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When I lift my head up, I notice a lithe figure headed my way. “Winny, is that you? How are you? It’s been a while.”

“Hey, Monica. I’m doing great, thanks,” I answer politely. “How’s business been going? I hear the real estate market is doing well in our area right now.”

She waves her hand in the air. “Oh, you know how it is. Busy one day, begging for work the next. Being a real estate agent isn’t always the most predictable job.”

I nod my head in sympathy. “I imagine it could be stressful.”

Monica opens her bag, takes out a tube of lipstick, and applies the coral color liberally on her lips. She smacks her lips together several times and then looks at me. This time, I swear I see sympathy in her eyes. “I can imagine you do understand. Ugg, here I am, complaining about my job when I should have been asking about you. I’m sorry to hear about the rink. I know that must be devastating for you.”

I furrow my brows in confusion. “What do you mean? What about the rink?”

Monica opens her mouth in a wide O. “Wait. You don’t know? The whole town has been talking about you and Brad getting back together. I thought for sure he would have told you by now.”

I jump up from my seat on the bench. “Told me what?” I demand.

She looks around as though trying to find a way out of this situation. “I don’t know. I guess I wasn’t supposed to say anything,” she hedges.

“Out with it, Monica. You might as well tell me now.”

Monica’s face looks a little pale under her fake tan. She readjusts the bag on her shoulder before responding. “The ice rink has been sold. The deal is in place, and we’re just waiting for the paperwork to be completed so everyone can sign. It’s as good as done.”

Now it’s my turn to go pale. I feel the color draining from my face. “No, that can’t be. Gerald promised me he’d hold off on selling it. I was trying to work out a deal with him. That rink was supposed to be mine.”

“Oh, honey. You know you couldn’t afford that place. It was never realistic to think you could. Gerald is doing the smart thing by selling it to the company Brad works for. I told Brad he needed to tell you. That you had your heart set on the place.”

“Brad did this?”

I get this immediate feeling like someone has punched me in the gut. Hard. Repeatedly. At least, that’s what it feels like. The pain covers me like a thick blanket. My shaking legs can no longer hold me. I feel myself sinking down onto the bench.

I can’t breathe.

My chest tightens painfully as I gasp for air. Beads of sweat break out on my forehead, and sharp flashes of light block out my vision. Monica’s voice sounds like it’s coming from a tunnel. I can barely make out the words.

A weird feeling is taking over, and I am starting to feel faint.

“Winny, Winny, are you okay? Oh my God, are you okay? Winny! Drink this water.”

I feel a bottle of water being shoved into my hands. Monica is trying to make me drink it.

I can’t drink it. I’m going to throw up. I can’t breathe. I’m trying to suck in air, but nothing is happening.

I then hear a male voice. “What’s wrong with her?” His voice is demanding and urgent.

“I think she’s having a panic attack or something. I think she’s going to pass out. She was fine a minute ago,” Monica says to the male voice.

Warm hands grasp the sides of my head, and a familiar face etches its way into my consciousness. “Breathe. Deep breath in, blow out. Deep breath in, blow out. That’s it. Good job,” Brad’s soothing voice slowly registers in my foggy brain.

“Brad?” I ask, confused.

“Yeah, sweetheart. It’s me. I’m here, and you’re okay now.”

“Brad?”

“Yes, it’s me. You’re okay. Just breathe.”

His face is swimming into focus. Worried blue eyes stare back at me. I blink once, twice, then again. Strong arms suddenly wrap tightly around me. The comforting scent of sandalwood surrounds me, and I bask in the warmth of the familiar smell.

I don’t want to move. Brad is here, and he’s hugging me, and I don’t know what to do. “Brad, what are you doing here?”