A sea of heads turns my way, and I plaster on a polite smile, giving a small wave as if I’m not internally cringing. But then, out of the corner of my eye, I catch Mr. Gorgeous-and-Rude, standing at the back of the room, effortlessly cool with a glass of champagne in hand, rolling his eyes like it’s his full-time job.

Surrounded by familiar faces, the locals who have watched me grow up from my sandbox days pull me into warm, nostalgic hugs. Their laughter rings out as they recount tales of my childhood mischief. Now, it’s my turn to roll my eyes as I listen to the one too many times I got a playful tap on the butt for causing a ruckus during church services. Some can’t resist delving deep into my personal life as the conversations continue. And though their intentions are genuine, they’re also borderline intrusive.

Friendly Townie #1: Oh, Kerry, I had lunch with your mom the other day. She told me about your little job situation. Your next hair appointment is on me, sweetie.

Friendly Townie #2: You’ve been glowing ever since your divorce. Good riddance to that dumb boy!

Friendly Townie #3: There’s the town beauty. From your mugshot to this fancy opening, Lord knows you can pull off any look.

I force a tight smile, nodding through the well-meaning but invasive comments. Just as I’m about to drown in small-town familiarity, Serena swoops in with her larger-than-life presence.

“Kerry Kind,” she announces dramatically, looping her arm through mine. “How do you manage to outshine everyone? My clothes even look better on you. You effortlessly steal the spotlight!”

I chuckle, grateful for the distraction. “Stop gassin’ me up! I’m still mad at y’all for applying for that job! A nanny? Really? I teach kids, not raise them. I’d be terrible at it, just terrible.”

“Serena’s right. You look so sexy!” Kiera playfully adds, “I mean – you always look good, in a cute, cozy way, but you’re looking thirty-FINE right now!”

I laugh, shaking my head. “I’m glad someone thinks so because that man over there has already spoiled my mood.” I nod subtly toward the brooding figure now charming a circle of affluent guests.

Serena squints, her interest piqued. “Hmm… a tall, dark, and mysteriously handsome man with the salt-and-pepper hair? Who is he? What’s his name? Just asking for a friend, of course.”

Kiera fans herself dramatically. “Damn, that man is… whew!” She glances around. “Where’s my husband? I need a goofy distraction from all that sexiness.”