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The snow had melted significantly, leaving the locals with the cleanup. Coots had informed us that the tree blocking the main road would be cleared today as well. I just hoped no one was reckless in trying to go around it in the meantime. Especially those who weren’t used to the mountains and driving in this kind of snow. We didn’t often get this kind of heavy fall, but when we did, there was always an idiot somewhere who’d try to pull off some stunt.
Shadow pranced by my side. I still didn’t know why he was drawn to Cassidy. He hadn’t taken an interest in anyone else and that was just his outright personality. I couldn’t help but find irony in him being so much like his owner. But oh, how he doted on the bouncy blonde from Manhattan. It appeared she was making an impression on both of us.
Carrying a box full of groceries, I barged the café door open with my shoulder. I found Cassidy and Lori hunched over the counter looking at something. Cassidy had a freshly squeezed juice beside her. I’d shown her the blender in the café and gave her access to throw in whatever fruits she pleased. She had however been disappointed we didn’t have any coconut water. And when I asked for it at our local grocery, Max looked at me like I’d requested something alien. Apparently, I’d have to “specially” order that in.
“Wow, Eric was helping you make cookies, huh?” Lori asked, crossing her arms over her chest, looking suddenly impressed. I grumbled as I walked past them, realizing what they’d been looking at.
Cassidy flicked through my cell, satisfied with the first image that appeared. “See.” She’d asked to use my cell for a recipe while I was briefly gone but I should’ve known better. I was just lucky Thomas wasn’t here or he would’ve been relentless in his taunts. Not that it was like he wasn’t going to hear about it anyway.
I rolled my eyes; I still wasn’t sure why she’d demanded to take photos on my cell. Her service was disconnected but not the features and certainly not her camera. But the moment she’d realized she couldn’t contact anyone with it she hadn’t pulled it out since. That meant the million selfies she’d taken of Shadow and her somehow wound up on my camera roll instead.
Lori laughed, grabbing my cell from the counter and looking between me and the image. “I wouldn’t have believed you unless you showed me a photo.”
“I know, that’s why I took it,” Cassidy chimed. I side-eyed her and she raised her chest, as if proud of herself.
Lori casually took over two mugs of tea to Ann and Patrice, who listened in with interest. “Been having a good time I see,” Ann crooned from her booth. Patrice sat across from her, a mischievous twinkle in both their gazes.
“It’s been so much fun!” Cassidy excitedly announced.
That was the worst fucking part, it’d be the talk of the town. Me in my log cabin baking fucking cookies. And yet I couldn’t bring myself to deter the fun Cassidy seemed to be having. So much fun, in fact—at my expense. I was just grateful she wasn’t sharing with my sister the sweet nothings we were whispering to each other while baking those cookies or the yoga session. Now that she wouldn’t believe.
It was hard to believe Cassidy only arrived a few days ago. My sister and she acted as if they were long lost friends.
“What are you going to do about your trip to Canada?” Lori asked as she threw the tea towel over her shoulder. One of her trademark habits.
“Well, since the roads are pretty snowy and sluggish and even with the tree removed, the drive still sounds kind of dangerous. Eric suggested I could stay here for a little while longer and that I might be able to help around and pay for my stay?”
“Did he now?” Lori queried her mouth agape. My blood went cold. Fuck. My siblings would never let me live this down.
“She’s not a confident driver,” I said matter-of-factly. “You know how these roads can get.” I ignored my sister’s smug smile and stare, pulling out a sim card from the box of groceries. I handed it to Cassidy. “This is for your cell, until you’ve sorted out your plan and server.”
She seemed almost shy to accept my gift. “Thank you.” Those big blue eyes pinned me into spot. “Sorry, I can give your cell back, I got carried away.”
I placed my hand on top of hers that held the cell, again purposefully ignoring my sister’s gaze. “I don’t mind you using my cell. I hardly use it anyway. I just thought you might want to message your friends to let them know your whereabouts.”
Genuine appreciation flooded her expression, the innocent and transparent emotion tempering my nerves.
Lori interrupted. Our hands broke apart as I cleared my throat. “Well, if we’re getting chummy, and that looks to be the case, why don’t you join us for dinner at our mother’s this weekend?”
“That’s not necessary,” I gritted out. She was baiting me and it’d be like throwing Cassidy to the wolves. Worst of all, they’d ask questions that didn’t need to be voiced. My siblings would tease and taunt me until no end. It was a complication I didn’t need and had me immediately reconsidering my extended offer for Cassidy to stay longer.
Lori waved me off, her attention set on Cassidy. “Our mother would love to meet you. It’s not like we get many visitors and besides all the brothers are going to be there and I’m sure they’ll be dying to meet you as well. Our mother makes the best linguine.” Lori reached out her hand and squeezed Cassidy’s. I could see what she was doing, and it didn’t help that Cassidy looked up at me with those big blue eyes, almost pleading.
She was a self-confessed socialite, the opposite to me. Invites to events, no matter how small, fuelled her curiosity and need to meet new people.
“I don’t mind going,” Cassidy alluded. “Maybe we should make some cookies for it?”
“That’s a great idea!” Lori encouraged.
Cassidy lit up, excited by her newfound baking skill and I internally grumbled. If I rocked up with a plateful of freshly baked cookies, I was going to pay for it for years to come.
Cassidy excused herself to go to the bathroom. When she was out of earshot, I grumbled at my sister, “What are you doing?”
“Playing friendly neighbor. Not as friendly as some it would appear though.” Her gaze narrowed on me as if she was trying to find something deeper and menacing. “She’s young.”
“I don’t need your advice or opinion.”
“Ouch, someone’s on the defense.” She had a slow Cheshire cat smile. “I never said it was a bad thing, I was just curious as to how you’d react, but you’ve already answered my question.”
