The entire town appears determined to document every moment.
I manage to stay out of most of them, but then Jennie spots me again. This time she has reinforcements, namely Jillie. And unfortunately, Colby.
"Perfect," she announces.
Nothing good ever follows that word.
"Come over here."
I already know where this is heading.
Jillie takes my hand as Colby gets trapped on the other side.
And suddenly we're standing in front of the rink's giant Winter Charity Skate banner.
Jennie adjusts her camera.
"Great."
I force a smile.
"Just one photo."
"Several photos."
Of course.
"Everybody look this way."
Flash. Another flash. Another.
Jillie grins through every single one.
Then the photographer lowers the camera and looks at us.
And says the words that immediately stop my heart.
"Okay. Family photo next."
Silence. Not a dramatic silence. Not a shocking silence. Just a tiny pause. Small enough that most people probably miss it.
I don't.
Because I feel every second of it.
Nobody moves.
Nobody corrects her .
Colby doesn't.
I don't.
Jillie certainly doesn't.
Then Jillie reaches out, grabs one of my hands, then grabs one of Colby's.
And pulls.
