I gathered my notes and carried them toward the kitchen, moving on autopilot as I made tea I did not really want and set it on the counter to steep. The steam felt good against my face, warm and grounding, but it did nothing to ease the tight knot in my chest.
I didn’t want to spiral, I reflected. I was very aware that this was an old pattern of mine. I could recognize them now, even if I couldn’t always stop it from happening. I had promised myself I wouldn’t turn every uncomfortable feeling into a catastrophe.
Still, the question lingered.
Why had Caleb talked to Lydia and not me?
The thought followed me as I turned off the kitchen light and headed back toward the lobby, carrying the mug of tea. I was scheduled to look after the lobby tonight until closing and I could do that while reviewing my notes on the upcoming talent show.
A text came from Caleb, asking if we could talk.
Of course we can, I sentback.
Are you at the inn? I can meet you there.
Sounds good, I replied.
Twenty minutes later,Caleb came in through the lobby door, wiping snow from his jacket. He paused when he saw me. “You don’t look well.”
“I’m fine,” I rasped, and immediately regretted it because the words came out like sandpaper.
His brow furrowed as he approached the desk. “You’re not fine.”
I lifted my chin a fraction, stubbornness sparking even though I didn’t have the energy for it. “It’s just a sore throat.”
“It’s more than a sore throat and I hope you get some rest and take care of yourself.” Caleb leaned his elbows on the counter and took my hand in his.
“Once the talent show is done, I can rest,” I promised myself.
“Did you see my former agent Dave today?” Caleb suddenly asked..
The question landed like a sudden cold draft. My stomach tightened. “Why?”
“Eva mentioned that she saw you talking to him outside the rink,” he said carefully.
“Eva,” I repeated. I stared at him, the irritation rising fast, and not just because the topic was Dave.
“I’m not accusing you of anything,” he said immediately. “I just… I want to know. We agreed that we wouldn’t have any secrets.”
I felt my throat tighten in a way that had nothing to do with my throat pain. “You’re right, we said no secrets.”
He waited, gaze steady.
I took a breath. “He ambushed me outside the rink. He wanted me to soften you up about the merchandise and convince you to tour. I told him no and I left.”
Caleb exhaled slowly, relief flickering across his face. “Okay.”
“Okay,” I echoed. Maybe it was because I wasn’t feeling well, but I felt suddenly angry. I pulled my hand out of his. “But you don’t get to walk in here and interrogate me like I did something wrong.”
His eyes widened. “That’s not what—”
“It feels like that,” I cut in, then coughed, my throat protesting the sudden strain. I pressed my hand to my chest, annoyed at my body for choosing this moment to betray me.
Caleb’s expression softened instantly. “Kitty.”
I waved him off, stubborn. “I’m fine.”
He didn’t move back. “I’m glad you shut Dave down.”
