“Stella.” I nod. “Come on, let’s get dressed, and then we’ll head into town.”
Rolling out of bed, she grabs all of the stones and throws them back into the paper bag, setting it by the trash.
“What a waste of time,” she says.
“I’m gonna get you home. Don’t worry.” Leaning forward, I brush my lips across her forehead. “All hope isn’t lost.”
We both walk to get dressed. The idea that maybe we are just meant to stay here creeps in, but I push it away. It doesn’t matter that being here with her makes me happy. It doesn’t matter that my shoulder is healthy. She wants to get back, and that’s what we have to do.
I pull on jeans and a light blue sweater, then walk out to the bedroom to wait on Claire. She emerges a few moments later wearing a white sweater, cranberry-colored trousers, and boots.
We walk to town in silence, hand-in-hand. My blood pressure rises the closer we get to Stella’s. She better be there, and she better talk to us.
The diner comes into view a few yards away, and we both watch as the woman herself walks out the front door. She’s wearing a black long-sleeved, flowy maxi dress. The front is cut into a deep V, and around her neck sits a star-shaped crystal. She pulls on a long black coat and hat, then turns to walk away from the main square of town.
“Come on,” I say, pulling Claire. We both break out into a jog.
“Stella!” I yell, but she ignores me.
We round the building and see her walking ahead.
“Stella!” Claire calls, this time catching her attention. She flips around, a wide grin spreading across her face.
“If it isn’t my king and queen,” she says, walking back toward us. “Can I help you two with something?”
Looking around, I check for other people and am relieved to find that the three of us are alone. “You could start by telling us how to get back home,” I challenge.
Stella starts to laugh. “Are you feeling alright, Everett?” Sheblinks back and forth between Claire and me. “You know where your house is.”
“Look, it’s just us three,” I say, my body heating. Claire tugs at my hand and peers up at me. Taking a deep breath, I attempt to calm the rage bubbling inside me. She’s really not going to stand here and gaslight us into thinking we’re the crazy ones. “Let’s cut the bullshit. We all know what’s going on, so it would be really great if you could stop avoiding the conversation and tell us how to get home.”
“Whatever are you talking about?” she asks.
“Stella,” Claire tries. “We just want to know what to do.”
“I already told you what to do,” she says. “Remember? When it comes to the competition you just have to lean into?—”
“The spirit of the town and give into the magic,” I finish. “We’re not talking about your competition. We’re talking about our lives. We tried playing your game, but we’re still here.”
“Where else would you be?” She shrugs, offering us an unnerving smile. “Claire, I’m shocked that you of all people haven’t figured it out.”
“What…what does that mean?” Claire stammers. “Are you saying you did put us here, and I should know the way to get us home.”
“You’re already home.” Stella looks from me to Claire. “When I look at you, I see two people who have everything they’ve ever wanted and all the answers to all of their questions. I’m really not sure why you’re both so upset.”
Holy shit, this woman is maddening.
“I’m sorry,” Claire begins. “I’m confused. Are you agreeing with us that you put us here?”
Stella’s whole upper body moves as she laughs. “Where else would you want to be on this beautiful day?” She looks up at the clear sky.
“Home.” I snap. “We would like to go home.”
“That’s understandable. I know that as the king and queen of the Christmas Extravaganza, there is a lot of unwanted attention on you two. It makes perfect sense that you’d want to hide away in your house together until the day of, but I really think the best way to do it is to lean into the town spirit.” She claps her hands together on the final two words.
Claire’s gaze finds mine, and I massage my temples.
“Alright,” she says. “It’s a busy day, so I’m goingto let you two get going. I’ll see you at the Extravaganza. It should be a really good time.”
