Page 6 of Snowed In on Valentine's Day

“Wait, you guys talked about this?” I flinched.

She wet her lips before speaking slowly, “Just a little. He brought it up. He loves you like a sister, you know? We both do. We just want you to be happy.”

My tone and no doubt my expression were doubtful. “Happy like you two? Mari, I think what you’ve found with him might be rare.” I added more softly, “And I’m so glad you havehim. You, more than anyone, deserve all the happiness in the universe.”

She smiled wryly. “Not all. You deserve a massive portion of it too, Haz.” Her expression changed as she looked away for the briefest of moments. “So, we didn’t really get a chance to talk about this since I’ve been working insane hours in the post-Christmas rush, but did things go OK for you at the wedding reception? You seemed really out of sorts at the end. I asked Peter, since I saw you talking to him, but he just scowled and shook his head.”

“He’s not much of a talker, that one,” I said dryly. “Yeah, we didn’t exactly hit it off. In fact, it was hate at first sight. On his part. I wasn’t his biggest fan either by the end of the night. He’s an ass, Mari. He wouldn’t give me the time of day. I talked his ear off … like, to an embarrassing level. He barely responded and seemed annoyed, even angry. So rude. But whatever, I don’t have time to waste thinking about jerks like him.” OK, that part was a tiny lie, as I had thought about him a few times. Why, I don’t know, as there was nothing pleasant about our interaction, and I was hoping I wouldn’t see him again.

Her face lit up. “Well, that’s what I thought of Terry a year ago, but look what happened!”

I grinned back at her. “You married your soulmate. And I still can’t believe my best friend is now awife. It’s the best Christmas present I could’ve gotten, seeing your happiness as you walked down the aisle—before and after the ceremony. You were stunning. And the look in Terry’s eyes when he saw you was … well, intense. That man is over the moon for you, Mari. And I love it. He’s a good guy, our Mr. Pinecone, after all.”

She giggled. “We’re still calling him that?”

“Oh, absolutely.”

“I guess that makes me Mrs. Pinecone?”

“Well, if you’re taking his last name, but I thought you were more progressive than that.” And we both burst out laughing.

“But seriously,” I said, my tone more sober. “Peter is nothing like Terry. He’s a cold, unfeeling—”

“OK, I get it. You don’t like him. But he’s Terry’s best friend, you know? He’s got to have some good qualities.” Her brows furrowed. “I don’t know him very well yet.”

“I don’t want to talk about Peter. He didn’t even let me call him Pete. But Pete is such a great name!” I shook my head in wonder.

“All I’m saying is, Terry and I didn’t exactly get along when we reconnected. I thought he hated me, and I kind of thought I hated him. But feelings can change—”

“Mari, seriously. You can’t possibly compare them. You and Terry hadhistory. You’d fallen in love ten years ago, and you never would’ve separated if not for his cold-hearted, scheming sister. Turned out you both had every reason not to get along when you met again—Blair screwed you both over.”

Mariana shuddered. “Let’s not talk about her. Even hearing her name makes me feel ill. She’s just awful. We had to get a restraining order when she wouldn’t leave us alone. I’m just glad she didn’t try to crash our wedding.”

“She’s probably too broke now to afford a plane trip out here.” She had, after all, been the sole reason the siblings had lost all their money, the entire inheritance they’d received after their parents’ death over a decade ago.

Mari shook her head. “Oh, I’m confident she’s not broke. Most likely she’s shacked up with some unsuspecting fool, some rich guy she managed to charm.”

“True.” My lips curled up in the corners. “But the best part is, who cares?”

“Not me.” She finished the last few sips of her tea and made a face. “My tea is cold. How long have we—oh, no. I told Terry I’d get home by noon so we can finish packing.” At my raised eyebrow, she laughed, but then her brows drew together in worry. “Is it OK if we head out to brunch soon?”

“Of course. The last thing I want is to delay your trip. I’ll get ready fast—just give me just a few minutes.” I rose and padded to the bathroom to brush my teeth and my hair, wash my face, and put on a knitted sweater and grey leggings.

When I stepped out of the bathroom, ready to go, I motioned for her to follow me to the front door. “Listen, Mari, I unloaded a lot on you today. But seriously, do not worry about me. Like you, I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time. I’ll be fine. I’m honestly excited about making some changes. I’ve already got plans for three book ideas based on some of the more popular events I’ve spoken at.” I paused, eyeing her uncertain expression as we headed outside. “Seriously, I am going to be great. And you two, go act like newlyweds. Enjoy your first vacation in, like, forever. And I’ll see you in six weeks!”

Somehow, that little embellishment of my feelings and confidence gave me a boost of energy. There really was something to not only thinking positively but also saying it aloud. Of course, as I told all the lovely women who attended my tours, sometimes positive thinking is the worst thing you can do. Honoring your feelings and experiences is crucial.

But right now, I was optimistic. This would be a year of change, and I would embrace it like I did everything else.

“Hey world, get ready for the new Hazel!” I shouted, beaming at the bright sky above us once we reached the café.

Mari’s eyes widened as she looked around us, seeing a few other people halt in their tracks to look at the crazy woman.

Me.

I giggled and gave her a long hug before heading home to go plan my new life.

Chapter 3

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