Tracy hummed. “You see my point. And that phone’s been lighting up non-stop. If her girlfriend was desperately trying to contact her, I think Audrey would show a bit more interest in it.”
As she spoke, Hallie watched Audrey’s phone flash again with another incoming message. She’d left it on the counter when they’d gone out to the balcony and she’d clearly not wanted anything to do with it.
“Well, either way,” she said, gathering up their latest round of hot drinks, “we’re just friends and she needs support right now, not someone taking advantage of her and ignoring the fact that she probably has a girlfriend.” She had to, right? She’d literally told Zora that she loved her more than the whole sky. That couldn’t be nothing.
“There’s no way I’m letting you drive back down there tonight, and that poor woman needs a decent night’s sleep, so maybe I’ll tell her your room is the only one with a bed in it.”
Hallie turned slowly on her heel to glare at her mother. “Don’t eventhinkabout it.”
Tracy laughed delightedly. “I wouldn’t, but your face! You only get so long with her, you might as well shoot your shot.”
“I’m currently in a fake relationship with her cousin, thank you.”
“River is lovely enough but she’s only borrowing you from Audrey at this point.”
“Don’t let Zora hear you saying that.”
“I’d put good money on Zora not being her girlfriend.”
“Of course you would,” Hallie muttered, and she continued back to the doors that led out onto the balcony, knocking awkwardly with the toe of her boot so Audrey could let her out.
Audrey turned, smiling as she opened and closed the door for Hallie. The cold really was good for her. She still looked exhausted but she seemed calmer than she had all day.
“So,” Hallie said, moving to balance both mugs on the thick wooden handrail, “I figured, given the snow and the setting and everything, it was time for some hot chocolate.”
Audrey laughed, moving to cup her hands around the proffered mug. “I don’t know if I should be consuming more sugary delights today.”
“Oh, you absolutely should. You deserve them.”
“I don’t think my body would agree.” Still, she sipped the hot chocolate and hummed happily.
“You lost the cookie contest. You’re fine.”
Audrey shot her a look. “You still need to decide what you want your prize to be for winning.”
“More cookies?”
“I think your mom’s got you covered if that’s what you’re after.”
Hallie grinned widely at her. Balconies had always been some of her favorite places in the world, partly because of the ones on this very house, but balconies with a laughing Audrey on them were even better than usual. “Only until my brothers show up. There’s a reason she makes so many. And why I like to get in early and eat my fill.”
Something nervous flashed across Audrey’s face. “You’re sure they’re not going to mind me crashing your family dinner?”
“Of course not! They’re gonna love you.” She cleared her throat. “And, you know, after dinner, it’s probably going to be a bit late for—”
“I wasn’t expecting you to drive me back to Lansing tonight, Hallie.”
A shudder ran through Hallie’s body—delicious and disarming—and she snuggled further into her scarf, trying toplay it off as the chilly weather, rather than a reaction to Audrey, on a balcony, saying her name. “You’re sure you’re okay to stay?”
“So long as your mom doesn’t mind me crashing her house overnight.”
Hallie laughed freely. “Not at all. She’d happily keep you here forever.”
“I’m sure that’s not true.”
“It absolutely is.” She smiled softly. “She really likes you.”
“Oh. Well, uh, I’m glad. She’s wonderful, and I appreciate you bringing me here.”
