“Were you a Boy Scout? Do you know tricks to survive in the wilderness?”
He laughed. “No. My brother was, but I refused to participate in anything unless it had a football.”
“Damn it, I was hoping you knew all sorts of survival skills. Did your brother teach you anything? Is he in the area? Can he help us? Maybe a phone call for tips? I always wondered what it would be like to have siblings. That has to be awesome.”
The laugh lines around his eyes disappeared, and his shoulders tensed. He replied with a curt tone. “No. He’s not in the area. He’s in California right now.”
Then he got up, leaving me in the living room alone.
Did I upset him? Frowning, I replayed the entire conversation in my head but couldn’t figure out how I’d made him mad enough to walk out.Story of my life: the inability to understand anything about the opposite sex.
Becca’s Blunders: The Netflix Series.
I sighed and fell back onto the bed, ignoring how good the sheets smelled, and lay there for a good five minutes before my phone rang.
Mom.
I scrambled to answer it, feeling terrible for not calling them earlier and knowing they were probably worried.
“Are you okay?” I asked instead of a hello.
“Of course, sweetie. Your father has three generators just in case the end of the human race starts. You know him. But how are you? I keep thinking about that big drafty house and those old windowpanes. I’m upset that you weren’t able to leave yesterday and come stay with us. Those girls are capable of locking up on their own, aren’t they?”
“I’m glad Dad’s extra preparedness is helping this time. And don’t worry about the house. I’m staying with a neighbor until the power returns.”
“A neighbor? Just any of them? Who? Are you safe? Becca, I know you’re trusting, but did you think this through?” she asked, her voice laced with concern and judgment. Per usual.
I glanced over my shoulder, but there was no sign of Harrison. “Mom, it’s the football coach. He’s trustworthy.”
“Is this the one who never called after the date you swore was wonderful?”
“Yes, Mother.” I rolled my eyes. “Why can you remember every detail of my dating life but forget when you borrow my jewelry?”
“Priorities, dear. Now, you’re staying with the hottie who hurt you? Is that the best idea? I just don’t see how that will be good for your self-esteem. You need a dependable man.”
Hottie who hurt me?
“Ha, surprisingly, yes, it is the best idea. A window broke in the house, and I had zero firewood. It’s better I’m here.” It hurt to admit but it was true. Harrison got major points for it.
“Well, to help you get through these troubling times, get excited for a dinner date on New Year’s Eve! He is just the cutest. He’s a doctor, Becca—a pediatrician—and he’s so handsome. It’s Lisa’s grandson. I work with her at the shop, and oh, he is just a doll.”
“Mom… no more dates, please, I beg you.” I smacked my forehead in dismay.
“Becca, trust your mother, okay? I want my baby girl to find love and have a family because it’ll be the best thing in your life. That’s all I want. Can you blame me?”
I groaned louder and stomped my foot against the floor. “We are in a blizzard with subzero temperatures, and you’re still focused on finding me a boyfriend? Put Dad on the phone.”
“He’s busy, and there’s always time to talk about your love life.”
“No. My love life is off-limits. Now, I need to go.”
“To make the hottie regretful that he never called? Did you bring sexy pajamas?”
“No! I did not bring sexy pajamas to make Harrison regret ghosting me. I brought warm ones. Gah! I’m hanging up. I love you, Mom, but you’re insane.”
“Love you more!”
I tossed my phone on the couch but missed. Getting up, I grabbed it from the floor and, noticing Harrison standing in the kitchen—looking right at me with a huge grin—all the blood left my face. Shit.Shit.
