Page 14 of Art of Love

“What?”

Juliette hesitated, then shook her head. “Nothing. Just… it’s good to see you back.”

Dylan didn’t respond right away. Instead, she picked up her pizza and took a bite, chewing thoughtfully before finally saying, “Yeah. I’m not sure how long it will last.”

Abe watched her carefully.

He wasn’t sure why, but he suddenly found himself wanting to figure her out.

“But you are staying for our wedding, right?” Juliette took Max’s hand. “I know we weren’t very close, but I’d love it if you came.”

“Yes, please,” Max added. “Abe is going to do a full set at the after party.”

“Sure, why not,” Dylan said, stealing a glance in his direction. “I’m sure everyone is excited for another private concert.”

Abe caught the flicker of something in Dylan’s eyes. Was it sarcasm? Amusement? He couldn’t quite tell, but it made him smile.

“Private concert might be a stretch,” he said, leaning back in his seat. “I’m just playing a few songs. Just me and a guitar.”

Max scoffed. “A few songs? Come on, man. You’re doing a whole set. Including our first dance as husband and wife.” He took Juliette’s hand and lifted it to his lips and kissed her knuckles.

Abe shot him a look. “Save the mush for your wedding.”

Max laughed. “Trust me, I have enough mush for before and after the wedding.”

Abe didn’t miss the way Dylan picked at the crust of her pizza, seemingly uninterested. Unlike everyone else in town, she wasn’t fawning over the idea of him playing. Hell, she hadn’t even reacted when Max first mentioned it. That only made him more curious about her.

“So, at least you’re sticking around town for a short while,” he said, watching her closely.

Dylan shrugged. “Yeah, I guess for now.”

Vague. Noncommittal. He recognized the move—keep people at arm’s length so they don’t get too comfortable. It was something he’d done himself more times than he could count.

Juliette beamed. “That’s great! Maybe we can catch up before the wedding. You still like hiking?”

A brief hesitation. Then, “Yeah. Sometimes.”

Abe didn’t miss the way Dylan shifted in her seat, like she was ready for the conversation to be over. She wasn’t one for small talk, that much was obvious.

The bell above the door chimed again, and this time, it wasn’t just a couple of teenagers sneaking glances at him. It was a large group of people whispering and pointing in his direction.

Dylan noticed too. She arched an eyebrow and leaned in slightly, her voice low enough for only him to hear. “You always have this much trouble enjoying a slice of pizza?”

He let out a short laugh. “Depends on where I am.”

“Guess you should’ve worn a hat.”

He smirked. “Guess so.”

Juliette and Max were already chatting with some of the newcomers, who were clearly working up the courage to ask him for an autograph.

Dylan stood. “Well, this has been fun, but I should get going.”

Abe felt an unexpected pang of disappointment. He wasn’t ready for her to leave just yet.

“Where’s the fire?” he asked.

She tilted her head at him and grabbed her pizza. “See you around, superstar.”

And with that, she walked out. He watched her go as he started signing autographs for the group of teens.