Can We Talk?

CAN WE TALK? A Romantic Comedy MELISSA BALDWIN Copyright © 2023 by Melissa Baldwin All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners. Print ISBN: 9798394089459 Created with Vellum Contents Books by Melissa Baldwin Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Epilogue Dear Reader Love in the City Series Now Available Also by Melissa Baldwin About the Author Books by Melissa Baldwin Cozy Mystery Killer Couture: A Small-Town Cozy Mystery Poison in Paradise: a tropical romantic mystery Movie Scripts & Madness (The Madness and Murder Mysteries #1) Room Service & Murder (The Madness and Murder Mysteries #2) * * * Romantic Comedy & Chick Lit Can We Talk?: A Romantic Comedy Unlucky Christmas: A Holiday Romantic Comedy It Could Happen: A Romantic Comedy Friends ForNever: A Romantic Comedy One Way Ticket (written with Kate O’Keeffe) Thanks for the Love: A Novella (Thankful #1) Thanks for the Memories (Thankful #2) Thanks for the Friendship (Thankful #3) Love and Ohana Drama (Twist of Fate #1 Fate and Blind Dates (Twist of Fate #2) Glances and Taking Chances (Twist of Fate #3) On the Road to Love (Love in the City #1) All You Need is Love (Love in the City #2) From Runway to Love (Love in the City #3) Fall Into Magic (Seasons of Summer #1) Winter Can Wait (Seasons of Summer #2) To Spring With Love (Seasons of Summer #3) Return to Summer (Seasons of Summer #4) See You Soon Broadway (Broadway #1) See You Later Broadway (Broadway #2) An Event to Remember (Event to Remember #1) Wedding Haters (Event to Remember #2) Not Quite Sheer Happiness (Event to Remember #3) About Can We Talk? Can We Talk? The last time I heard these words, my relationship ended. Though it was mutual, it hasn’t stopped me from spending countless sleepless nights overthinking all the what-ifs. Inspired by a life coach, I, Eliza Hawkes, realize it’s time to make some changes in my life. I’m ready to face my journey head-on, but just as I take a step forward, my cousin drops a bombshell. Recovering from the shocking news will be hard, but thankfully there’s a distraction in the chaos. My best friend and perpetual bachelor, Mason, begs me to attend a quick weekend getaway to New York City, all at his company’s expense. The only thing we need to do is pretend to be in a relationship. This should be easy, considering Mason’s been my ride-or-die for years. What I don’t plan for is the weekend to take such an unexpected turn, leaving me shaken to my core. The effects of which could have a lasting impact. It’s time for Mason and me to have a very important talk. But am I ready to take this leap of faith and risk losing the most important thing in my life, or would it be better if everything stayed the same? From USA Today bestselling author Melissa Baldwin comes a brand new swoony story that will give you all the feels. I dedicate this book to my Energy Team. Emily- My life coach Christina- My acupuncturist My author tribe Thank you for being a part of my team! Chapter One I never realized how much our thoughts control every aspect of our lives. And yes, I’m one of those people who wakes up at four o’clock in the morning wondering what happened to my favorite flared jeans I lost two years ago. I roll over and try to find a comfortable position—no luck. I shift again and lay flat on my back. Exhaling an enormous sigh, I stare into the darkness and try to remember the helpful steps to calm my mind. I’ve always been an overthinker. Hopefully soon to be recovering overthinker, thank you very much. Constantly worrying about the future and what may or may not happen is annoying. I’m proud to say I’m much better than I used to be. This is what happens when you put a lot of pressure on yourself. If only I had a dollar every time I’ve heard my parents brag about their brilliant, “always has it together” daughter Eliza. Let’s just say I’d be on a yacht in the Mediterranean right now instead of in my apartment listening to my neighbors argue through the paper-thin walls. I’ve been working in advertising for almost five years, but I had an awakening a few months ago when a life coach came to our office. She had such powerful energy, and I was drawn to her outlook on every aspect of life. That’s when I decided I wanted what she had. That’s when I decided to attempt to become a life coach. Don’t get me wrong, I have a long way to go, but I’m committed to improving myself so I can have the future I’ve always wanted. It's been interesting to see the reactions from others when I tell them about my new journey. My friends have been super supportive, especially Serena. She’s an extremely positive person, so I think she’s happy I’m taking this step. I guess it’s helpful to be that way when