Page 90 of Fallen Hearts

“I love this place.”

Delaney and I sat with her friend, a woman I’d heard about but never met, at the Grapevine Bistro and Bar. Overlooking the lake, about two miles from the inn, it was a place on the list of recommendations we offered but my first time visiting.

It was awesome and apparently only a few years old. Embodying cozy sophistication with its brick interior, flickering candles and barnwood accent walls showcasing local art, apparently it was also a favorite of Juliette’s. The wine list offered top selections both local and global, perfectly paired by their in-house sommelier. At night, the rustic bar with twinkling string lights filling the terrace created a romantic atmosphere that we couldn’t completely enjoy since it was raining.

“Same,” Jules said. We’d been talking for all of three minutes when she told me to use the nickname, explaining that Juliette felt so formal to her. “How are your scallops?”

“So good,” I said. “I’ll admit curried cauliflower puree scared me a little, but it’s so good.”

“Pia likes to live on the edge,” Delaney said.

“Anyone dating Mason Bennett clearly likes to roll the dice.” Jules took a bite of roasted duck that looked as good as my scallops.

“Well, we’re not actually dating.”

Delaney gave me a pointed look.

“I mean, I guess we are. I have no idea what we’re doing to be honest.”

“Sounds like dating to me.” Jules took a sip of wine. “But I will admit it’s a complicated situation. Boss and all. And with him unsure about staying.”

After introductions, we’d talked about our dating situations, Jules not hiding the fact that she wasn’t a fan of Delaney’s boyfriend. She was currently single but seemed fine with the fact. I had liked her immediately—Jules was the kind of confident woman that I knew would be a new friend.

“I’m trying not to think about that and be like water, just going with the flow.”

“I like that.” Delaney folded her napkin and placed it on the table. “Like water. If it meets a rock, it just flows around it. Adaptable.”

“Exactly,” I said. “That’s easier said than done. At my last job, I was up for a big promotion and, long story short, the good ol’ boys club screwed me. Guy who got the job was way down the ladder, worked there less than a year but… golfed with the boss.”

“Oh gawd,” Jules said. “That sounds about right.”

“So tell me more about your writing,” I said, not wanting to steal the spotlight.

“Basically, I love to murder people.”

My eyes widened.

“In my books, of course. I write mystery fiction, but just for fun. Actual money comes from freelance editing, mostly.”

“And teaching writing classes, and she owns her own business with all sorts of writing services,” Delaney kicked in, supporting her friend.

“And that,” Jules admitted.

“You sound thrilled about it,” I said.

“Yeah, not so much. I’d love to focus on one thing, just writing fiction. But getting published is so freaking hard. I tried for a few years and gave up.”

“Can I get you ladies anything else?” the waiter interjected. “More drinks? Dessert?”

“What do you ladies think? One more, or head back into town?”

I kept quiet. Heading into town meant, likely, running into Mason. He’d texted earlier that he was going out with Parker, so I assumed they were at O’Malleys. But I didn’t want to pressure the girls into going there just for me. And I also wanted to prove to myself I didn’t need to be with Mason all the time. Pretty soon, I might not see him at all, so better get used to the fact.

The thought was like a punch to my gut. Unwelcome and entirely too painful.

“Let’s head into town. I haven’t been in ages,” Jules said.

It was odd for me to think that she lived in Cedar Falls but never went into town. I really needed to get out more and see some of the outlying areas.

---