Page 111 of Go Back to December

Annabel turns down a road, into a small cul-de-sac. The house facing the lake is another version of Sybil’s Craftsman, with a larger second story, and three-car garage.

“This is what you call a cabin?”

“It is pretty pretentious,” Annabel concedes.

Baz swivels to get out of the cart, but Annabel grasps his shoulder. “Easy, tiger.”

“Anna, it’s fucking freeze—”

“That discomfort is nothing compared to what I will do to you if you wake up Oscar.”

The front door opens gently, and Mark creeps across the front lawn. He grips a canvas grocery bag with an aggressive illustration of a rooster.

Annabel dangles a paper shopping bag by a finger. “How much do you love me?”

“Sausage rolls?” He kisses her as if they’ve been separated for years. “I love you to infinity.”

“Annabel!” Baz hisses.

She and Mark shush him with venom.

“Oscar’s down, but he’s not asleep yet,” Mark concedes.

Annabel sighs. “Right, once around the block then.”

“Jesus Christ,” Baz curses. “The fireworks will be starting. He’ll wake up, anyway. Just let us in the house.”

“Not risking it.”

Annabel throttles the engine while she and Mark swap bags. The golf cart flies off, the whir of the motor drowns Baz’s protests.

She sneaks a glance back at me. “If he behaves, I’ll show you a surprise.”

The cart barrels down a hill, and as Annabel cuts down a path that’s only for golf carts, we bump and jolt.

Baz grips his brace. “Are you deliberately trying to piss me off?”

“My sole reason for existing.”

We delve deeper through the trees before careening to a halt in front of an igloo.

It’s magnificent up close. The intricate way the keto glass panels intersect is like something from another planet. Or a fantasy world.

“God, Annabel. It’s stunning,” I murmur.

A proud smile spreads across her face. “Want a closer look?”

With a squeal, I bounce out of the cart.

“Are you coming?” Annabel throws a glance at her brother.

I cross my arms. “I’m not sure he’s earned it.”

“I’m sorry,” he mumbles.

“For what, exactly?”

He slides out of the golf cart. “For being a dick.”