An Optimist's Guide to Heartbreak (Heartsong, #1)

by Jennifer Hartmann

“You’re being dramatic, Lucy, just like me. It’s a genetic condition, and I’m sorry for passing it down to you.”

I tell myself to be cool. Dear Lucy, Please act sane and rational. And please, for the love of God, say something normal. Flashing him a dazzling smile, I blurt, “Wow, hey. I saw it and almost blew you.” And then all color drains from my face. Cal chokes on his bourbon, which might be the strongest reaction I’ve gotten out of him since the day I walked into his auto shop.

“I can’t just avoid him, Dante,” I say, clicking my fingers across the keyboard as if I’m diligently working, but I’m actually only typing my name over and over again.

I know that life’s truest treasures live inside the unexpected moments. The little curveballs that sweep us off our feet and steal our breath.

I’m not even sure how to respond to that. Maybe I should force a weird laugh, or maybe I should run away. Maybe I should thank him. Maybe I should strip.