Page 57 of The Perfect Melody

“I asked last Friday. She told me she’s safe. It sounds like there’s some family drama she’s avoiding, but she didn’t go into details.”

He nods. “As long as she’s not in any danger.”

“She’s not,” I assure him, and they all show visible signs of relief. “You know I nearly told her I feel… something.”

“Something? How romantic,” Reggie’s voice drips with sarcasm.

“What stopped you?” Dev asks.

“We were interrupted. Seems to be a running theme for us,” I say, thinking about our almost-kiss and our conversation in Wordplay for the millionth time. Turning towards Reggie, I admit, “I think you might be right—I am scared. It’s been a long time since I’ve been interested in anyone, and so much about Cassie is still a mystery. Plus, she’ll leave once summer’s over. Is it so wrong not to want to get attached when I know I’ll only be left behind in the end?”

Reggie’s eyes soften. “Listen, I know people leaving is a sore spot for you, and it’s completely understandable, but Cassie’s not your dad, and she’s not Aria. It’s obvious that you’re already attached. Your denial only makes it easier for her to leave.”

“Phoebe said Cassie likes it here,” Jeremy adds. “She might end up sticking around.”

“You could give her another reason to stay,” Reggie encourages.

“Maybe.” Three unimpressed looks are directed my way. “Alright, fine. You all have a point.”

“That we do. Now go grab another round so I can finish kicking this lot’s arses.” Reggie rubs his palms together, gleefully eyeing all the real estate he’s amassed on the game board while the other two groan.

They’re right. Hiding how I feel about Cassie won’t make those feelings any less real. I need to either face it head-on or put some professional distance between us for real. No more trying to have it both ways—it’s not fair to either of us.

* * *

Cassie

The girls and I are gathered for another coffee morning at Beans & Bakes, sitting in what I’m realising is their usual spot by the window. Daphne, looking fabulous in black wide-leg trousers and an emerald-green satin blouse, supplied everyone with delicious, fresh scones the size of my hand, along with strawberry jam and clotted cream. The voice in my head that sounds much too like my mother telling me I’m not allowed such an indulgent treat almost had me politely declining, but I managed to ignore it. I’ve put on weight since coming to Pine Grove and it feels good. Not being in a constant calorie deficit is agoodthing. I have so much more energy now.

If I spend enough time here, will it permanently silence the echoes of Miranda’s harsh words clanging around in my head?Lazy, ungrateful, pathetic. I’m none of those things. I worked damn hard for everything I have. If I were truly how my mother describes me, I wouldn’t have found my place here so quickly. Nobody in Pine Grove knows who I am. There’s none of the two-faced fawning Melody Night gets. If people here didn’t like me, they’d have no reason to pretend otherwise—Molly is proof of that. Austin too. Things have grown increasingly awkward between us since we bumped into each other in Wordplay.

Taking a sip of my latte, I half listen to Phoebe’s story about the disastrous date she went on in the next town over. The others commiserate over the trials of dating apps but, since I’ve never used one, I find my mind drifting back to a certain taciturn redhead.

I thought I could be brave and take another run at talking to Austin. That I could confess I’d like to turn our almost-kiss into the real thing—not just for a spur-of-the-moment hookup either. If we kiss now, it will mean something. At least it would to me. Crossing paths with him in Wordplay seemed like the perfect opportunity to put myself out there. I thought we’d been getting somewhere. I evenflirted. Admittedly, I’m pretty out of practice, but still. The more I thought about the way he turned me down in his office, the more it seemed like he may not have been rejectingmebut the offer of no-strings fun. Especially when he opened up to me about his family after I walked in on him playing guitar last Monday. I thought things had changed between us. I thought there was a vibe. Then he all but called me a distraction.

Adistraction. I take an aggressive bite of my scone, sending a few crumbs into my lap. Maybe I’m being oversensitive, but Austin’s words made me feel like I was back in Melody Night’s shoes. Never taken seriously, only useful for a good time, nothing more. He probably didn’t mean anything by it, but what if he did? I know what he thought of me when I first arrived.I thought we’d moved past that, but maybe that was wishful thinking on my part.

We barely spoke over the weekend since Bowman’s was so busy and he carefully avoided me after closing. I caught him looking at me a few times, but he’s so damn hard to read I don’t know what to make of it. God, I’m confused. Coming to Pine Grove was supposed to make my life easier, but somehow it’s only got more complicated.

“You and Austin looked cosy yesterday.”

“What?” I scramble to gather my thoughts.

“You and Austin,” Phoebe repeats. “Is something going on between you two?”

Mei squeaks with excitement. “Is it finally happening? Did you two hook up?” She grips my forearm. “Are youdating?”

“How much coffee have you had this morning?” I ask, mildly terrified.

She waves me off. “That’s not important.”

Erin snorts, sliding Mei’s mug away from her. “We’re cutting you off.”

“Daphne’s too nice to cut me off. I’ll just ask her.”

“Nope, I’m with Erin on this one,” Daphne replies, hazel eyes sparkling with amusement. “You look like you’re about to vibrate right out of your seat.”

“Because this is exciting, duh.”