Perfectly Shattered by Emily Jane Trent

the city was worth standing in line for. A spectacular time to ride the Seattle Great Wheel was at night. From a distance it looked like an enormous bike wheel with the twisted metal spokes extending out to the gondolas.
    Since she had been a young girl, Cami had adored Ferris wheels and was excited to try Seattle’s version. She’d nearly forgotten about her date with Jeremy until he called to confirm the time to pick her up. There was a moment’s hesitation while she decided if it was the right thing to do.
    She was hurt about Bradan’s attitude and saw no reason to feel loyalty to him. He would certainly date, or sleep with, any woman he wanted to. Staying home alone was only going to make Cami feel worse.
    Her natural inclination was to seek solace from the emotional pain, and any one of her crutches would do. It would have been so easy to say no to Jeremy, make up some excuse, and just fold. From where the strength came, Cami wasn’t sure. But she decided to go out that night instead of wallowing in her misery.
    She dressed warm though the cars were heated. It was a group affair, with three people on either side of each gondola. Cami slid in next to Jeremy, already awed with the ride. The wheel was right on the pier, and as they ascended, there was a view of the city, bay, and shipping yards.
    The ride was stated to be non-rocking, which was good, as the evening was cold and windy. The moonlight bounced off the choppy bay water, making Cami shiver just to look at it. Extended out over the water, the wheel gave an exhilarating ride even though it didn’t go fast.
    It was the tallest Ferris wheel on the west coast, and Cami had a wide view from up high. The full moon rose over downtown, casting its light over the tall buildings. It was a smooth ride, and since it would make three full rounds, there was no rush and plenty of time to talk.
    Glowing in pink and purple lights, the wheel moved at a calm pace, the scene slowly shifting.
    “I’ll have to do this in the daytime too. I bet we could see Mt. Ranier, but it’s too dark now.” Cami squinted, trying to make out the mountains in the distance.
    “We could almost see it now. See the snow, if you look.” Jeremy pointed.
    “Yes, I think you’re right. Because of the moon it’s visible.” Cami loved the view from the top. Heights never frightened her.
    “I’m glad you could make it,” Jeremy said. “I wasn’t sure when I called.”
    “Yeah, well, it’s been a rough week.” Cami laughed but didn’t feel lighthearted. The incident with Bradan weighed heavy, and she missed him. It felt odd being out with another man.
    “Catering work?”
    She shook her head. “No, not that. Work is more like a hobby for me. I love cooking. It’s more…I guess my personal life.”
    Jeremy nodded. “I wasn’t sure about asking you out. Are you dating someone?”
    It was awkward, and Cami wondered if it had been wise to come after all. “It’s complicated.”
    They enjoyed the rest of the ride and listened to the others in their car marvel at the sights. It didn’t last long enough to suit Cami, and she could have gone another three rounds easily. But it was over. Jeremy took her hand to help her out.
    It occurred to her that she didn’t feel anything when she touched him. So unlike Bradan. Though Jeremy was nice, even handsome, he didn’t do anything for her in that way. But she liked him—as a friend.
    It was just what Bradan had wanted to create between the two of them, but it wasn’t possible. There was too much emotion involved, and serious attraction. She wanted to be Bradan’s friend but didn’t see that working.
    “I know you like food,” Jeremy said. “Are you hungry?”
    Cami nodded. Her stomach growled, and outside the toasty car, she felt chilly. “Food sounds great.”
    Not far was a café on the waterfront. It was a romantic place with high ceilings, blond-wood floors, and walls washed in pale gold. And it was warm inside. Jeremy found a