Page 5 of SnowBound

“Oh, I’m going to Nashville.”

I nodded and returned my focus to my coffee, shutting her out.

“Why are you in Pennsylvania?”

I blocked her voice, doing my best to ignore her. It didn’t do shit because she kept asking questions as if we were buddies and having a back-and-forth conversation when in reality, I was keeping quiet.

“I love it here, but the weather can be harsh during this time of the year.”

No. Not engaging with her.

Silence fell upon us. Until she decided she wasn’t done with annoying me. “Is it a connecting flight, or do you live around here?”

Would she just shut up for a second? Couldn’t she read the sign over my head that said I wasn’t in the mood to chitchat with a stranger?

“Music gig.” The words left my mouth before I could stop them. Nothing friendly about the way I uttered them. Still, my broodiness didn’t deter her.

“Oh, you’re a musician?”

I nodded, sipping my caffeinated beverage, while she droned on. “I’m attending Silverville School of Business, also known as SSB. Want to be a music executive. I guess we share a common passion for music then. What about you? Are you a college student?”

“Yep.” One-word answers, lady. Read between the lines.

“In Silverville?”

No such luck. Wouldn’t she let go? Why did she keep making conversations with me? I was good on my own, wallowing about my upcoming night, before she came along. “Some art school in New York.”

The girl clasped her hands. “Wow, that’s amazing. I wish I could be an artist. But no, I’m more into business. But I wanna work in the music industry. Growing up in Nashville can do that to you.”

The waitress came back with a sandwich and a cup of what smelled like hot chocolate and placed them before her on the table. “Here you go, darling. Let me know if you need anything else.” She lowered her voice. “And if I were you, I’d stay away from this grumpy fellow right here. He’s not really the friendly type.” She winked and disappeared through the same door she’d come through.

I huffed an annoyed breath out.

And the girl giggled.

The best sound ever.

Everything stopped, then restarted. My insides quivered on hearing it. The storm raging in the depths of me lessened. It was the most beautiful sound I’d ever heard. Clear and soothing. Warm and addictive.

My lips bent a little. I hated being in a bad mood, but somehow, I couldn’t get over the situation tonight.

“Oh, you smiled,” she exclaimed. “You should do it more often. It lights up your face.”

“Whatever.”

“Why are you being such a grouch? It’s Christmas Eve tomorrow. You should be happy. And festive.”

I grunted. Why couldn’t she stop trying to psychoanalyze me? I had my reasons, and they didn’t concern her.

“Well, you have nothing to say in your defense?” she probed.

“I’m not brooding. Just tired.”

The girl snorted. “Oh, come on. You’re full of crap.” Her digit gestured to my face. “You are in a funk. That face of yours is not good at lying.”

“Funk? You know nothing about my face, and we’re not friends, are we?”

“Believe what you want. I’m the one seeing it right now. And we’ll be friends. Give it some time.”