I studied his face, shining with hope, wishing I could see into his soul. He wasn’t trying to hurt me. He liked me. The sex was great. Why not? But I couldn’t erase the words on his dating profile. Or the certainty in his voice when he confirmed he wasn’t interested in a long-term relationship. Beneath the pleasure of the act would be the crushing knowledge that the true connection I desired was beyond my reach. He now failed the “Will I be mentally okay if it doesn’t lead anywhere?” part of my sex test. Being let down when things didn’t progress with a guy was one thing, but getting my heart broken was another. I saw that potential with Finn. “I’m sorry, but no.”

He nodded. “That’s too bad. We’re fantastic at morning sex.”

Don’t I know it.

Finn flipped his legs over the side of the bed and stretched his arms above his head. I could see the muscles of his back flex even through the T-shirt he’d slept in, probably out of respect for me. I looked away.

“I need to get an early start today,” he said, now standing. “But feel free to take your time getting ready. I can bring you to Mel and Jan later if you want.”

“That would be great. Thanks!”

He presented a silly grin. “What are friends for?”

*    *    *

After Finn left, I revised, finalized, and submitted the coffee article. Then I showered and went downstairs for coffee and sustenance. Henceforth, bacon and eggs at Pinkie’s would be reserved for special occasions. Like when I pulled an actual story about Pleasant Hollow from my ass.

It was officially my second week on the road, and I shuddered at the thought of my approaching-negative bank balance. For the first time since my arrival, the kitchen was filled with fellow lodgers. I joined the crowd, prepared to battle for a muffin that wasn’t oatmeal, and was pleasantly surprised to find my B&B mates hovered over several dozen assorted donuts from Dunkin’ Donuts set out on the counter. Lorraine must have splurged. I removed a glazed donut and a French cruller (one for now and the other for later) from the batch and greeted Debra with a wave. Little Brian clung to the back of her leg and yawned. Like the rest of us, he was much less rambunctious in the morning. Then I confirmed with Lorraine that Room E would once again be mine after four p.m. and headed to the park.

My plan for the day was simple: talk to people and let the story find me. As far as plans went, it could use…well, planning, but it was all I had. However, before I exchanged niceties with strangers, I desperately needed the comfort and ear of a devoted friend. I chose a bench not far from Finn’s and my “movie spot,” and texted Kate.