Free Hanging by a Moment (From this Moment Book 1) by Eva Walker

at Starbucks, conveniently located on the docks before running all the way back.
    Plugging in my iPod, I breathe in deeply, filling my lungs with the crisp cool air just as Calvin Harris blasts in my ears. Just what I need after the hectic week I had. With each step I take, my problems seem to drift further away. The tension slips out of my body... and I feel more relaxed and at ease.
     
    Early morning is the best time of day to enjoy Midland Falls - just before the city wakes up. Living here is like living inside a charming seaside postcard. It is not a big city but it is rich in culture and art, with a number of historic museums in the town. And this classic seaside oasis is only about an hour drive from Manhattan. The real beauty of Midland Falls lies in the fact that the city’s natural beauty has been preserved over the years along with many of the properties along the tree lined streets that have ties to the Revolutionary War.
    Full of well maintained colonial homes and buildings with splashes of modern architecture, it provides an alluring alternative to cramped New York City apartments. In the town you will find lots of artsy shops and galleries, craft vendors, sidewalk cafés, harbour facing restaurants and five star hotels. And of course there are a few nightclubs to keep the students from MFU happy.
    The best way to enjoy the scenery Midland Falls offers is by walking, running or going on one of the many hiking trails.
    Brit and I opt to run as often as we can and as early as possible. The only other people on the road are the large number of runners, taking advantage of the cool brisk air this early in the morning.
    I know without doubt I will miss this place and my life here when I return to the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. The crazy fast paced city being a total opposite to this laid-back calm environment.
    On our way back we stop at Starbucks for our usual morning coffee and snack. I locate a table while Brit collects our order. I pull my mobile out from my shorts pocket and check my email.
    The place is practically deserted with just a handful of other runners and those who plan an early start to their day. I get comfortable on one of the wooden chairs at a table close to the window facing the pier.
    I find an email from my parents describing their latest adventure, this time in Sydney, Australia. Dad has a couple of weeks to go before his shoot wraps up there and then they return to New York. But they won’t stay for too long before taking off to some other exotic destination.
    A skinny vanilla latte with an extra shot of coffee no sugar and a vanilla bean scone is placed in front of me. My absolute favourite. Taking a big gulp, I sigh truly content. “I love you Starbucks.”
    Brit chortles as she sips her skinny mocha. “So are you ready for today? I thought maybe we could go to Reds after the movie to grab some dinner and drinks.” She asks between bites of her blueberry scone.
    “Sounds like a plan, Dan.” I answer back licking the last bits of sugary glaze from my fingers. Sugar after a run is like the best treat ever.
    “I’ll let Trav know. He and Luke are at the gym.” She quickly pulls her mobile out and types a text to Travis letting him know of our plans for later tonight.
    I begin to wonder if Luke is going to join us at Reds. I had a wonderful time with him last night at dinner. But he seemed awkward when we got to my dorm room. That was probably due to Travis and Brit who clearly have no issues with public display of affection. Luke barely said a word when I said goodnight to him and walked to my room. Alone! He did not even volunteer to walk with me... to give Brit and Trav some privacy. Well at least I know where I stand. He is clearly not interested in me and I don’t want him to think I’m arranging play dates to be around him. Hell no!
    I’m about to tell Brit that.
    Just then her phone chimes and she holds her hand up to me signalling for me to give her a minute. Her lips