Page 16 of Once Upon a Fall

“Sorry about that,” I say.

“Did you forget something?”

I shake my head. “No, I was wondering if I could have my room back.”

She pulls her chin toward her chest, clearly surprised. “You want your room back? I thought the inn was too busy for you.”

“Well, it turns out, it’s the only place to stay.” I could have lied and fed her some crap like I changed my mind, or I couldn’t find a better place, but I’ve always felt the truth is best.

Her shoulders drop at my words, just slightly, but I catch it. Then she nods. “Well, you paid for the week. So I guess it’s yours until next Tuesday.”

“Thanks,” I say, feeling sort of guilty again. Would it have killed me to sugarcoat my reasoning, even just a little?

Rosie turns to her work, giving me her back, and I leave to grab my suitcase.

Time to settle into the pink room and hope for better sleep tonight, and maybe less of a kink in my neck tomorrow.

Rosie

The castle had holes in its walls. The princess knew. She’d made most of them herself.

Emma: Hello family! Who’s going to the game tomorrow night?

I’ve been working nonstop on the Cinderella room this morning, finally finishing the floor and just starting the trim, when I get this text from my sister.

I quickly type back, fine dust from cutting MDF trim coating my fingers and getting all over my phone screen.

Me: I’ll be there. The Ednas asked me to escort them.

Emma: You said yes? Don’t you have rooms to finish?

I sigh. I have way too much to do and no time for the game. Not to mention the festival plans that I’ve been totally neglecting. But also . . . it was our mom’s favorite thing to do: go to the first high school game of the season. And I know Emma has tried to keep up the tradition for the family. Some years, we are great at it; some years, life gets in the way. Life is very much in the way for me right now, but I’ll be going anyway because I told the Ednas I’d take them.

I quickly type back.

Me: How could I say no to the Ednas?

Dominic: I’m a maybe.

Me: Oh, Dom! Wouldn’t you love to escort the Ednas for me?

Dominic: I’m now a definite no.

I snort at my phone. Dom would escort the Ednas if they really needed it, and he knows it. But they are the gossip duo, and Dom doesn’t like gossip.

Me: Thanks for nothing.

Emma: I’m thinking of going. Save me a seat, Rosie.

I set my phone down, and it vibrates against the floor. Another text, this time from our dad.

Dad: I’ll try to go. I always love going to the first game of the season. Love, Dad.

I’ve tried to tell my dad that he doesn’t need to end his texts with his name since we all know who’s texting, but he just keeps doing it.

I hear something thump against the floor and then Dean’s muffled voice from behind the door across the hall.

Oh, please. Not another disaster.