Page 50 of Heart Strings

“Sophie, whatever it is, you know you can talk to me, right? I hate seeing you like this.” My voice is soft, coaxing, hoping to offer her the space to open up.

She sighs, a long, heavy sound that seems to carry the weight of untold stories. “I know, and I appreciate it, really. It’s just… complicated. Ty and I, we’re not in a good place. Haven’t been for a while. And talking about it, it just… it makes it more real, you know?”

I nod, not quite understanding her reluctance but respecting it, nonetheless. “I get it, Soph. But remember, holding it in won’t make it any less real. Whatever happened, facing it might be the only way to move past it. Whenever you’re ready, I’m here, okay? No judgment, just ears.”

Sophie manages a small smile, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Thanks, Gracie. I might take you up on that soon. Just not today.”

“Anytime, Soph. Whenever you need me.” I give her hand a reassuring squeeze.

So there’s definitely history between them; history I wasn’t even aware of before today. I mean, I suspected something happened, but for Sophie to completely close off like this…

I turn to look at Conner and how the light flickers across his face as he laughs at something Ty says, and I’m struck by how much I’ve grown, how much we’ve grown together. It makes me feel a bit guilty that I’m happy and in love when Sophie is clearly hurting.

The evening rolls on, filled with games, laughter, and stories. At one point, Connor pulls me aside, leading me to the balcony overlooking the lake. The sun has just set, and the sky is a canvas of pinks and oranges.

“Hey,” he says, his voice soft, “you okay?”

I nod, leaning into him. “More than okay. This was such a beautiful surprise, Connor. Thank you.”

He kisses my forehead, his arms tightening around me. “Anything for you, Tink. Now that we’re back, what’s next for you? Still thinking about going back to school?”

I think about it; the possibilities sprawling out before me like the cobblestone streets of the cities we’d wandered.

“Yeah,” I say, the thought rekindling the spark of ambition that had started in Rome. “I think I’m going to apply for the spring semester. Maybe creative writing?”

“That sounds perfect for you,” he says, his voice supportive. “And I’ll be here every step of the way.”

Chapter 38

Connor

The soft purr of the engine hums in the background as we drive, the road stretching out ahead. Gracie fidgets beside me, the blindfold securely in place, her hands dancing nervously in her lap.

“Come on, Connor, just a little hint?” she pleads, her voice a blend of amusement and impatience.

I chuckle, loving this playful side of her. “Patience, Tink. We’re almost there, and trust me, it’s worth the wait.”

She pouts, a gesture I can feel more than see. “You know I’m terrible at waiting.”

“I know, but I promise, this surprise is going to blow you away.”

The drive isn’t long, but the anticipation makes every minute stretch. Finally, I pull into a parking spot, the truck coming to a gentle stop. I hop out and quickly walk around to help Gracie from the passenger side, her hand finding mine, trusting and a little tense.

“Are we there? Can I take this off now?” she asks, her voice tinged with excitement.

“Just a little bit longer,” I reply, guiding her carefully by the shoulders. I lead her a few paces forward, then stop. “Okay, ready?” I gently untie the blindfold, letting the fabric fall away.

“Welcome to A New Chapter,” I announce, my voice filled with quiet pride.

Gracie’s gaze sweeps over the updated exterior of what used to be her old bookstore, now completely transformed.

“What is this?” she breathes, turning to me, her eyes wide, brimming with a mix of confusion and wonder.

It’s sleek and inviting, with large windows revealing the busy, book-lined interior. The new sign above reads clearly in an elegant script, “A New Chapter.”

I wrap my arms around her from behind, my chin resting on her shoulder. “This is your new chapter, Tink,” I explain softly. “I know how much you love this shop and how hard it was to think about leaving it behind. So, I bought it.”

Gracie spins around in my arms, her expression a mix of shock and a flicker of hurt. Before she can protest, I place a finger gently on her lips.

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