My chest tightens, making my breaths come shorter. “What are you talking about?”
“Haven’t you heard?” Joey says. “An anonymous investor fully funded the expansion, so the camp is closed for construction.”
Obviously that last part isn’t news to me, and I realize about half a second too late that my lack of surprise in hearing this news is suspicious. Eyes narrowed, Joey scrutinizes me. Nothing gets past my future sister-in-law. Especially since using the money from our trust funds on others seems to be a Connelly sibling tradition.
Subtly, I widen my eyes and shake my head, and miracle of miracles, Millie remains oblivious of our little psychic exchange, too absorbed in her coffee.
“That’s really wonderful,” I say, twisting the plastic beaded bracelet around my wrist. The one Bea made for me. “I’m happy for him. For your whole family.”
“Yeah, well, if only he were as happy as he should be,” Millie says.
“Huh?”
“Let’s just say he’s about as spritely as you are these days.”
“I’m confused.”
She slumps, elbows on the counter. “He’s really messed up, Claire.”
“Why?”
Joey glares at me like I’m the dumbest person alive, but I’m still not understanding.
Millie releases a dramatic sigh. “He looks like a lovesick puppy that got kicked in the ribs.”
I cringe at the mental image. “When did you see him?”
“I haven’t yet, but that’s what Natalie said.”
“You’ve talked to Natalie?”
“She’s the one who told me about the silent investor. Ash is screening my calls, too, by the way. And here I thought I was the stubborn sibling.” She waves a hand in the air. “Listen. I don’t know why the two of you are locked up in your homes, stinky and miserable and alone. But the least you can do is be stinky and in love together.”
“Gross.” I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face, but it honestly feels good to have a glimmer of humor in my life. “Is that what this is?” I ask rubbing at the ache behind my breastbone. “I’ve never been in love before. How can I be sure?”
“Are you having a difficult time waking up in the morning because you’re not with Asher?”
I nod.
“Does food taste like all the flavor has been sucked out of it?”
I nod.
“Are you stalking his social media?”
I’m not sure if that last one is meant to be a joke, but I don’t even hesitate when I nod a third time. Lurking around his socialmedia multiple times a day, hoping for a smidgen of an update, has become a deranged pastime of mine.
“Jo, check her forehead,” she instructs.
Joey does as she’s told, pushing off her stool and pressing the back of her hand to my head.
“What’s the prognosis?” Millie asks.
“Well, I’m no doctor, but all symptoms point to hopelessly in love.”
A giggle unexpectedly escapes my lips at their little bit, and it’s the first true laugh I’ve let out since before I left Daisy Lake.
“But…” I sigh, a weight in my heart so heavy I can’t sit up straight. “Love isn’t supposed to hurt this much, is it?”
