Page 16 of Three Months Yesterday

“I’m not putting any effort in because nothing is going to happen.” I move to stand but realize I can’t. Ryan isn’t actually in front of me, he’s back in Harborview and looking at me through a screen. I could move away, but that wouldn’t be fair.

“Why not? Madison’s great.” Ryan rears back, and if I weren’t so agitated at what we’re discussing, I might laugh at the brotherly reaction. “I mean, I haven’t actually met her, but based on how her brothers talk about her and the conversations I’ve had with her, she’s one that’s worth whatever effort it would take.”

“Come on, man. Why start something that can’t go anywhere? I can’t stay here and she’s not leaving. What’s the point?”

“Whoa, who said anything about it being that serious?”

“You do realize you’re a walking contradiction, right?” I sigh, sinking back into the chair.

In contrast, Ryan leans forward in his seat, bringing himself closer to the screen. “What do you mean?”

“One minute you’re talking about her like she’s your sister and the next you’re encouraging me to treat her like a fling. It can’t be both.”

Now it’s Ryan’s turn to sigh and collapse back into his own seat. “You’re right.”

We’re silent, both of us lost in thought.

Is it crazy that I’m thinking this seriously about this situation? I literally just got to town and met this woman. The whole point of being here is to reconnect with the thing I’ve always found the most joy in. It’s not to jump into bed or a relationship with someone. That should be the last thing on my mind, not the first.

Before I can say anything, movement from the screen grabs my attention and I find Ryan leaning toward me again, the crease between his brows prominent.

“Look. You left the city to get a break from everything weighing on you. That’s what you need to focus on, not what the future holds or what it looks like. If—and that’s a big if—something happens with Madison, just let it happen. No one can tell the future, and you have no idea how amazing it could be if you just let life show you the way.”

I lean forward, mirroring his position. “Ryan⁠—”

“No,” he interrupts. “Don’t think. Just feel. Let your heart and your gut guide you this time. Give your mind a break.”

The hazards of knowing someone the way Ryan and I know each other—they know exactly what to say to get you to listen.

“All right. No more thinking.”

Silence takes over, but this time it’s one of comfort, not contemplation.

Ryan breaks the quiet moment, gearing up to end the conversation. “And I’m going to find time to come out and visit you before you head back to the city. Stonebridge Hollow sounds like it might be the answer to all of our problems.”

“I don’t know about that, but you know you’re always welcome with me.”

“I’ll talk to you later. Have some fun today.”

“I had fun yesterday,” I defend, a small smile forming.

“Well, go have more fun.”

“I will. And reach out if you need to. I might be on a break from most things, but supporting you isn’t one of them.”

“I know.”

“Okay. Talk later.”

It’s only minutes later I’m forced to put Ryan’s advice to the test. Following my heart and my gut instead of my mind.

Slipping my feet into my shoes, I take the final sip of my first cup of coffee and set it on the side table next to the front door. I’m technically not running late as I’m not actually scheduled to work this weekend, but I like being around in the mornings, especially on the weekends.

I step onto the front porch, jogging in place for a few seconds to loosen up my muscles before starting my run.

There are two things I never miss starting my day—coffee and my morning run. I’ve missed one or the other a few times and I always feel it when I do. There’s something about the routine that just sets me up for a more successful day.

The sound of soft music drags my attention from the rising sun to the cottage to my right. I don’t know how I managed it, but I forgot about the man staying so close to me.