“Of course we do,” Salem said.“It’s a time-honored tradition at the Ridge.”
“I’m sad I can’t go ice skating or sledding,” Poet said with a slight frown.
“Next year,” Salem said.“We can all participate next year.”
They started gabbing about babies and all things family.I gently moved Mildred off me so I could clean up the remains of our breakfast.I closed the pastry box that somehow still had a few goodies left over.
I was at the sink rinsing the plates when there was a knock on the front door.
“You expecting anyone?”I asked Hadley.
She shook her head and attempted to stand.
“Stay,” I said.“I’ll answer it.”
“Bless you,” she said with relief.
I went to the heavy wooden door and opened it.A blonde woman who looked like she was in her late twenties stood on the porch.Her hands were shoved into her black coat pockets.
“Hi,” I said in confusion.“Can I help you?”
“I hope so.”She shuffled her feet.“My name is Nancy Pruitt.I’m looking for Archer Keel.”
“Archer Keel,” I repeated with a frown.
“Yeah,” she said.“Do you know him?”
“I knowofhim,” I clarified.With my hand on the door, I looked behind me at my friends who were all staring at the woman.“She’s looking for Archer.”
“Why?”Poet asked, rising from her chair and coming to the door.
Nancy’s face went carefully blank.“Because ...It’s very important that I speak with him.”
A silver car idled at an angle in front of the cabin.The passenger side door opened and a young girl with dark hair wearing a gray wool sweater that was too big for her climbed out.
Nancy turned, her mouth pinching in annoyance.“I told you to wait in the car, kiddo.”
“Don’t call mekiddo.I’m not a kid.I’m eleven and a half.”She lifted her chin in defiance.“And I have to go to the bathroom.”
“You can use the bathroom in here,” I offered, looking behind me at Hadley who nodded in confirmation.
The girl closed the car door and trekked toward the porch.Her steps were heavy and slow, as if she was reluctant to come inside.Her hair was in two French braids that were coming undone, almost like she’d slept in them.
“You’re looking for Archer,” Poet murmured, her gaze bouncing from Nancy to the girl.Her brow furrowed.
“Yes,” Nancy said, pitching her voice low.
Poet nodded and grabbed her jacket that was hanging on a hook by the door.“I know where he is.I’ll take you to him.”
Hadley smiled at the girl in the oversized sweater.“Bathroom’s back through there.”
The girl looked in the direction Hadley pointed but didn’t move.She glanced at Nancy.
“You okay to wait here?”Nancy asked.
“Do I have a choice?”The girl’s tone was acerbic, her dark brows slashing together.
Without waiting for a reply, she rushed into the cabin toward the bathroom.She ducked into it and shut the door with a soft click.
