Page 24 of Fixing Up My Love Life

“When you’ve got a man that fine, you don’trun away,” Michelle says. “You sprint toward him with purpose!”

“I just… freaked out,” I admit. “He left me once. Then Anthony ghosted me. I can’t do that again. I don’t want to be left.”

My voice drops. “And it’s not like I look like I used to. What if he’s not even attracted to me anymore?”

“Hazel,” Amber says, her tone fierce now. “You are beautiful. Any man would be lucky to have you—inside and out.”

Jessica nods. “And you’ll never know if it’s worth it unless you take the risk.”

I sigh. “Maybe. But I’m not sure I have the courage to take that step into the dark again.”

“Then start small,” Michelle says with a wink. “Go kiss him again. Anddon’toverthink it.”

If only it were that easy.

“Knock knock,” I call as I step into the Hensley House, a cooler strapped over my shoulder.

The sharp, earthy scent of wood dust still lingers from the recent sanding. The original floors have been stripped down to raw grain—clean, pale, and almost glowing in the afternoon light that filters through the tall windows. A belt sander rests in the corner beside a stack of extension cords and painter’s tape. Trim pieces are leaned up against the wall, and there’s a low hum of distant drilling coming from another room. The place still looks like a construction zone, but for the first time, it also looks like it’s coming back to life.

A brunette in a crop top and tiny shorts comes in from the kitchen, holding a drill. She’s standing squarely on the old floorboards with that confident glare. She’s got Jack’s sharp eyes and a don’t-mess-with-me vibe that makes me straighten up without thinking.

“I’m Hazel,” I say, setting the cooler down on the folding table. “I brought lemonade and snacks.”

She eyes me like she’s trying to decide whether I’m a threat or just an inconvenience. “Oh. Soyou’reher.”

“You must be Caroline.”

She thrusts a hand toward me. “Last time I checked.”

Her grip is small and warm, but firm—challenging. I can see why Jack is so protective of her. This girl could probably rebuild the house herself if you gave her a playlist and some caffeine.

“Do you go to Twin Waves High?”

“Unfortunately.” She leans the drill against a step ladder with a sigh.

“My daughter goes there too. Do you know?—”

“Lila? Pep rally queen with the fan club of football players? Yeah, I’ve seen her.”

I laugh. “That sounds like her.”

She shrugs. “I’ve seenyou,too. At the grocery store.”

“Oh?” I tilt my head.

“I work there,” she says flatly.

“Right,” I nod. “Your dad mentioned that.”

Her eyes narrow. “He told you I work there?”

“He did,” Jack says as he steps into the room, wiping his hands on a rag.

Caroline whips around. “You’ve been talking about me?”

“I’m allowed to be proud,” Jack says with a smirk.

She groans. “Can younot?”

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