I close the trap doors over the troughs and climb back down the ladder. Callie will probably be awake soon and she’ll need the news. Her sister isn’t coming today. She’s going to bedevastated, but she’ll just have to spend the day with me. I wish I could say we started off on the wrong foot and try to right it somehow, but that’s not even true. We began on the right foot, got thrown way off the path, and now need to find our way back to it again.
But I have hope and an endlessly cheerful disposition. I believe in my ability to bring her around.
The movie last night ended up being a great idea. It’s been years since I’ve watchedWhite Christmas, and while the humor and the music were both entertaining, Callie’s dreamy expression was really the brilliant part of the evening.
She fell asleep on the sofa, and I left her there with a blanket for the night. It’s where she is now, so long as she hasn’t woken yet. I feel eagerness to return to the house and check on her, see if she’s up and ready for breakfast, and I don’t know why. My policy on no relationships with tourists isn’t an old rule. It’s something I’ve made up because it’s suddenly applicable. It’s not like we have Americans coming through our little town every day.
But this American is sticking around for a couple weeks, and I’ve made very little progress in my attempt at becoming her friend. The movie was a step in the right direction, but we’ve still got a fair trek to go.
I pull out my phone and text Granny.
Gavin
They parked at your house, I hear
The next half-hour passes as I finish my chores, but when I head back to the house, my feet crunching through the snow, I have a text from her.
Granny Mackenzie
Arrived late last night. Didn’t know were coming here. Thought coming to your house.
Gavin
They’re probably happier there. I’ll see them when I see them. Shall we come up for dinner tonight? I can bring something
Granny Mackenzie
Elbow acting up. Another storm coming.
I pivot, looking at the clouds in the distance, but everything is white, and it’s impossible to see anything beyond the immediate yard. I turn toward my neighbor Rhona’s house instead, pulling my coat tighter. She’d not turn down help with her animals, I reckon. She’s fully capable, but her farm is much larger than mine, and with this storm, I doubt her help is coming in for the day.
I text again as I walk.
Gavin
Another time, then
Granny Mackenzie
We’ll come to you.
Gavin
Not a good idea if it’s storming
Granny Mackenzie
I’ll be judge of that. You’ve plenty of beds.
I chuckle as I put my phone away and finish my walk to Rhona’s property.
CHAPTER SEVEN
CALLIE
I thinkmy neck is broken. Every time I try to move it, shooting pain flies up my spine and into my skull. Was I in a car accident? Did something happen last night that I wasn’t aware of?
My eyelids are heavy with sleep when I blink them open. The smell of coffee fills the room and makes me feel cozy. I’m still on the sofa in Gavin’s living room, and the fire is burning hot, even though we’re well and truly into morning. Dust motes swirl through a beam of sunlight falling on the carpet. A fresh log was recently added to the hearth and is popping loudly, making itself known.
