Page 21 of Frozen Hearts

“Last night. Sushi got out of his fence. I was running around in the rain trying to find him when Mel pulled up. She offered to drive me around looking for him.”

“That was nice of her,” River offered.

“Yes, it was. We found him on the beach of all places.” At their feet Sushi gave an exaggerated yawn.

“I see he’s still tired from his travels,” River laughed. Willow gave Sushi a stern glance but when he licked her hand she couldn’t help but smile.

“Okay. So Mel helped you find Sushi. How does that lead to the two of you having sex?” River asked.

“I was feeling… Well, I don’t know what I was feeling. But I didn’t want her to go. So I invited her to come over for dinner.”

“Sounds nice so far.”

“It was meant to be. Then I kissed her. Which led to sex.”

“Okay. I mean you’re both consenting adults. How was it?” River asked.

“Honestly, it was pretty fantastic. I have no complaints,” Willow admitted.

“Okay. Then why don’t you seem happy?”

“Because I think I said something to offend her. But I’m not sure why it offended her. Or how to fix it,” Willow said.

“What did you say?” River asked, the worry was clear on her face.

“She asked me what our time together meant. And my mind went blank for a minute. I didn’t know what to say. I’m sure it was overwhelming for her, but it was overwhelming for me, too.”

“So what did you say?” River pressed gently.

“I said that it didn’t have to mean anything,” Willow gave a bleak smile. Now that she was removed from the interaction she could hear how the phrase sounded.

“That could have been said a little better,” River said with a slight cringe.

“I know. There’s just something about Mel. I just got so nervous,” Willow sighed.

“I think that’s kind of cute,” River admitted.

“No, it isn’t. I look like an idiot. I can only imagine what Mel must think. And now I have to deliver her clothes from last night. I have no idea what I should even say,” Willow groaned and lay her head on the kitchen table.

“Try radical honesty,” River suggested with a grin.

“What?” Willow asked. She lay her head on her arms and gave River an appraising look.

“Tell her the truth.”

“Why in the world would I do that?”

“Because you aren’t suave. And I think seeing you be vulnerable will probably be disarming.”

“Disarming?” Willow asked.

“Yeah. You’ve been kind of harsh with her in the past. So admitting that she makes you nervous and you have no idea what to say to her will probably be endearing,” River laughed.

“I hate everything about that,” Willow admitted.

“Sure. But you don’t have a better idea.”

Willow hated it when River was right about something. In truth, she didn’t have a better idea. Willow gave herself a moment to consider what was being proposed to her.

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