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“Thank you all for coming,” Maya concluded, her black hair pulled back in a ponytail, the lines around her eyes feathering as she smiled.
Soft voices echoed around the room as people caught up before gradually leaving the studio. Maya approached her as Quinn stood up and rolled her neck, always needing a few extra stretches before she felt like she could pack up.
“Hey,” Maya said, a smile on her lips. “I got some good news.”
“About the loan?”
“Yeah. It’s happening. I can finally start working upstairs without worrying about how to pay for it.”
“That’s great news,” Quinn said as she wrapped her arms around Maya in a long hug, genuinely happy for her friend.
Ever since Maya had bought this building a little over three years ago, she’d wanted to turn the upstairs space from storage into something worthwhile.
“Do you know what you’ll do with it yet?” Quinn asked as she pulled away. Out of the corner of her eye, she thought she saw Emily. Quinn bent to pick up her yoga mat and began rolling it up, stealing another glance to the side.
Yeah. That was Emily. She was wearing black yoga pants and a white loose-fitting tank top. Had she been here the whole time? She was talking to someone closer to her own age. Maybe an old friend from high school?
Quinn focused her attention on Maya once again.
“Yeah,” Maya said with a happy sigh. “The back half has enough space for two offices, and the front has those great views of the town square. That’ll be converted into a one-bedroom vacation rental.”
“Wow. That’s fantastic.”
“I still can’t believe it.”
“We should celebrate,” Quinn said. “Are you free tomorrow?”
“Yeah. How about dinner?”
“Perfect.” Quinn slung her mat over her back, hoping to catch Emily on her way out after she’d said goodbye to Maya, but she was gone. Just three people were left talking, and there was no sign of Emily even when Quinn slid on her winter coat and stepped out into the freezing night air, her breath evaporating in a puff of white smoke.
Quinn didn’t even know what she would have said to Emily, but the feeling of regret lingered as she made the short walk to her car. The snow had sprinkled the streets that afternoon with a soft white blanket, now illuminated by glimmering stars and glowing street lamps.
It was a quiet, peaceful night. The only sound was the gentle crunch of snow underfoot and the cheerful beep of her car unlocking. The air was crisp but not too cold, and it felt cozy standing still on such a tranquil winter evening, her body still warm after the class.
There weren’t many people out on this weekday night, so she paused to appreciate the beauty of her surroundings, knowing it was only going to get busier each day as they got closer and closer to Christmas.
7
Emily sat across from her older sister at a café that was new since the last time she was back home. Rebecca raved about it, so she had no problem agreeing to meet her here, knowing they’d have less than an hour to catch up before she had to get back to work, and this café was right around the corner from her practice.
The sunlight spilled through the windows onto their shared table. All that remained of yesterday’s snow on the sidewalks was a few scattered patches here and there. The smell of freshly brewed coffee drifted up from a nearby carafe as they looked over laminated menus and both ordered club sandwiches.
“So, how’s it going at the cabin so far?” Rebecca asked with her hands clasped on the table in front her. “If you need help with anything, just ask. Zach said he’d help on weekends too.” Her brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail today.
“Thanks.” Emily blinked. Rebecca was always so much more practical and straightforward than Emily ever was. It was probably a good trait to have as a doctor. Being able to clearly and quickly say what needed to be said. “Well, Dad’s actually been really eager to help,” Emily said as their waiter brought them two coffees. “You’re not upset? You know…”
“No, I don’t know.” Rebecca stared at her, waiting for her to continue.
“With me inheriting the cabin outright.”
Rebecca shook her head matter-of-factly. “No. Not at all. You were always his favorite. Out of all the cousins. And you know, you’re renting an apartment in New York. Zach and I built a house. It makes sense that he wanted you to have it. To have somewhere closer to home.”
Emily nodded. “I just don’t want there to be any hard feelings.”
“There’s none, Em. I promise you.”
“Okay.” Emily drummed her fingers against the table. “I could use your interior design skills though. My apartment came furnished. There’s beautiful art on the walls. I have never made those kinds of decisions before, and I wouldn’t know where to begin with a cabin.”
