“The Ice House is repairable? You could handle it, right?”
“Yeah. But they only got two-thirds of the money that it will take for the repair. I told him ages ago the roof needed work before it caved in. If he’d fixed it then, the insurance gap wouldn’t be such a mess.
“At the start of winter, I had a crew put some of our leftover tarps up to prevent more damage.”
“Was the rink a revenue generator?”
“It paid for itself, and the city council had big plans. Keep the public skating, add lessons, hockey leagues with neighboring towns, a snack bar, ice cream counter, coffee bar, birthday parties, date night with music and lights. Could’ve have worked. Now it’s sitting there rotting.”
“What if the town found a benefactor? Would you get the contract?”
“Probably. Depends on whether the council can stand up to the mayor.”
“Who do you trust on the council?”
“John McDermott and Sheila Withers. Smart, tough, and they actually care.”
He straightens from checking Santa’s airflow and looks me square in the eyes. “Now you answer a question for me. Why do you care? And what are your intentions with Wynter? She’s basically family.”
I smile. “I like the feel of this town. AndmyWynter loves it here, so I’ll guessing I’ll be around a lot.”
He nods once. “You can get McDermott and Wither’s numbers from Wynter.”
“I’d prefer them from you. She’s still adjusting to… me.”
“And your intentions?”
“I’m looking to relocate. Permanently, if she’ll have me. She needs a little more time.”
“I’ve known her since we were kids. She’d give you the shirt off her back. Which is wild, considering her parents are shit. Her dad’s always lost in his computers. Her mother’s a user and manipulator. Dom’s fine if you can pin him down—skirt chaser, easily distracted. Still young.
“But Wynter? She’s real. Kind. Sweet. Everyone loves her. Shame her parents didn’t see what everyone else did.” He pulls out his phone. “Give me your number. I’ll text you.”
I do. My phone buzzes a moment later and I confirm his message. “I told her she needs to run for mayor”
“The town would eat that up. She’d win without trying.” Chad grins, then kills the air pump. “I’m grabbing us coffees. You make your calls.” He pauses. “And seriously, ditch the beanie, Vasi. The ball cap hides you better. Makes you look more like a Nico.”
Once he leaves, I swap headgear then make the first call.
CHAPTER 11
Wynter
“Earth to Wynter. Come in?”
I blink and turn to find Sall beside me, holding out a cup of coffee.
“I—I was just thinking. Do you think the Santa is too close to the building?”
“Girl, it wasn’t Santa’s tight buns you were staring at.” She waggles her brows. “And I thinkthey’reperfect for you.”
Heat rushes to my cheeks.
She sips her drink and squints at me over the rim. “Oh my god. You didit. You really went for it. I’m so proud of you. High five girl—you finally got that jerk out of your system and let your hair down.” She attempts a terrible slide-dance move, and we both dissolve into laughter.
The release feels amazing. “I’ve been wound so tight for… basically my whole life with Mom’s dictates, demands and constant displeasure.”
“Honey, it’s past time you started living for you.”
