Page 52 of Falling For Us Again

“That’s his niece, Kim,” Lola explains. “She comes down to Hartlow a few times a year.”

I nod slowly, the knot in my stomach loosening. His niece. I refuse to think about the relief I feel.

Before I can dwell on it, Maggie spots us and approaches.

“Hi Lola,” Maggie says before turning to me with a tight smile. “And Jenna. You’re here, once again.”

I raise an eyebrow at her tone.

Lola clears her throat at the awkward silence. “Hey, Mags. Thank you again for helping me home on Friday... I bet I made a fool of myself.”

“I don’t know if telling everyone you loved them counts as making a fool of yourself,” she says and Lola chuckles.

“What can I say, I have a big heart,” She glances around as she continues. “Anyway, where’s Dylan? We have some things to discuss regarding the town fair.”

My body stiffens at the mention of Dylan, my hands twiddling with my dress. Maggie notices this.

“He stepped out to receive a shipment. Maybe you can call him later.” Maggie turns to me. “Will you be attending the fair, Jenna?”

“I don’t think so.”

A deep crease forms between Lola’s brows. “It’s the annual town fair, you have to be there.”

I shrug. The town fair reminds me of when things were good with Dylan. Before I can respond, Kim runs to Maggie, tugging at her hand. Kim glances over at me, her innocent gaze meeting mine. She waves enthusiastically, her face lighting up with a broad smile.

“Hi!” she calls out, her voice a melodic chirp.

I’m taken aback by her friendliness. I wave back, a smile tugging at my lips. I can’t help but be drawn in by her sweet spirit.

Kim’s eyes shift between us, her curiosity evident. “My name is Kim, what’s yours?”

“Jenna.”

“You’re so pretty.”

I laugh at that. “Thank you, honey. You’re adorable.”

Gia calls for Kim from the counter, holding a plate of warm pancakes.

“Alright, let’s go get those pancakes, Kimmy.”

Maggie excuses herself, and gently guides Kim away from the table. Kim gives me one last, enthusiastic wave before she’s settled with a new stack of pancakes.

“Such a sweet girl,” I say to Lola, who nods with a smile.

“Maggie hates me though.”

Lola chuckles. “I wonder what’s with the attitude. It’s so unlike her. She’s usually sweet.”

“Well, yeah. Because she likes Dylan. Who knows, maybe they have something going on.”

Lola’s eyes narrow, dismissing it. “I don’t think so. She might just be protective of her friend. After all, you broke his heart.”

I throw a napkin at her and she laughs.

Our order arrives and we stand up to leave. I glance over at Kim, who is now chatting animatedly with Gia, her face glowing with happiness.

The brisk afternoon air nips at my skin as we step out. We head toward her art studio, I try to focus on our conversation, but it’s hard to stay present.

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