Page 2 of Playful Summer

“Me too. I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to visit you. I should’ve been there with you before.”

“It’s okay. I know that you would’ve come back if you were able to. Besides, you’re here with me now.”

I smile at her. I love that we are able to just pick up where we left off with our friendship. Even after we haven’t seen each other in years. It’s like we never had any time apart. I watch Emiko text Rhett and I suddenly wish I had someone like that. Someone who would make me smile that way. Make me feel likeI’m the most important person to them. I’m twenty-three years old and I’ve been in love exactly one time. The only guy I saw a future with was Harris, I met him my senior year of high school and we spent the next three years together. He’s the reason I wrote my first book, it was a way to heal my heart. Because he turned out to be a cheater.

“I’m really glad that you have Rhett.”

“Now it’s your turn to find your person. Maybe you’ll find him in Wintervale and then you’ll never leave.”

I smile at her. “That would be nice. I’ve missed being able to see you and hang out.”

“Me too. And I’m not gonna be happy if you leave again.”

I chuckle. “I’ve missed my bestie.”

“I’ve missed you too. I’m sorry for what Harris did to you. No one deserves that, no matter who they are. You deserve so much better than him and I know you’ll find him.”

“You’re still in your little love bubble and that’s why you think I’ll find my person. After Harris? I don’t know if that’s in the cards. No matter how much I want it.”

Emiko stares at me. “‘Love bubble.’ I like that and I don’t ever want to leave my love bubble. But I know for a fact that you’ll find him.”

I love that she believes that one day it could happen. Until then, I’ll try to be content spending time with my bestie and her family.

CHAPTER TWO

Piper

Wintervale, Montana. My new home, at least for now. I still don’t know how long I’ll be staying here, but I know I want to be here to see the new baby. Or maybe I’ll stay here forever. Emiko was telling me about the general store and how they have a bookstore in it. I plan on going in and asking if I can sell my books there. Maybe even have a little section for them. Never hurts to ask.

“Your town is really cute. It’s bigger than I thought it would be,” I say to Emiko.

“Do you mind if we stop at the store first? I want you to meet Rhett. And the twins are still in summer school. You know, since you’re going to have a table in the book store…maybe you should do a signing.”

“Why would I mind you stopping to see your fiancé? And what the hell are you talking about?” I laugh.

“You can just sit there and people will come to see you. Wintervale should know that we have a famous author living here now.”

“‘Famous.’” I snort.

“Fine. It’s settled. I’m gonna talk to Felicity, she’s really good at social media and getting the word out about things. By next week? You’ll have your own signing.”

Emiko smiles as she parks the car. I look up and see the sign for the Wintervale General Store. We get out and I follow her inside. I look around as we make a beeline for the pharmacy. I see a handsome man hop over the counter and grab Emiko. I can’t help but smile as I watch them. They’re adorable.

“Piper! This is my Rhett. Rhett, this is my Piper.”

I shake Rhett’s hand.

“It’s nice to finally meet you. Emiko’s told me all about you.”

“Thank you for letting me crash with all of you. I promise I won’t stay too long.”

“You’re welcome to stay as long as you want.” Rhett smiles.

“I appreciate that. I’m going to look around the store.”

“Don’t get lost.” Emiko teases.

I stick my tongue out and turn to walk around. As I’m walking around, I find the bookstore part of the store. Emiko was telling me that Rhett had asked his brother if he could make me a table and display. I walk in and see a guy building a table. He’s gorgeous. Like the guys I write about in my books. He definitely works out and I can’t stop staring at him. He finally sees me and smiles. I feel like my face is on fire and I’m pretty sure I’m giving him some sort of smile.

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