Page 12 of Snowflakes and Ice Skates

There were other great displays, but really. Nothing could top what we’d already seen.

Late, when we got back to my house he pulled the car up to the very front and parked. “I had a lot of fun tonight, Harlow.”

I almost gasped. He’d used my real name. I looked at him and froze. He wasn’t looking at me like a little sister. No. It was more than even the attraction from the night before. His eyes dropped to my lips, which parted on their own.

Was this it?

I bit my lower lip.

“Thanks, Harlow. I’ll see you later.”

I sighed and nodded. “Night.”

I got out and hurried to the house. What was that? How had I been so wrong?

Stupid, stupid girl. Nothing had changed.

Five

I wasn’t going to spend another day on the couch. One day of being lazy was fine, but more than that and I’d go stir crazy.

After I showered and got ready, I sent out a text to my high school friends to see if anyone was around and wanted to get together.

My two best friends agreed to meet for lunch, and some other friends wanted to get together tonight.

It was just the distraction I needed. Plus, it was far away from anywhere Vince would be. I needed space from him and what he did to my head. . . and my heart.

When I got downstairs, Mom was sitting at the kitchen table with two other women.

I poured myself a glass of orange juice and smiled at them. “Morning.”

“Good morning, love. We’re just putting the finishing touches on the weekend’s party.”

Yay. Another one. A bigger one.

“Don’t forget the peppermint bark this time.”

She laughed and waved a hand. “We’ll be covered this time. Do you have time tomorrow for the cookies?”

“Of course.” I was glad I’d have some time with her without the distractions of parties or guests. We made Christmas cookies for the neighbors every year and passed them out door-to-door. Yes, it was overboard. We already threw multiple parties and gave out treats, but this tradition started before all that. The neighbor cookies were something Mom did with Grandma growing up.

“I’m heading out to lunch with Kaylie and Danielle later. Then we’re getting together with some other people tonight, so I won’t be around today.”

Mom smiled. “Sounds fun.”

With that she went back to the party planning.

Lunch was great with the girls. We’d kept in touch over the years, but it was the first time we’d all been home at the same time since high school. We reminisced over old items and caught up on what was going on in each other’s lives.

Danielle still lived in Roseville and graduated from Notre Dame. She wasn’t married yet, but had a serious boyfriend that she met at school. He and some of his friends were planning on meeting us tonight.

Kaylie was home for the holidays from New York where she was getting her masters. She too was single, and we were both excited to see who would be coming tonight.

I didn’t bring up Vince. They’d heard more than enough about him over the years, and I had a feeling if I brought him up now, I’d never hear the end of it.

“It’s been so good to see you guys.” I gave them each a hug as we left the restaurant.

“We’ll see you tonight.” Danielle reminded me before waving and heading to her car.