Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

When Fiona woke up, it was already seven in the evening. She rubbed her bleary eyes and glanced around the whole room was full of people sprawled out on the carpet, fast asleep, the air thick with the sharp tang of alcohol.

She stood up slowly, poured herself a mug of hot water from the table, and went around opening all the windows. The fresh sea breeze drifted in, cutting through the stuffiness and making her feel a little more awake, the last traces of sleepiness blowing away.

Her phone chimed with a notification.

Standing by the door, Fiona leaned against the frame and checked her phone. It was a message from the organizers, inviting her out for dinner.

Jane, who must have sobered up a bit thanks to the ocean air, sat up from the floor and looked at Fiona. Her hair was a total mess, and there were crushed chips all over her sweatshirt.

At least everyone was wrapped up in blankets and lying on the carpet, so no one was at risk of catching a cold.

"Fiona, you okay?" Jane croaked.

Fiona nodded toward the hot water on the table. "Have some. Helps clear your head." She texted back a quick "sure" to the invitation, then looked over at Jane. "There's a dinner thing in a bit. Want to come?"

Jane glanced down at her rumpled clothes and immediately jumped up, dusting crumbs off her shirt. "I need a shower first," she said, grabbing her pink heels and darting barefoot into the next room.

"Fiona."

voice called out from behind

a little tighter, took a steadying breath, and

she asked,

there, holding a plastic bag filled with medicine and a few bottles of mineral water. He knew Fiona wouldn't touch the water

everything I need," Fiona said, pushing the bag back Jackson never gave her answers, just kept showing up with these little gestures that only

She

to fall for someone

honest, he

from

her.

she said, using his last name to keep

just... be

for your concern, Mr. Woods, but I can take care