Page 70 of Fragile Heart

CHAPTER26

Quinn

The sand squishesbetween my toes as I tilt my face to soak up the sun. Feeling something tap my arm, I look over at my mom handing me a bottle of sunscreen.

“You need to reapply, Quinny. You know how quickly you burn.” I smile at her as I take the sunscreen and rub it on my arms.

When I got to the airport after leaving Hudson’s house, I decided on a whim to fly to Florida to visit my parents for a few days instead of going home. The first flight I could get into Tampa had a four-hour layover in Dallas. Then I rented a car to get to my parent’s house. Maybe I’m avoiding my real-life problems, but I’m here, laying on a beach with my mom, enjoying this moment.

I called my parents when I was already in my rental car on my way to their house. My next call was to Martha, asking for a few more days off. I claimed a family emergency, and she agreed to more days off on the spot. It wasn’t a complete lie. My heart is broken, and I need my mother. I’d say that qualifies as an emergency.

My last call was to Holly. I bawled my eyes out and told her every detail that I could bear to say out loud. Some things were too hard to get out, but thankfully, Holly didn’t push me. She graciously offered to fly down here to be with me, but I told her to stay since I only planned to be here a few days. I need some time to clear my head.

“So, Quinny. Not that I don’t love you being here, but when are you gonna tell me what’s going on?” Mom asks. I’ve been here a full twenty-four hours already, and I haven’t given them any explanation for my spur-of-the-moment trip other than that I missed them. I know my mom has noticed my red puffy eyes, and I know she wants to know what’s going on. But in true fashion, she doesn’t press me. She’s always been one of those mothers who lets me come to her when I need to talk. But I know she wants to help me.

I sigh, giving in. “I fell for the wrong guy, and he broke my heart.” I keep it simple so I don’t have to rehash everything again. It’s bad enough to have it replaying in my mind over and over again, but saying it out loud kills me a little more each time.

“Oh, honey! I’m so sorry.” Mom reaches over and squeezes my hand. I hate even saying it out loud to her. My parents practically had to put me back together again after Kyle died. I’m asking for help to nurse my broken heart again.

“I thought he cared about me. I thought I meant something to him. Turns out he was just using me to pass the time while he was filming a movie near Blue Mountain.”

“He’s not worth your time, then. Any man would be lucky to have you, Quinn. I hope you know that. You’re beautiful and smart and have the biggest heart. This guy sounds like he wouldn’t know something good if it hit him in the face.”

I smile at her. I know she has to say that because she’s my mom, but it still feels nice to hear.

“And it’s ok to be upset. You can cry all you want if it makes you feel better, and you can stay here at long as you want. But at some point, you’ll have to get back to your life. You have to pick yourself back up and show everyone how much stronger you are.”

“Well, one good thing that came out of it is he got me excited again about opening my own bakery. I think I’m finally ready.”

“That’s great! See, there’s your silver lining. He might have been a jerk, but at least he gave you the nudge you needed to finally do something for yourself. You just let your dad and I know if you need any help. You know we’ll be happy to help you in any way.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

I close my eyes again to bask in the summer sun. I know my mom is right. I can’t stay here forever. Hudson will be gone from Blue Mountain pretty soon anyway.

Later that evening, while we’re playing Uno at the kitchen table, my phone goes crazy with notifications.

Holly: Hudson is at the diner looking for you. I didn’t tell him where you are. I also threw a few choice words at him.

I text her back quickly, thanking her. Then I get a call and text after text from Hudson, trying to figure out where I am. I hate how my body reacts to seeing his name pop up on my phone. I hate that I’m happy he’s looking for me. But I know deep down that no matter how much my heart calls to him, I can’t let myself fall into his deception again.

“Everything ok?” Dad asks, studying my face while I read Hudson’s messages.

I put my phone back on the table and smile. “Yep. Everything is fine.”

They both nod, but I know t hey don’t believe me.

The next morning, I decide it’s time to head home. I tell my parents goodbye and promise to visit again soon.

I manage to get a last-minute flight back to Atlanta. Unfortunately, it’s a middle seat, but it’ll have to do.

By the time I’m back at my apartment, I’m exhausted from the day of travel. I walk into my empty apartment and am immediately hit with memories of Hudson. The LEGO ship is on the table, and one of his shirts is draped over the back of the couch. His scent still lingers like he was just here. I groan. How am I supposed to get over him if he’s everywhere?

I roll my suitcase into my bedroom and find even more of his stuff. Without thinking twice, I find an empty box and throw his things in it, including the damn ship we built together.

Before I’ve even unpacked my suitcase, I make the short drive to Hudson’s house. I check my surroundings to make sure I don’t see him anywhere. When I’m sure the coast is clear, I quickly set the box outside his front door and sprint back to my car. I don’t want to see him, and it was risky even coming here. But as I drive off and see no sign of him in the rearview mirror, I sigh in relief.

When I get back to my place, I go through the motions of unpacking, doing laundry, and eating dinner, all while pretending I’m fine. By the time I climb into bed, I’m mentally and emotionally exhausted. I hate that the pillow he used still smells like him. It’s like the knife just keeps pushing into my heart everywhere I turn.

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