Page 135 of All We Need

Florence tilts her head. “Maybehe was scared.Stillis.Sometimespeople only fight when they have a chance of winning.”

“You think he knew his wife was always going to leave?”Joasks.

“Yeah.Andwhen he didn’t fight, it solidified her decision.Froma young age,Ialways thought he looked sad.Remorseful.Itmakes sense now.”Sheoffers me an encouraging smile. “Perhapsthis is his redemption.Notjust to get to know you, but potentially reconnect with his son.”

Florence’s theory adds up.

“What will you do ifHarveydoesn’t make contact before you leave?”Quinnasks quietly. “Andwhat about the restaurant?”

The room falls silent.

I hate the answer to this question.Especiallywhen it was first given toBooth.

“I have to leave forGermany.”Theinvisible hand wrapped around my heart clenches harder. “Theplan was never to be here longer than three months.MartinandIhave agreed to keep in touch.”Ipick at a broken cracker on my paper plate, pushing it around. “Also, let’s face it, the restaurant coped fine beforeImarched into town.I’llbe around should you guys need anything.”

The room pulses with the unspoken.Quinnlooks toJo, who worries her lip before glancing atFlorence, who breaks the silence. “Andwhat about you andBooth?”

My chest constricts and the cracker turns to dust between my fingers.It’suseless lying to them. “We’veagreed to keep things casual whileI’mhere.I’msure we’ll keep in touch, too, but it wouldn’t work with me being inNewYorkand him here.Ihardly have time for friends because of my job, let alone a relationship.”

The words taste ashy.

Quinn’s bottom lip curls whileJoshakes her head subtly.

“Respectfully, that’s a load of bull.”Florenceignores our reactions to her abrupt tone and rises to her knees. “Weall know my brother is a fool, butIthought you were smarter.”

I choke on air and splutter while staring at her in shock.

“Jeez,Flo, don’t hold back,”Jogrumbles under her breath.

Frustrated, she throws her hands up. “It’strue.Aly, you like my brother, correct?Andhe clearly likes you.We’venever seen him like this with anyone and we’ve only just gotten to know you, but something tells me you’ve never beenlike this with anyone either.”Florence’sbrows rise in challenge.

My mouth opens, ready to state my case, but it’s lost.

“Seems like a waste of something good.”Sheshrugs. “That’sallI’msaying.”

Theoretically, long distance is doable, but flights andFaceTimeswould only work for so long.Eventually, we’d want more.Morethan either of us can give.I’mneeded inNewYork, andBooth’salready paved his future inSuttonBay.He’smade it explicitly clear his life starts and ends here.There’sno convincing him otherwise, no matter how badlyIwant thatmore.

Drawing in a breath,Ipluck the wine bottle up and top up everyone’s glasses. “Boothhas been incredible over the last few weeks—Idon’t know howIcan repay him for what he’s done for me.He’san amazing man, with so much potential,Ijust can’t see it working.”Igive them each an apologetic look, lingering onFlorencethe longest. “I’msorry.”

Booth’s sister goes to speak again, butJostuffs a bread roll in her mouth. “That’senough from you, missy.Leaveher alone.”

With the interrogation over, we continue the evening.Oncethe wine is gone,Quinnmakes us hot cocoa while we watch ’90s rom-coms.Mysoul is happy when we all say good night, but also a little sad this might be the last time we all hang out.

I’ve finished in the bathroom, heading toward the guest room, whenJorounds the corner.

“Oh, this is for you in case you get cold.”Shehands me a spare blanket.

“Perfect.Thanksfor letting me stay tonight.Itwas a lot of fun.”Weshare a smile, but beforeIcan take a step, her words stop me.

“What did you mean when you saidBoothhad potential?”

Shit.I’dhoped no one caught that.Blowingout a breath,Ishake my head. “Itwas just a figure of speech.”

She frowns. “Orlike me, you think he’s too big for this town.”

“What do you mean?”Iask hesitantly, voice low so the others don’t hear.

Jo peers down the hallway, grabs my wrist to drag me into the bedroom, then closes the door behind us. “Iwon’t be as blunt asFlo, but she’s right, you don’t suit playing dumb.”

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