“I never listen to you,” I say jokingly.
“How’re things with Winter? I thought you guys were doing well.”
“We are.” Except I called her hours ago and haven’t heard back, which is unusual for Winter not to even send a text.
Looking for a distraction, I turn my head toward Murph. “I think you should get the hot tub.”
“Yeah?”
I shrug. “Why not? You could use it in cold weather, right?”
My phone rings and I grab it without checking the caller.
“Oh, hey,” I say, disappointed when I hear Jared’s voice and not Winter’s.
“Don’t sound so happy,” he says sarcastically.
“Murph’s getting a hot tub,” I say in response.
“Oh yeah? Ashley suggested it,” he says, and I can hear the amusement in his voice. “That girl loves the water. I think she’s half mermaid.”
I smirk. “Maybe you two could have some fun with the hot tub when you’re in town.”
He curses. “Ash and I don’t vibe that way.”
“The fuck you don’t,” I say. “I saw your chemistry at the Riverway. We all did.”
“True story,” Murph calls out from across the room.
“You don’t get it.” Jared pauses. “Shit, never mind. I’ve got to go anyway.”
And I’ve got another call.
Winter.
I exhale in relief and swipe the screen. “Hey, gorgeous.”
“Hey, Hunt,” Winter says in a friendly tone. A forced, friendly tone.
Something’s off.
“What’s wrong?” I ask her. “Hold on, I’m going to find some privacy.”
But Murph jumps up. “I’ll be back. You want anything from the tavern next door?”
“Chicken burger and salad,” I say to him.
He gives me a thumbs up and disappears out the door.
I wait until the door clicks closed before I return my attention to the phone. “Talk to me, Princess.”
She lets out a heavy sigh. “It’s a good thing. Really.”
“What is?”
“My news.”
Dread shoots through me.She’s leaving.
