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“Janice has joined us for dinner before and neither you nor Mitch have ever been anything but friendly. I still don’t understand why you didn’t just tell them why you were upset last night. And why I got a kick in the shins when I spoke about Sacramento.”
“Because our lives are none of their business.”
“Oh, come on, Viv. We’ve known Janice since we arrived here. She’s not a gossip…”
“But her godson is a reporter. Snooping is what he does for a living and I don’t want him or any other reporter snooping into my life ever again. They don’t care what drivel they write as long as they can sell papers.”
Annie stared at her for a few seconds before she spoke again. “You know, it may not be such a bad idea to talk to another journalist, to tell your side of the story, especially after the email you received yesterday. The guy who contacted you is obviously looking to write something about you again.”
“No!” Vivian called out. “I’m simply going to ignore the email. The last time I tried talking to a reporter, it made the whole thing worse. They don’t really care what I have to say. They’ll twist it around, add whatever they think will sell the story. Facts, the truth, especially if it doesn’t suit their narrative, are simply ignored.”
“Have you read anything that Aiden has written?”
“No, but I don’t have to read anything of his to know he’s no different.”
“I have. You should, too, before you judge. Enough of upsetting news and stories. What are we doing today?”
Vivian wanted to sulk, but making faces, Annie brought her a croissant. She had to laugh at her sister.
“That’s better.” Annie grinned. “I love to hear you laugh. Come on, any ideas of what we should do today?”
Mitch strolled into the kitchen, rubbing his hands. “Can we not just stay in? It’s freezing out there.”
Annie poured Mitch a mug of coffee. “The two of you get to go out every day; I don’t. What about going out to Miracle Lake? We’ve never been there. Apparently, one can rent skates from the shack at the east end of the lake, and you can buy something hot to drink. We don’t have to stay long. I’ve made us a nice, hot lunch which will be ready when we get back.”
Mitch looked out of the window. “If you really want to go, I’ll take you, but it’s miserable out there.”
Annie was not to be fazed. “We have to acclimatize to the harsh Montana winters somehow, but how can we do that when we never brave the cold? I’ll tell you what I’ve told Viv—it’s time for you, too, to play a little, get messy, let your hair down. You’ve been worrying about us ever since we moved, but we’ve made it, big brother. We’re here, we’re adjusting, so let’s go and play.”
Before anyone could answer, there was a knock on the door.
As Mitch walked toward the front door, Vivian put down her mug. “Just don’t tell me you’ve invited anyone else to join us today.”
“I haven’t invited anyone yet, but I have been wondering whether we shouldn’t ask Aiden to join us.”
“Do I hear my name?” Aiden said as he entered the kitchen with a very unhappy-looking Mitch behind him.
“Look what the cat dragged in,” Mitch said scathingly.
“Oh, come on, Mitch. You’re just being territorial.” Annie smiled as she hugged Aiden. “Welcome. I’m so glad you’ve stopped by. What about coffee and a freshly baked croissant?”
“Thanks, no. I’ve just had breakfast. Janice is spoiling me. I…” He turned to look at Mitch and then Vivian. “If I said or did anything last night to upset you, I’m sorry. It wasn’t my intention.”
“We’ve… Vivian, in particular, had a bad experience with reporters, so we probably all overreacted, don’t you think so, Mitch? Vivian?” Annie said.
Mitch grunted. Vivian nodded.
Aiden grimaced. “Well, in that case, I’ll be on my way.” He turned around and walked out of the kitchen.
Annie glared at Vivian and Mitch. “Seriously, you two. Viv, go and invite the poor man to go to the lake with us. We usually pride ourselves that we’re hospitable and friendly. The two of you have been anything but.”
Mitch rubbed his face. “He’s upset Vivian.”
With a sigh, Vivian got up. “No, he hasn’t. I was upset long before he and Janice arrived at the diner last night, and he noticed it. And I… well, I didn’t like the fact that he noticed it.”
Mitch’s eyes narrowed. “Is there something going on I should know about?”
Annie laughed. “I certainly hope so. Go, Viv go! Before he drives away. I’ll explain to Mitch.”
