Joel claps a hand on my shoulder. “I heard you and a beautiful woman were stuck at the top of a ride last weekend at the fair.”
Small-town life. I switch the box to my other hand. “Avery and I were on a ride when it stopped working.”
“That right there”—he points at my chest—“is why I don’t ride roller coasters.”
“It wasn’t a roller coaster, but I agree. I like to keep my feet planted somewhere.”
“You and Avery, huh?”
I nod. I’m not sure what to say next.
“I don’t know a lot of people who go on rides with their exes.”
“She doesn’t know anybody else in this town.”
He eyes me. “Something tells me she’d still choose you even if she knew every single person in this place.”
My neck grows warm, and I hope the thrill I feel at his comment doesn’t show on my face. “Maybe you should spend the snow day writing poetry to Kimberley.”
Joel laughs, a hearty guffaw that shakes his broad chest. “Maybe I will.” He steps away, signaling to Ernie that we’re ready to load the piece. “Maybe I will,” he echoes.
We get the truck packed and sent off, then Joel says we should call it a night. I stop at the grocery store and pick up a few items. I’m not sure if Avery knows snow is coming, so I grab a few things for her, too. She might not even like this stuff anymore, but I buy it anyway.
On my way home, I talk myself out of it. I haven’t seen her since last weekend at the fair. She knows exactly where to find me, and she stays away. Am I supposed to do that, too?
It takes all my strength, but I force myself to drive past her cabin, where her car is parked out front.
I force myself to unpack the groceries.
I force myself to make dinner, watch a movie, take a long shower, and go to bed.
I don’t attempt to keep her from my mind. The strength of the world could not suspend the memory of her.
The forecasters were wrong.
The snow came earlier than expected, and it’s falling quickly. I’ve been watching the sky since I woke up a few hours ago, waiting to see if it’s going to run its course early. Judging by the blue-gray clouds blanketing the sky, I don’t think that will be the case.
I pull on my heavy waterproof coat, my boots, and my beanie. On my way out the door I grab my gloves, and Avery’s groceries.
CHAPTER 11
AVERY
I didn’t knowabout the snow until late last night, when I checked the weather app just before I fell asleep.
“What do you think?” I ask Ruby. She's looking up at me, eyes excited as her tail slaps at the table legs, making loud, thumping sounds. “Do you know how to manage snow?”
Ruby spins in a circle, as if to sayYes.
I grab the one jacket I brought with me and shove my arms through. I don’t have boots, but I have tennis shoes, and those will have to do.
As soon as Ruby is done going potty, I’ll run into town and grab groceries. I’m out of nearly everything except coffee, and while coffee is vital, I also need food.
“Come on.” I motion for Ruby to come with me. She races to the back door, making it there first.
A blast of arctic air smacks me in the face when I open it. “Sweet Jesus,” I hiss, my breath taking shape in front of me. “That is sharp.”
Ruby bounds outside. I stand in the doorway and watch her. There’s no way I’m going out there with her.
