Page 40 of Heart Strings

“I know! I’m over the moon. So, you know what this means, right?” I tease, already plotting how to celebrate.

“What’s that?”

“Lake BBQ this weekend. You, me, Sophie, and Ty. We have to celebrate, and I’m not taking no for an answer!”

Connor laughs, the sound rich and full. “You don’t have to twist my arm. I’m there. What about Soph? Did you manage to convince her yet?”

I sigh at this. For the past three weeks, Sophie has been avoiding catching up with everyone and making excuses not to come to a BBQ by Connor’s lake. I know it has something to do with Ty, but since she’s avoiding me and my calls, I can’t corner her.

“Not yet, but I’m about to call her. She’s not getting out of this one,” I reply, my determination flaring.

“Good luck,” he chuckles. “You’ll need it.”

With a fond roll of my eyes, I end the call with Connor and immediately dial Sophie. I need her by my side and want her to know that she has me as well.

“Sophie, guess what?” I burst out as soon as she answers, not giving her a chance to fend me off with excuses.

“Gracie? What’s the excitement?” Sophie’s voice is wary, but amused.

“I sold the bookstore. And not just sold, sold it for more than the asking price!”

Sophie gasps, her usual cool demeanor cracking with surprise. “Oh my God, Gracie! That’s incredible!”

“It is! So, you’re coming to the lake BBQ this weekend. No excuses. We’re celebrating.”

There’s a pause, and I know she must be thinking about a thousand excuses right now…but then she sighs, the sound mixed with laughter. “Okay, okay, you’ve twisted my arm. How can I say no to that? I’ll be there.”

“Perfect! Bring your famous potato salad. You know, the one everyone loves.”

“You got it, boss. And Gracie?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m really happy for you. You deserve this.”

Warmth floods through me, and I find myself smiling. “Thanks, Soph. It’s going to be great. Can’t wait to see you there.”

We hang up, and I’m left feeling a buzz of excitement. The weekend plans are set, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I’m not worried about the future. I’m just excited to live it.

As the day winds down, I step out onto my small balcony, looking out over the neighborhood with a contented sigh. Everything seems more vibrant today—the sky a deeper shade of blue, the trees swaying gently in the breeze like they’re dancing. I lean on the railing, thinking about the BBQ, about seeing my friends, about all the possibilities now open to me.

The bookstore chapter of my life has closed, but the next one is just beginning. And if today is any indication, it’s going to be a beautiful journey.

Chapter 30

Connor

The sun glints off the lake, casting a cascade of shimmering lights that dance across the surface as I lug the last of the BBQ gear down to our usual spot by the water. It’s a perfect day for our get together, warm but not stifling, with a light breeze that carries the promise of a great evening.

Ty arrives just as I’m setting up the last folding chair, a cooler in tow filled with an assortment of drinks. “Need a hand?” he calls out, jogging the last few steps to join me.

“Yeah, thanks,” I say, grateful for the help. We work together, arranging everything neatly on the table. The grill is already in place, and I start to prep it for the burgers and steaks Gracie is seasoning back at the house.

“So, how’ve you been holding up, really?” I ask Ty as we pop open a couple of beers and lean against the back of my truck.

Ty takes a long sip, his eyes on the lake. “Better now than I have been in months. Being back here, with you guys... it helps. Makes me think I can start fixing some of the messes I left behind.”

Just then, we hear the crunch of gravel, and we turn to see Sophie pulling up. She steps out of her car, a bag of what I assume are her infamous potato salads in hand, and pauses when she sees Ty. Their eyes meet, and there’s a whole conversation in that look, something deep and complicated.

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