Page 47 of How to Write a Rom-Com

“Soon!” Elle says. “So, would it be insensitive of me to change the subject now?” Elle asks. I love how blunt she is. It’s why we get along so well. There’s no bullshit between us.

“Not as insensitive as me making out with my cute neighbor on the same day I found out Josie was in the hospital,” I say quickly.

See? We both get right to the point.

“Youwhat?!” Elle screeches. “And you waited untilnowto tell me?”

“Elle, Josie is in the hospital!”

“I think I speak for Josie when I say this is bigger news,” she says confidently. She’s right. Josie would get a kick out of this.

I recap the events of last night with her, leaving out some of the moreintimatedetails—the ones I keep playing over in my mind on loop. She listens diligently, waiting for her moment to speak.

“You know what,” Elle starts, dragging out the words like she is hatching a plan.

“What?” I grunt, not moving my head to look at her.

“Anne’s plan is kind of coming true.” I jump up, flipping myself onto my stomach and practically smacking myself in the face trying to brush the hair from my eyes.

“No, it is not,” I say, firmly.

“You’re falling for your very own small-town hero, you’re believing in love again, you’re even embracing a bit of nature, it’s everything Anne talked about!” She practically cheers the last words, the smile on her face growing with every passing second.

“Stop being excited about this,” I say angrily. “That is not what is happening. These are people’s lives I’m messing with.”

I let out an exasperated sigh. I’m angry at myself for letting this happen. I’m angry at Anne for putting me in this situation. I’m angry at Liam for being so wonderful. And I might be the angriest at Elle for being so damn happy about it.

“Lucy,” she says, trying to snap me out of my silence.

“I just feel soickyabout the whole thing, Elle,” I say, looking down. “I didn’t expect to feel this way, but the more time I spend with the people here, the more I’m realizing that if they ever actually found out why I’m here—”

“Your concerns are completely valid,” she says in her perfect editor voice. “And since you’re so worried about it, then you did the right thing not going any farther last night. You don’t want to hurt him, I understand.”

I knead my thumbs into my temples and try to let her words sink in. In a few weeks, I’ll leave Hudson Hollow and never see these people again. I try to ignore the sharpness in my chest that follows that thought.

“So, are you going to tell him the truth?” Elle asks in a soft voice.

“That I’m not actually here on vacation? I don’t think I can.”

“Maybe he won’t even care,” Elle offers.

“He’ll care, Elle. When I first met him, he basically said that any out-of-towners that come to Hudson Hollow just try to exploit the town.”

“Awkward. That’s a bit on the nose,” she says.

“Ugh! See? I can’t tell him. And what happened last night…” My voice trails off. “It was a mistake. I’m in too deep.” I can’t admit to Elle how wonderful it felt to be held by Liam. Oh my God, when was the last time I was held by a man? “Me coming here, Liam being interested in me… It’s all too much. I’m here to do a job. I need to finish that job and come home. I have my career to think about. I’ve worked so hard for this. One kiss isn’t going to change that.”

“Ah, Cynical Lucy is back, I see,” Elle responds.

“Not cynical. Realistic,” I reply curtly.

“I’m sorry that you’re going through this,” Elle says, her lips forming into a pout. “But I think you have to admit, this town has been a bit of a spiritual awakening for you.”

“Speaking of spiritual awakenings,” I start, hoping to change the conversation. “I really do think I’m getting some good material for Ruby’s new series. I’ve even written out some scenes myself. I know they probably won’t be used, but I’ve really enjoyed writing them.”

“Iknewthe universe had sent you there for a reason. Hudson Hollow is literally infusing its energy into you. It’s making you the best version of yourself. Even if you are cynical, at least you’re a cynicalwriter,Lucy. I almost don’t want you to come home.”

“If the word goddess comes out of your mouth I am going to hang up. I’m not kidding,” I say, pointing at her.

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