Page 6 of Fractured Mind

My cheeks flush. I’m not used to being the center of attention.

“Hello.” Nana greets Nick with a pleasant smile.

Nick flashes a charming grin back at her. “It’s lovely to meet you. If you, by any chance, decide to take on another teen, I volunteer as a tribute.”

She cackles while raising her brow. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Bye, Nana,” I say while walking toward the door.

When I get into the car, the seat hisses when I slide into it. “I’m surprised your car made it this far.”

Nick playfully glares at me. “Don’t jinx me. I still have to make it home.”

I suppress a laugh and place my Coco Chanel bag on my lap.

He winks. “Love the bag. Where would you like to go?”

“I don’t mind. I’m happy to drive around and explore.”

Glancing out the window as we travel around the lake, I remark, “It’s clear why Mom loves this town.”

He lets out an overexaggerated groan. “You have no idea how lucky you are. It’s like you’ve won some free holiday.”

Warmth floods my chest. I’ve never thought of myself as lucky before, but for once I feel like I am. There are people in boats, others parasailing, and men fishing on the pier. I’m barely able to contain my excitement because I can’t wait to test the trails when I go for a run.

“There’s the beach. Do you want to check it out?” I ask.

“With my pasty skin?” he huffs. “I’ll end up looking like a lobster. Even though seeing men with their shirts off is tempting, I need food. You know what I’m like when I’m hungry.”

I press my lips into a firm line, trying to hold my laughter in. “Yes, I do. You get hangry!”

We park near several restaurants and cafés and get out of the car. My gaze lingers on a restaurant with a mural painted on it. It’s an image of the town, with mountains, beaches, and lakes. When I catch up to Nick, he’s stopped at a café.

We peer through the glass windows. It has bright red booths with a checkered black-and-white floor. Posters of Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley cover the walls, and in the far corner is a jukebox. A couple leaves and an outdoor table that’s partiallyin the sun becomes available, so we take a seat. The sunlight warms my shoulders and back.

Nick hands me a spare menu, and I skim over it. “I think I’ll just get some fries.” When I open my purse to get money out, the price tag becomes visible. My breath seizes.Eight thousand dollars!

“Helloooo, Mia.”

I look up at him. “Yes, sorry, what did you say?”

His brow is raised. “What drink did you want?”

“Cola, please.”

He stands and heads to the doors that lead inside. “Hey, Nick,” I call out while waving money in the air to pay for my meal.

“I’ll pay for lunch.” Then he gives my bag a pointed look. “But sharing is caring.”

Someone shouts, “Mia!” An attractive girl with long black hair, wide eyes, and a dropped jaw is making her way to my table. When she arrives, she stands staring at me.

“Mia, is that you?”

I squirm in my seat. There’s an awkward silence until I speak. “Ah... yes. Can I help you?” But then I realize I used to live in Crown Village, and people might recognize me... even if I don’t know them.

She breathes out a gush of air. “I can’t believe it. Are you back in town now?”

“Yes,” I reply slowly, with a tight smile.

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