Page 58 of Thaw My Heart

Truck lights flash, bringing me towards the window in a few strides to check the driveway.

“You expecting someone?” Averie eyes me warily.

She doesn’t understand my fear. Nor do I want her to know that every night when the sun goes down, fear controls me. The same as it’s been for the past year. And lately, the feeling has been getting worse. The more winter settles in, the darker it gets, leaving shadows in its wake, and it’s the shadows I’m afraid of.

“No, I’m not expecting anyone,” I finally say, letting out a deep exhale. Thankfully, it’s only Kit pulling into his driveway. It’s the first time I’ve seen his truck here in days, like he’s been avoiding coming home the same way he’s been avoiding me at work.

Proof of how much he hates me.

“I need something stronger.” I take off to the kitchen to trade this hot cocoa for something that will make me forget all about him.

The only thing getting me through today is the promise of a party tomorrow. The weather has been shit. Ungodly cold and windy. Even the cows have been protesting today with loud moos and an unwillingness to follow directions. Which is not a great combination for my slight hangover.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, lighting up Cole’s name.

“Hey Cole,” I answer, using my leather-gloved hand to block the wind from the microphone.

“Hey, Sadie,” he says happily. “We’re wondering if you have any dinner plans tonight?”

Dinner? Is he serious?

The only plan I have this evening is a bowl of cereal and several glasses of whiskey over ice, but the way he said we has my head spinning. Who else is inviting me?

“You’re asking me to dinner? Are you sure you called the right person?” I’ve never had a family dinner.

Cole chuckles. “I sure did. We’d love to have you.”

Warmth fills my chest. “Well, I’m surprisingly very free this evening.”

“Good to hear. Come by around five?”

“I’ll be there.”

Well, now I have two things to look forward to. But just to make sure there’s nothing amiss about this dinner, I text Blake.

Sadie:

Cole invited me to dinner.

Blake:

Lucky you. Annie’s cooking is the best.

Sadie:

So, you know nothing about this?

Blake:

No clue. Have fun tonight. Maybe tomorrow I can show you up at the pool table.

Sadie:

Show you how to lose, you mean?

Blake:

That’s the only move you know ;)