“Either. Both. I’ve never used a chain saw.”
“Clearly, you haven’t lived in Vermont as long as I have.” Michelle pressed her lips to Audrey’s again, and then they continued down the path, their boots crunching delightfully over the snow-covered leaves.
“That’s true. You’re an interesting dichotomy, the prim and proper Brit who wears tweed while she sips tea and collects art, but who’s also at home with a chain saw while dodging bears on the trails she built herself.”
“I suppose I’ve lived here longer than I lived in London,” she mused. “I hadn’t thought about that before.”
“Where do you feel more at home?”
Michelle shrugged. “I don’t know. I still think of London as home, but it’s been so long since I truly lived there.”
Ahead, she could see the end of the trail, her neighbor’s field visible through the trees. Audrey didn’t seem to have noticed yet, so Michelle let the surprise build for another moment.
“The Boston area will always be home for me, I think,” Audrey was saying. “Although Vermont feels familiar in a nostalgic way since I spent four years here during college. I was in such a different place in my life, though. I’m learning the area as an adult for the first time.”
“Ready for your surprise?” Michelle asked.
“Yes. Oh!” Audrey had finally spotted the wooden fence ahead. “Wait, what is this?”
“Animals, and you can even pet them. I visit them at least once a week when the weather’s nice.” Michelle walked to the fence and looked out into the field. Her neighbor’s horses immediately began plodding over for face rubs. They were a pretty pair, sleek and brown during the warmer months, although their coats were impressively shaggy right now to protect them from the winter air.
“Why are there horses in a pen in the middle of the woods?” Audrey asked, sounding vaguely outraged.
“Because we aren’t in the middle of the woods. My neighbor’s house is just over there.” Michelle pointed to the structure barely visible along the tree line. “The road wraps around on the other side of those trees.”
“Oh.” Audrey grinned at the horse in front of her, then gave it a cautious rub. The horse snorted, bobbing his head.
“That one is called Max,” Michelle told her.
“Aww, you know their names?”
“Yes. I even have permission to bring them the occasional carrot.”
Audrey gave her an aggrieved look. “Why didn’t we bring treats for them today, then?”
“Because I didn’t know we were heading this way until we were already in the woods.” She paused, summoning her courage for what she was about to say. “Next time?”
Audrey beamed at her. “Definitely.”
Chapter Nineteen
Michelle entered Holman Hall on Monday afternoon, deep in thought over how best to tell Kate about her new relationship with Audrey. Kate had requested an update if Michelle and Audrey kissed again, but should she email Kate or call? Or should she wait until Kate got in touch and then casually mention that she and Audrey were seeing each other?
Speaking of Audrey, Michelle couldn’t wait to have tea together later that afternoon. The end of the semester was rapidly approaching, and everyone felt it, faculty and students alike. In Michelle’s morning classes, the students were full of questions about their essays and final exams, and she anticipated that her office hours would be much the same.
As she approached the stairwell, she passed Mercy, who gave her a polite smile.
“I heard you have a new exhibit at the gallery downtown,” Michelle said.
Mercy gave her a curious look. “Yes, I do.”
Michelle knew Mercy didn’t like her. She also knew it was her own fault. She’d quit making an effort with her colleagues long before Mercy joined the faculty, but maybe it was time for that to change. “I just wanted to say congratulations. I hope to stop by and see it this week.”
Mercy’s expression warmed. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”
“Of course. I like your style. It’s reminiscent of Lee Krasner.”
“She’s one of my inspirations,” Mercy said. “I love her drip technique. Let me know what you think if you stop by the exhibit.”
