Page 55 of Before We Were

His words resonate with how I feel about Nate—this inexplicable pull I can't shake.

"What's on your mind?" he asks, noticing my distraction.

"Nothing," I murmur, running my fingers along the book spines.

"Oh, come on now. What's really going on?"

"I haven't figured it out if I'm being totally honest."

He chuckles, knowing glinting in his eyes. "Maybe you're trying too hard to find what's already in front of you." He starts toward the counter. "Sometimes the only way we can see what's always been there is losing it to understand its true value. It's a harsh lesson, but one that often wakes us up."

"Are you always this spot on?"

"Most of the time," he winks. "You're welcome."

Leaving the bookstore, I feel lighter, inspired. There might still be a story within me, waiting to be told. Perhaps it's not my story, but Alfie and Gracie's—one that could somehow help untangle my own.

I'm unlocking my bike when a familiar silhouette catches my eye—someone getting into a car down the street. The way they move, the set of their shoulders—too familiar. For a brief moment, my heart stops beating.

No, it can't be him. He's supposed to be in Europe, not here in Eden.

The car drives away, taking the figure with it.It's just my mind playing tricks, I tell myself, spurred by stress and exhaustion.I'm just tired, that's all.

"Nora!" Mia's voice cuts through my spiral. I turn to see her approaching, striking as ever in her perfectly coordinated outfit.

"Hey!" She waves, catching up. "I was hoping I'd run into you."

"You were?"

"Yeah, you left the bonfire before I could say goodbye. If you're free now, want to hang out?"

"Sure.” I welcome the distraction. We fall into step together. "So, what did I miss at the bonfire?"

Mia rolls her eyes but grins. "Not much, honestly. Though Kelsie and Jake... they got pretty cozy. Like, close, close."

"Kelsie and Jake? Really?" The thought of Jake with the blonde who'd flirted so openly at Farrah's party isn't surprising.

"I mean, I don't know them well, but they seem like they could be good together." She grips my arm, wincing. "Oh shit, sorry. Was that weird to say?"

"Why would that be weird?"

"I just meant... you and Jake?"

"We're just friends," I clarify. "And no, you're not wrong about them."

She nods, relieved.

"What about you? Any new developments?"

Mia hesitates, a shy smile forming. "Well, I might... kinda sorta like your brother."

I stop walking. "Ollie?"

Her cheeks flush pink. "Is that weird? It's weird. I know, it sounds crazy. Oh, God, I can't believe I just said that to you."

I can't help but laugh at her nervous excitement. "Relax, it's okay."

"I barely know him, but he's just... he's different. Really sweet."

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