Page 7 of Fractured Mind

She sits in Nick’s seat. Her eyes wander my face. “Don’t mind me... I’m just in shock.” She looks to her right. “Jackson,” she calls out, beckoning a very intimidating guy with her finger.

My breath seizes at the sight of him. Tattoos peek out from under his shirt. His eyes remain fixed on me as walks over.

She tilts her head to the side while she watches him approach. “Did you know Mia was coming back?”

His eyes narrow slightly and he subtly shakes his head.

Nick returns to our table, his eyes glued to the tattooed guy.

“This is Nick,” I announce to them before clearing my throat to get Nick’s attention. “The two of them recognize me from when I lived here.”

A deep frown curves her face. “Oh, sorry, I forgot you don’t remember us.” She gives me a look of sympathy. “I’m Ruby, and this is my brother, Jackson.” She glances at him. “We were all friends at school.”

I force a smile. It’s odd, people saying we were friends when I can’t remember them.

Ruby looks up at Nick. “Sorry for taking your seat.” She gets up and takes a step closer to me. “How long are you here for?”

I chew on my bottom lip. “I’m not sure... a few months maybe.”

Her smile lights up her entire face. “Here.” She passes me her phone. “Put your number in.”

I pause at her home screen. It’s a photo of her, her brother, and three other guys. I save my number and hand back her phone. “All done.”

“Great! I’ll talk to you soon.”

As they walk away, she says to Jackson, “Ashton is going to flip.”

Nick watches them leave, then turns to me with his eyes still popping out of his head. “You have ridiculously hot friends.”

We watch Ruby and Jackson leave the parking lot in a black sports car. With Jackson behind the wheel, the car rumbles as it speeds down the road.

Nick slides his hand down his face. “Now I’m beyond jealous.”

I don’t know what to think, and for the rest of lunch, I’m lost in thought.

We arrive back at Nana’s house, but Nick doesn’t turn off the car. “Aren’t you coming in?” I ask.

“I’ve got to make my way back. Sorry, fancy pants. Oh, and put in a good word for me with the sexy tattooed guy,” he says with a cheeky wink.

I smirk, but I think Nick’s out of luck. I might be wrong, but I didn’t get the gay vibe from Jackson.

After Nick leaves, I stare out at the road. The shock of my arrival is fading, and the reality of starting over and meeting new people is starting to sink in. Anxiety threatens to drown me.

CHAPTER

FOUR

MIA

I openmy eyes and yawn as the light seeps into the bedroom. After going to bed early last night, I’m excited about getting out and stretching my legs. I scan the clothes in the wardrobe until I come across the activewear section.

My fingers trace the soft material of my new black leggings and matching crop top. I figure I might as well get some use out of them, so I change. As I jog downstairs, I put in my earbuds. The rush of crisp air meets my skin as I step outside.

Running has always eased my tension. With each stride, the struggles of the day fade away. Once I find my pace, I run with smooth, quick strides until I reach the beach at the bottom of the mountain. Watching the sun reflecting off the blue-green water and hearing the waves lapping against the shore is soothing. I take a moment to catch my breath, enjoying the serene view. In comparison to before, where I would race around my neighborhood with nothing to look at but houses and roads.

I’m dragging my feet by the time I get back to the house. Sweat is dripping and my heart is pounding.

“Mia? Is that you?” Nana’s voice carries, though I can’t see her.

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