“See, that’s the difference between us. There is noluckywhen it comes to snow.”
“I’ve always enjoyed a good snow day.”
“Well, I haven’t. And this whole…pajama thing with the dog and the popcorn and the movie…it’s just?—”
“Just what?” She was still smiling. This whole back and forth hadn’t phased her at all. She was happy as a clam.
I opened my mouth to yell at her—to tell her to stop being so fucking happy all the time. It was irritating the hell out of me. I needed a job. A good job—one that could reset my brain and get me out of this Mayberry mindset where the days were always happy and the people were always smiling. The whole thing was fucking ridiculous.
And it was all Lizzy’s fault. I would have been out of here a long time ago if it hadn’t been for her. And her tears.
Fuck, I should have walked out long ago.
“You were saying?” Josie asked, her smile still firmly in place. “You know, you don’t have to stay here. I can send you home with chili.”
“I don’t want chili,” I muttered.
“I think you do, but I think you really hate being here with me. It’s just eating you alive to sit still and watch a movie.”
“Hey, I can sit still,” I argued.
“Oh, I have no doubt.” Her fingers brushed the bottom of the bowl before taking the scraps of popcorn and gently popping them in her mouth. Everything about her was so fucking delicate, from the shape of her face to the way she chewed. It was distracting.
And that was a fucking problem.
“This is insane. I’m outta here,” I said, snatching my coat.
“Enjoy the snow,” she called out.
Stuffing my arm through one sleeve, I was just about to tell her that I was leaving this all behind as soon as the snow melted, but I never got the chance.
Because right then, the power went out.
14
JOSIE
I snorted out a laugh,quickly hiding it behind my hand when JR turned and glared at me.
“This is not funny.”
“It kind of is.”
“The power is out.”
“I’m aware,” I said, keeping my face as straight as possible.
“Obviously, you don’t get it. The power is out, which means freezing temperatures.”
“Yes, I know how the whole thing works.”
“And you’re okay with this?” he seethed.
“Well, I’ve been through it at least once a year my whole life. I’d say this is pretty standard around here.”
Shoving his fingers through his locks, he sighed heavily while pacing the room.
“So…what’s the consensus?”
