My lips and my heart both smile. “I don’t need anyone’s permission. But… it makes me kind of happy that you asked him. What did he say?”
“The same thing I tell guys who date my sister. 'Hurt her and no one will find your body’.”
CHAPTER 14
Nico
I’m relieved she laughs like it’s a joke. Her brother and I both know it isn’t.
While we sorted gifts, Dom told me about his disaster of a date with Red Corvette and how he’s sick and tired of the dating and relationship games but still loves the skiing.
“Get out of the limelight for a bit,” I told him. “Spotlights draw predators. I’m not saying stop doing your thing. Just set your boundaries and hold to them. Tell the sponsors you get me this much, and don’t budge.
“Then take time alone. In a quiet place. Somewhere safe, like here. Around people you trust. Figure out what matters to you. What you stand for. Then build your choices around that.
“And get a manual job. That’ll ground you faster than anything.” I tapped the table for emphasis. “My mother always made me work two, sometimes three months a year in her restaurant. Nothing reconnects you with reality like washing dishes for ten hours.”
He snorted at that, but he listened.
“Get yourself a low-key wardrobe. Off the rack. Buy a beater car. Find a place you can just beyou. Be ‘Dominic’ or ‘Dom’ withthe press but pick a different name for the life you want. You said your middle name is Andrew? You like Drew? Use it.”
I looked him in the eye.
“You have to draw the lines, or this life will suck you dry. And know when you’re done.”
Whether he takes the advice is up to him.
I told him I was out at the end of the season—and what I wanted my future to look like. He gave me his blessing.
“How about tomato soup and grilled cheese?” I ask Wynter.
“Perfect. I’m exhausted.”
“Same.”
She works on her laptop at the counter while I cook, organizing everything from today regarding the event and preparing for tomorrow. I love the simplicity of us just… being with her. We’ve barely finished eating when her phone rings.
“It’s Dom,” she says.
“Hey Dom, you’re on speaker.”
“I just heard from Mom. Did you know they were coming to Frost Haven tomorrow?”
Wynter groans. “No. Why? They haven’t come here in years. Oh, please tell me they aren’t staying at the cabin.”
“Nope. Lodge suites. Mom says it gives you ‘privacy’ for your little party. She also—uh—thinks I’m staying with you.”
Wynter rubs her forehead. “Tell her I won’t have time until after Santa’s Visit. Brunch on Sunday maybe. Monday’s better.”
Dom laughs. “She’s already booked couple massages for her and Dad, and you and Theodore.”
“Theodore?” Wynter sputters. “That slimy turd? He’s still sucking up to her?”
“Sucking up or sucking? Who knows. Check your messages.” He laughs harder. “Oh this is going to be fun. I cannot wait for Theodore meets Vasi. And for Mom to find out you’re gonna bemayor. Save me a ringside seat—best Christmas ever. Love you, sis. Talk tomorrow.”
“Wait… It’s Nico here. NOT Vasi. Remember.”
“Got it.”
