It’s overcast, making the forty-five degree day feel far cooler. People are dressed in festive colors, puffy coats, and sweaters. Some are even decked out in holiday costumes or full caroler garb. Despite the chill, the air is warm with the scent of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts.
“I’m glad you came,” I say, glancing up to Oliver, who’s fallen into step beside me. “I’m glad you did too.”
“Same.” He reaches for my hand, and electricity buzzes through me when he threads his fingers through mine.
“So, what’s this competition you said we’re participating in?” Ron asks. “Something about building a snowman?”
Oliver cocks his head. “Wait, how do we do that? It’s cold, but definitely not cold enough for snow.”
“We divide into teams, and we have to build a snowman using only what they provide us,” I explain. “Toilet paper, bubble wrap, tissue paper, garland, things like that. And the most creative snowman wins.”
“That sounds fun,” Ron says.
I nod. “It is. It’s one of the most popular events we?—”
“Lindsey! Hey, Lindsey!”
We stop at the sound of someone shouting my name behind us and turn.
Lucy and Rose are waving their hands wildly while Willow watches my mom like she’s a bomb that could detonate at any moment.
Mom’s eyes fall on me and Oliver and she smiles, but that look vanishes when she spots Ron standing next to me.
“Good to see you again, Myra Jean,” he says.
The color drains from my mother’s face, and in a matter of seconds, her expression morphs from confusion to panic to surprise.
“Ron?” she says, masking her shock with a smile.
“Who’s Ron?” Rose shout-whispers to Lucy.
My mother’s throat constricts as she swallows. “Wh-what are you doing here?”
Ron gestures toward me with his thumb. “Lindsey invited me.”
Mom pins me with her eyes. “Oh, she did.” It’s a statement, not a question. She clasps her hands together in front of her chest, shifting her focus back to Ron. “Well, it’s good to see you again.”
Rose mouths,Again?to Willow with wide eyes.
“We should get over to the tent,” Lucy says. “We don’t want to miss the contest.”
“Wouldn’t be the only thing I’m missing today,” Rose mutters.
“It’s nice to see you guys.” Lucy smiles at Ron and Oliver, hooking one arm through each of theirs. “How’s June Bug? How’s the fire hall? Tell me everything.”
Oliver flashes me a puzzled grin as Lucy steers them away, and I give him what I hope is an encouraging smile as Mom grips my shoulder.
“Care to explain what’s going on, dear daughter?”
“To all of us, please,” Rose says with a huff.
“Rose, maybe we should go with Lucy,” Willow says. Aunt Rose attempts to argue, but Willow pries her away, leaving me alone with my mother.
“What do you mean?” I feign innocence once everyone is out of earshot.
“Why is Ron here?”
I shrug. “He’s a friend.”
