Page 43 of Frozen Hearts

“Can we eat ice cream and watch a couple movies?” Mel asked.

“We can do whatever you want.” Brianna leaned in and gave Mel a kiss on the top of her head.

Brianna rose from the couch and left to grab some ice cream. She brought back one quart with two spoons. Mel flipped on the television and found their favorite romantic comedy.There was nothing more comforting than having this kind of friendship in her life.

By the second movie they were both drifting off to sleep. Brianna didn’t even have to ask if she could spend the night. She simply made her way to Mel’s second bedroom. Mel couldn’t imagine being able to sleep after the night she’d had, but she drifted off with ease.

The next morning Mel woke up to the sound of Mase panting in the bed beside her. Since she and Willow had been dating, they had developed a schedule of taking Mase and Sushi to the dog park first thing in the morning. Mel had come to enjoy the ritual. She and Willow would drink their coffees while their dogs played together. This morning she was running late, and Mase was having none of it. Mel rolled over to face the dog who gave a concerned whine.

“Okay. I’m up,” Mel groaned. Mase hopped from the bed and ran to the bedroom door.

Mel moaned and rolled out of bed. She slid her shoes on and ventured out of her bedroom. She was surprised to see Brianna awake and drinking coffee at the kitchen table.

“I’m taking Mase to the dog park. I’ll be back in a little bit,” Mel sighed.

“I’ll come with you,” Brianna laughed.

“You sure? You don’t have to get up.”

“Of course, I’m coming.” Brianna rolled her eyes and smiled.

Mel could see Willow’s red hair even from a distance. She smiled as she opened the gate to let Mase run inside. Mel raised her hand to wave then dropped it immediately. Willow was standing with Amy. Mel’s heart cracked even more. Brianna followed her gaze and gave a low groan.

“Are you going to go talk to her?” Brianna asked.

“I mean she’s here with her ex. That pretty much tells me everything I need to know.”

“Can I go talk to her?” Brianna asked, her tone lowered.

“No. You’re going to stay right here with me. You help me stay brave,” Mel insisted. The compliment worked, Brianna looped arms with her and walked to the other side of the park.

Mase and Sushi had found one another and began playing. Mel saw the moment that Willow noticed her arrival. Willow’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. Her lips turned to a frown as she looked between Mel and Amy. It was more than enough for Mel. If this was such a difficult decision for Willow, then their love wasn’t meant to be. Mel could never accept someone who could only love her halfway.

Mel forced herself to look away first. Even though her body tingled with the desire to be close to Willow.

“Are you okay?” Brianna asked.

“I will be,” Mel admitted.

“Should we get going?”

“Yeah. Let’s get out of here,” Mel said. Mel called Mase, and he came over reluctantly. Mel clipped the leash on his collar and turned to go.

“Mel, wait,” Willow called out. As much as Mel wanted to ignore Willow she couldn’t. Mel turned to greet the woman just in time for Willow to run right into her. Willow’s shoulder smashed hard against Mel’s shoulder. Apparently Willow had been expecting a chase.

“Sorry,” Willow stammered as Mel rubbed her nose. She glanced at her hand and saw a red smear. Was she bleeding? The grimace on Brianna’s face confirmed her suspicions. Brianna glanced quickly between Willow and Mel, then slid her eyes over to Amy.

“I’m going to get her home,” Brianna said with concern. She took Mase’s leash and wrapped an arm around Mel’s shoulders.

“Thank you,” Mel whispered to Brianna.

“I do need to get you home. That’s quite the nosebleed,” Brianna chuckled.

Mel forced herself not to look back at Willow. What would be the point of seeing Willow leave her and choose Amy? She could feel Willow watching her as they walked away.

Once they got back to her place Brianna forced Mel to sit on the couch. Mel could hear Brianna rummaging around in her kitchen. Brianna brought her a wet paper towel to cover her nose with.

“This is going to make quite the impression tonight at work,” Mel whined.

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