Thanks for being here,” I say, feeling stronger and more resolved with her words echoing in my mind.

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