Page 62 of Secrets on Ice

Fish anchors us in a quiet bay, and the boys don't even discuss it, they just start stripping shirts and diving off the back of the boat. The water is freezing. I know this because every single one of them screams like a child when they hit it and then immediately claim it's refreshing.

"Get in," Sully calls up.

"You're all blue, no thanks," Cassidy calls back.

“Come on, girls, it can’t be that bad,” Jo says before launching off the back of the boat and then screaming blue murder as she enters the water. Cassidy and I look at each other. Yeah, we’re not stupid. Maine is basically the Arctic. Issy and Collette are the next to jump in, and they scream, too, followed by Evelina.

“I’m staying with you guys,” Violetta says.

“Good call,” Harper says, with Frankston beside her. Puck jumped in with Felix, but as a husky, he probably loves the cold water.

“How are you two going? Heard about your divorces, sorry about that,” Violetta says.

“Thanks,” I say, not sure how else to answer.

“Well, now that you ladies are single, you can come out with us for girls’ night,” she says.

“V’s a bad influence, FYI,” Harper says.

“In a good way.” Violetta giggles. She's Issy’s younger sister, and a damn supermodel with all her Italian curves, she is sexy.

“Sounds fun,” Cassidy says excitedly.

“You’re new to New York, so we need to show you the sights,” Violetta states.

“She knows the good spots to find the hot men,” Harper adds.

“Not sure if I’m ready for hot men,” I say quietly.

Violetta gasps. “But you’re finally single after all those years. You deserve some fun with a hot man.”

“Sign me up,” Cassidy says.

“They may not be ready yet, V,” Harper tells her.

“I’m ready,” Cassidy says.

“You are?” I question her.

“Um, yeah. I’ve only ever been with one guy and …” Cassidy then bursts out laughing. “Oh shit, my husband has been with more people than me.” She starts laugh-crying.

“I’m so sorry,” Violetta says, consoling Cassidy.

“It sucks,” Cass tells her. “I’m also scared.”

Violetta reaches out and takes her hand. “I can only imagine. But you are a beautiful woman, and any man would be lucky to fuck you.”

“Thanks,” Cassidy says. “I want to get fucked.” I stare at my best friend, this is the first I’m hearing this. “Six months it’s been.”

“Oh baby,” Violetta consoles her. “That is devastating.”

“It is,” Cassidy says.

“What about you, Ember?” she asks.

I don’t know what to say.

“She’s the same,” Cassidy answers for me.