I already know.
Of course I know.
And the freakingnerveof him.
Coming back here after sixteen long years.
Sixteen years of silence.
Sixteen years of pretending Hammonton didn’t exist.
Now what?He just waltzes back into town, starts renovating like he owns the place—which I know he technically does, but so what?
Why is he even here?
Okay, so now I’m spiraling, because really—why is he here?
Does he think I forgot?That he didn’t leave scorch marks on my heart on his way out of town?
Oh my God, grow up, Ad.
That was over a decade ago, and I’m sure Nathan Thorn has forgotten all about you.
I shake my head, forcing a shrug I don’t feel.
“Well, that’s just great,” I say blandly, grabbing the rag again.“Good for what’s his name.”
Adele snorts.
“Oh, come on.Don’t act like you don’t know who I’m talking about.Nathan Thorn is basically the biggest thing to come out of this town since?—”
“Blueberries?”I offer, deadpan.
Hammonton is dubbed blueberry capital of the world, so yeah, we are a pretty big deal.
Believe it or not, this charming little town accounts for about fifty million pounds of the world's blueberry harvest annually.
Adele is still laughing, delighted at the comparison, I guess.
“He’s the biggest thing EVER.And now he’s back!Can you imagine?The songs he’ll write?The interviews?The celebrity sightings?He might even stop in and buy a pastry—oh my God, Ad, what if he does?!”
I focus very hard on scrubbing the countertop.Circular motion.Don’t grind your teeth.Breathe like a normal, unaffected adult woman.
Because honestly?I shouldn’t haveanyfeelings about Nathan Thorn.
None.
If he wants to come home?Great.Good for him.
May he enjoy his ugly yellow siding in peace.
Not my circus.Not my rockstar.
I’ve got a bakery to run.
A niece to raise.
A school play to attend.
