Page 28 of When Forever Falls Apart

As the Rolls-Royce drives off, both Billie and I exhale in unison. My shoulders sag in relief. It wasn’t half as humiliating as I had anticipated, and thankfully, Iris respected my request for discretion.

With her arms crossed and a thoughtful gaze fixed on the door, Billie comments, “Is it just me, or is this town obsessively social?”

“It’s definitely not just you,” I reply, rolling my eyes as I recall the numerous unwanted invitations I’ve received since I got back. “Fancy luncheons, high tea, bridge games, pickleball. There’s always something, and it never stops.”

“Pickleball might be fun, though?” Billie ventures tentatively.

I scrunch my lips in disdain. “Pass. Besides, my mobility is limited. I need to buy a car. The other day, I braved the bus, and I’m still trying to scrub off the lingering stench of body odor. Plus, it took me over an hour to get somewhere a car would have taken me in five minutes.”

Billie lets out a bright laugh. “It’s not that awful. So, what’s stopping you from getting a car?”

“The issue is Aston’s relentless schedule. He’s wrapped up in work, and I’m scared of buying a lemon. One that will inevitably break down in a desolate spot, forcing me to hitchhike my way to what I can only assume would be my early demise.”

Billie purses her lips. “Maybe it’s time to cut back on those true crime shows. This is the kind of thing that happens when you’re not getting laid.”

“You’re one to talk,” I retort playfully, but then a twinge of curiosity strikes me. “Wait, are you hiding something from me? Spill the beans! Who is he? Oh, or is it a she?”

Billie rolls her eyes at my eagerness. “We’ve already talked about this. I experimented in college, and it didn’tdo anything for me. And no, I’m definitely not getting laid. Things have just hit a lull lately. The men in Cinnamon Springs are someh.”

“Ugh, is there like a cosmic phenomenon causing everyone to encounter dry spells?” I grumble, my irritation bubbling to the surface. “Like mercury retrograde, but it makes people not have sex?”

“Back to the car dilemma, why not ask Elliot?” Billie suggests casually. “I mean, let’s be honest, he is the only notmehguy here. He’s kinda hot, and yes, I know he’s Eva’s brother, so saying that out loud means I already broke some code.”

Since that afternoon at the lake when Elliot so thoughtlessly pushed me into the water, he’s vanished like a damn ghost. The mention of his ex-girlfriend seemed to strike a deep chord, and to counter, he quizzed me on Myles.

When it comes to men and their emotions, they tend to dodge the topic like it’s a contagious disease. So I wasn’t particularly surprised when he evaporated into thin air. Eva mentioned he was in the city helping her, but I call bullshit.

I dismiss the situation with a shrug. “He’s obviously busy with whatever he’s doing. Too busy to be working in the store. I’ll probably head out to look for a car tomorrow morning since Chloe’s working. You don’t need me, right?”

Billie places her hands firmly on my shoulders, her brows knitted in concern. “Everything’s under control, trust me. You’ve got this, okay? Remember, you need to feel the connection. Would you really feel a connection with a lemon?”

“Knowing my luck, I probably would,” I snort.

With a deliberate drag of my finger across my bottom lip, I apply a cherry-flavored lip balm, carefully pouting to get an even coat. I pick out my modest white dress shorts andpair them with a fitted striped navy blouse, specifically chosen to give off an air of sophistication that hopefully screamsnot an easy targetto any sleazy car salesman I might encounter. My hair is neatly tied into a bun, and I slip on a pair of white canvas shoes, noting the nautical vibe I’m suddenly sporting. The outfit makes me look older, but who am I to complain when the aim is for them not to screw me over?

Grabbing my purse and phone, I swing open the door only to be jolted by the sight of Elliot standing right before me. His hair is its usual mess of curls, and his blue eyes stare at me intensely, sending a flutter of surprise through my chest.

“Holy shit,” I gasp, instinctively clutching my heart. “You scared the shit out of me!”

Elliot responds with a mischievous smile. “Aren’t you off car shopping today? Unless, perhaps, you’ve decided to take to the sea and become a sailor? I hear the coastguard is waiting for you.”

I cross my arms, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. “This is mydon’t sell me a lemonoutfit. It’s classy, sophisticated, and somewhat educated in the realm of mechanics.”

“I see.” He nods, rubbing thoughtfully at his chin. “Sounds to me like you might just need a man’s assistance after all.”

“I don’t need you or any man for that matter,” I snap, though I inadvertently tilt my head, curiosity piqued. “Did Billie call you? What makes you assume I can’t buy a car on my own? She called you, I knew it!”

“Two words. Serial killer,” he drags out, only irritating me further.

I mentally curse Billie for spilling the beans about my fears. I had no idea she and Elliot were so close. Suddenly, I remember her saying he was hot, and something unsettling lingers within me.

“Fine, let’s just go,” I concede, pushing past my irritation.

Together, we make our way down to the foyer, where I can see my greatest fear parked right outside—a sleek, satin black motorcycle glistening in the sunlight. There are two helmets resting on the handlebars, and I stop dead in my tracks, recognizing exactly where this is headed.

“Um, absolutely not,” I tell him firmly.

“Why not live a little?” Elliot counters with enthusiasm. “It’s perfectly safe. I promise you won’t die.”