Chapter 90

Lindey was taken aback, but then softened into a warm, knowing smile. “What are you saying? You can’t just swear off men because of Jace. Yes, there are some duds out there, but trust me, there’s plenty of good fish in the sea,” she said with her usual humor, cracking jokes like she was half her age. Even in her fifties, she remained trendy and upbeat.

I couldn’t help but smile. “There are good men, but I’m just not in the right mindset for that right now. I need some time.” I said this to gently steer her away from further suggestions. Some things were better left unsaid; crossing that line could quickly make things awkward.

“Fair enough,” she replied, easing my mind. But then, she surprised me. “Just don’t wait too long. Finding a good boyfriend is like anything else—the best ones get snapped up fast.”

We both laughed.

“You’re so beautiful, seriously. Anyone who ends up with you is insanely lucky—like they must’ve earned major karma in a past life,” she said, making my heart race with anxiety.

But I wouldn’t let her get to me. “You said it—I’m too good to settle. Only the best guy deserves me, and until he shows up, I’m perfectly fine waiting.”

“Exactly,” Lindey nodded. “Never settle. And definitely don’t let a little heartbreak push you into just picking someone to fill the void.” Her words subtly referenced Hayden.

I responded directly, “I don’t do things on a whim. If I choose someone, it’s because he’s the best in my eyes.” I needed Lindey to understand my choices were always well-considered, even leaving Jace.

Lindey studied my face, remaining quiet. She’d known me for a decade; she’d practically watched me grow up. She understood me.

“That’s good,” she finally said, ending the conversation.

I ate in silence. Just as I was about to finish, Lindey asked, “Did you visit your parents’ hometown a few days ago?”

I looked up.

“Jace told me,” Lindey explained. “He’s still worried about you.” She smiled softly. “Even if you two aren’t meant to be together, you did grow up together. We’ve all been family for a long time.”

Chapter 99

“Mm,” I murmured quietly.

“What made you decide to go back to your parents’ hometown? I remember them saying they sold the house when they moved to Seavora, and that there weren’t any relatives left there,” Lindey asked cautiously.

I paused, letting the silence hang in the air before answering, “My dad always talked about that place when he was alive. He wanted to take me back there someday. I went to fulfill his wish and to see where I was born.” I didn’t hold back from Lindey. It was the truth.

“And did you find anything while you were there?” Lindey asked.

Hayden, the courtyard, and Macy flashed through my mind.

“Everything’s changed,” I said. I didn’t want to share the details—they were personal.

“It’s true, twenty-something years is a long time,” Lindey sighed. My parents brought me to Seavora when I was so young that I barely remembered Chiverton. It had been a long time.

“If you go anywhere in the future, just let us know. We were really worried about you,” Lindey added with concern.

“I’m sorry, Lindey. That was my fault,” I apologized.

“Silly girl, it’s not your fault. It’s…” She trailed off, but I understood.

Lindey stayed until I finished eating. When I said I needed to return to work, she left, but not before reminding me, repeatedly, to come home afterward. She assured me the Johnston residence would always be my home.