Page 30 of How to Fall for the Secret Billionaire
She laughs. “Ah, the glamorous life.”
We fall into easy rhythm—her telling me about Bardstown, how Aunt Dotty made everyone cry at book club again, how the new girl in the group won’t stop suggesting Colleen Hoover titles like they’re the only books that exist. I laugh, but it feels like listening to someone else’s life now. One I used to live in.
Then Mia narrows her eyes, suddenly grinning. “So? Have you found anyone you like yet? Any sexy small-town mystery men sweeping you off your tired feet?”
I snort. “Mia.”
“What? Don’t ‘Mia’ me. It’s been, what, months? Don’t tell me there isn’t one interesting man in Everfield.”
“I barely have time for morning tea,” I say, shifting my weight. “Let alone finding a man.”
She pouts. “That’s a tragedy.”
“What’s tragic is I’m in my late twenties and my most meaningful relationship this week was with a golden retriever who lives here rent-free.”
Mia howls with laughter, and I let myself smile for real this time. “I’m serious. It’s a shame.”
Mia leans closer to the screen. “Okay, fine, I can’t help you run an inn from here, but I can help you find a man?—”
I groan, dragging a hand over my face. “Mia, I thought you left your matchmaking life behind when you got engaged.”
She bursts into laughter. “The life never leaves you. It’s in my blood. I was born to meddle.”
I shake my head, but I’m smiling. “God help Jack. Speaking of Jack, how is he?”
“Oh, he’s fine,” she grins, eyes softening. “Jack’s in L.A. right now, actually. On set.”
“Still filming that streaming series thing?”
“Yep. Another moody detective season. Lots of brooding in alleyways and jaw clenching.”
“You say that like it’s not your entire type.”
“It is my entire type. Why do you think I locked it down?” She holds up her hand and flashes her ring.
“Subtle,” I deadpan.
“Thank you.” She blows a kiss to the camera. “I’m flying out next week to see him, actually. I miss him.”
Her voice softens just slightly on the last part, and I can’t help but feel a little tug in my chest. I’m happy for her—really, I am. She deserves everything good. But some part of me wonders what it would be like to miss someone like that.
“Remind me again what missing someone feels like,” I say, half-joking.
She levels me with a look. “It’s like being low-key miserable, but also kind of glowing.”
“Uh, I wish.”
“Whatever. Hit me up when you need a man. I can hook you up.”
I laugh. “You’re ridiculous.”
“You love me.”
“Unfortunately.” I roll my eyes and shake my head. “I really should get going. I have to balance my financial sheets for restocking next week.”
She sighs. “All right. Take good care of yourself. Okay?”
“I will. And you, too.”
