Page 28 of Snowflakes and Ice Skates

I narrowed my eyes. He was right, but it felt like something more.

“Stop being kind to me.”

He laughed. “You want me to be mean?”

“It would be easier.”

His eyes narrowed. “For who?”

“Me.”

He sighed and took off his coat. “I came to talk to you.”

He walked past me and into the family room, making himself comfortable on the couch.

I sat across from him and waited.

“I messed up.”

I didn’t argue.

“I’ll probably keep messing up too.”

I nodded. Probably.

“But I want to have the chance to try.”

“Vince.” I sighed. We’d been through this.

“Hear me out. I know you’re not planning on staying. I know you don’t want to keep us a secret. I get all of that, but I want to talk about a compromise.”

“Like what?”

“I’ll tell your parents and Steven and anyone else you want me to. I’ll buy a billboard if you want. I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy, but I need something in return.”

I nodded.

“I need you to stay.”

I opened my mouth, ready to argue, but he leaned forward and took my hands in his. “Harlow, I’m willing to do this. To go in one hundred percent, but I can’t do that if you’re going to be planning your escape at the same time. I want you to stay.”

“I can’t.”

He smiled. “You can. You even have a job here.”

“What?”

“Our company is growing, and we have a marking position open. I want you to come work for us.”

I shook my head. This was too much. “I can’t work for Steven.”

“You won’t. You’ll work with him.”

I rolled my eyes. “I don’t want to be that girl.”

“What girl?”

“The statistic. The girl that stays in Roseville forever. That never moves on. Never makes a name for herself.”