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I tried to remember the last time I’d eaten something–I couldn’t.

The past two days were a blur and like it was trying to prove a point, my stomach growled louder. But it wasn’t as if I could eat the first thing that came my way

I had Celiac disease, which meant living a gluten-free diet was the only way to ensure that I didn’t spend most of my life in excruciating pain. In a small town like Hazelbrush, it wasn’t always easy. So, I’d taught myself to cook—which was what earned me the name-calling, but I’d take that over the consequences of eating plain bread.

It also meant that I kept my dream of opening my own inclusive, allergen-friendly restaurant close to the chest.

As far as grocers went, I often had to go out of my way to find the things that I needed. Resting my head back, I settled in for the long drive to Savannah—and the closest Whole Foods. Truthfully, I didn’t mind the solitude. Cooking was my happy place. When I was in the kitchen, I could drown out everything else around me. My sole focus was the food, and making the end result the best I could.

Though the only thing that my mind focused on currently was the look in Ryan’s eyes when he was… flirting with me? The memory was so vivid that I needed to crank the AC onto high. Heat prickled under my collar, no doubt coloring my cheeks.

What the fuck is wrong with you?

I considered delirium. Maybe I was so hungry that I was starting to hallucinate. I’d never even looked twice at another man before—and that was even if I glanced in the first place.

I spent the drive trying to get that image out of my head—but it was in vain.

Parking outside Whole Foods, I could already feel myself relax.

Considering the types of people that tended to frequent the place, I stuck out like a sore thumb—especially when I was still wearing my grease-stained coveralls. Not to mention I was running on very little sleep and likely looked like I’d risen from the pits of Hell. My sandy curls were a mess, and I had bags under my eyes from the lack of sleep.

I took my time, walking up and down each aisle to find what I needed, despite knowing the store like the back of my hand. I could have easily grabbed one of the microwave meals and been on my way, but I was in the mood to lose myself in something. By the time I checked out, my basket was overflowing.

The young woman standing there started her greeting before she even looked at me. “Hi, how are y⁠—”

She trailed off, eyes raking up my body until they met mine. I laughed. It happened a lot.

The woman was close to my age. Pretty, with red ringlet curls and bright green eyes. Perhaps I should have struck up a conversation, maybe one that would end in me getting her number—but I didn’t. As she scanned my groceries, I distracted myself with my phone. I had a missed text from Charlie.

Wanna grab a drink?

I laughed, typing out my response.

After last night went so swimmingly well?

No thanks.

“Jason!”

Seeing the store manager walking over to me, I pocketed my phone and took the hand he offered. “How many times do I have to tell you to call me Jay? I only get called Jason when I’m in trouble.”

Henry laughed, bright blue eyes crinkling at the corners. I’d been coming here for so long that the man had grown to become a friend. A friend, I thought, but considering the thoughts I’d had about Ryan, I tried to see him in a different light—and I couldn’t.

Thankfully, he distracted me with conversation. “I hired Olivia a week ago and she hasn’t stopped talking since. And then you walk in the door and she’s quiet as a mouse.”

I took my receipt from her, hamming up the attention with a grin. “Thank you, darlin’.”

“Okay, get out before you have my cashiers fainting,” Henry joked. He grabbed one of my bags. “Let me walk you out.”

I knew what was coming, but I still dreaded it. I welcomed the few moments of silence that came before it, even if they were loaded with tension.

“How have you been?”

There it was. I mulled over my response. I could have just said everything was fine, but something told me not to.

“Um, honestly? I’ve been better.” I loaded my groceries into the truck, taking the bag Henry had. “Me and Grace split.”

Naturally uncomfortable—who wouldn’t be in that situation?—Henry resulted to humor. “Oh, that would make Olivia’s day.”