Page 23 of Shattered Hearts

Laynie

“I’ve heard this one is good,” Macie announces, taking the cloth bound hardback off the shelf. “It’s been all over my phone lately.”

“I saw it as well. What’s it about again?” Delly asks, taking the book from her and scouring the blurb.

Sadie wanders back from the poetry area and smiles at the colourful classics we’re currently sifting through. The closest bookstore to us is in Rafter’s Falls, a bigger town half an hour away from Ashwood Creek. Macie and I have been coming here since I got my driver’s licence, and when we found out that Delly also enjoys reading, it was a no-brainer to take day trips here. And I know Sadie dabbles in books occasionally—more so if I tell her there’s a good one that she needs to read. It’s not as important to her as dancing, but sometimes she’ll sit and read when she has the chance.

She comes up beside me and reaches for a copy of Emma.

I sniff out a laugh. “I’m not at all surprised you picked that one.”

Her eyebrow arches. “Why?”

“Because of the cover alone.” I point to the baby pink jacket with gold foiled letters.

She gives a small snicker. “I can’t help it if I gravitate towards anything pink. It’s the best colour in my opinion.”

“That’s also a great read. The main character is a little insufferable, though, but it’s the point of the book. I think you should give it a go.”

Giving a small hum, Sadie turns it over to the back.

Delly lets out a sharp laugh. “This book sounds wild. I need to buy it.”

“You should,” Macie agrees, flashing her a wide grin. “And if you enjoy it, you can give it to me afterwards.”

“Deal.”

Smiling, I reach for a copy of Pride and Prejudice, which I’ve had my eye on for months. I already have three copies, and I definitely don’t need another on my shelves, but it’s just adorable. Opening my phone to add it to my ever-growing list of books to purchase, Grayson’s message notifications steal my attention.

BLONDIE: So, should we do another movie night soon?

BLONDIE: Aspen is asking to see you.

LAYNIE: Really? Aspen?

BLONDIE: Don’t shoot the messenger.

LAYNIE: We’ll add that to the list of potential ways you might die.

BLONDIE: Always so morbid, Biscuit.

BLONDIE: But seriously, movie night?

Looking up from my phone, Macie makes eye contact with me as Delly and Sadie disappear to the fantasy section.

Tilting my screen, she reads Grayson’s messages before smiling.

“Sounds fun.” She quickly adds, “We should also have a fire before the rain really kicks in and it’s too cold to sit outside.”

I nod. “I’ll add that in.”

LAYNIE: Fire and then a movie?

LAYNIE: M’s suggestion before winter fully kicks in.

BLONDIE: Perfect. I’ll let the others know.

BLONDIE: Next Saturday?