Page 14 of Loving You

I still love traveling. Don’t mistake that part, but something is missing.

Society tells me that it’s because everyone around me is either meeting someone, engaged, getting married, or having babies and that I need that, too.

But I’m not so convinced. At the same time, I have no idea what’s missing.

Am I lonely? Am I bored? Am I just being picky? Am I overthinking?

I stare at the photo on the screen.

It’s me, with London Bridge in the background. I’m smiling, but the longer I stare at it, the more I think … is that even my real smile?

Ugh.

Miles did this. He got in my head, and now I’m sitting here letting my mind run wild.

The door to the bakery’s kitchen opens, and Sadie steps out with Hudson.

She might not own this place anymore, but she is here enough to make everyone wonder.

“I’m just saying. There has to be a way for him to get the message through that he isn’t interested in her.”

“She’s clueless,” Hudson says, placing his hand on Sadie’s lower back as they walk toward the front door of the bakery.

“Hi, Quinn.” Sadie smiles and pauses at my table. “I’m sorry that Miles didn’t go for the rental thing with the apartment.”

That was like a half hour ago.

That’s small-town life for you. News always travels quickly.

“It’s fine.” I wave my hand in front of my face and then close my computer. “I’ll be fine at my brother's. Just expect to see me multiple times a day for coffee.”

Oh god, is this what I’m going to do every single day of the summer?

Come to the coffee shop?

“Is everything okay?” Sadie asks. “You looked like you zoned out there for a moment.”

“I’m good,” I say with my best smile.

Sadie’s bottom lip sticks out. “I wish I knew the answer for whatever you need, too.”

“Me too?” I ask. “Who else needs help?”

Maybe if I can hear about someone else’s problems, I can focus on that instead of my own life.

“Miles,” she answers quickly.

“He’ll be fine, Sadie,” Hudson says, rubbing her back.

“No, he won’t. We aren’t going to see him all summer if Cherry keeps this up. He’ll hide in his shop every single day.”

The image of Miles behind the front of that car comes to mind.

“Who’s Cherry?”

“This girl who is obsessed with Miles. No matter how many times he turns her down, she seems to think she still has a chance. Heck, Hudson, do we need to find him a girlfriend? Maybe if Cherry sees him with someone, she will back off.”

“Miles isn’t exactly the dating type. Besides, if we help him do anything, it's find him some office help. He won’t admit it, but he’s behind.” His phone rings. “Shoot, I need to take this call,” Hudson says as he walks out the door.

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