Page 92 of Ice Darling
I stuff tea leaves inside a mug, pour hot water over it, and carry the cup and some cookies to the sofa. Hoping for adistraction, I watch an automotive repair video on my phone while I snack.
Gordie’s mom is not a deadbeat.
With a groan of frustration, I tap the phone off and bury my head in a pillow. He was so serious, so intense, when he said that. As ifIwas the one who abandoned his family and his ex was the innocent victim.
I allow my thoughts to roam, piecing together the evidence that’s been there all along. Even before I showed up, Renthrow was dodging matchmakers and relationships. What if it’s not completely out of love for Gordie? What if it’s loyalty to his ex and the hope that she’ll one day come back to him and complete his vision of a big, happy family?
By the time the sun comes up, I’m convinced of it. Renthrow still has feelings for his ex-wife. And while there’s nothing wrong with that—shewashis wife after all, and a piece of paper from the court can’t erase love, shared dreams, and a deep history—I don’t want anything to do with it.
Forget the electricity that sizzles between us.
Forget the soft smiles and the flirty banter.
I may like a challenge, but I don’t believe in tearing up a family or being the side character in someone else’s epic love story.
I decide to reward myself for my well-constructed decision and head to Phil’s Donuts early. Last time April and Rebel brought donuts to the garage, I missed out on the chocolate donuts. I’ve been craving some ever since.
There’s already a short line at Phil’s, and the bakery isn’t even officially open yet.
I recognize a few of the people standing outside. There’s the blue-haired librarian who always pushes a grocery cart full of cat food; the construction guy whose cart is a mix of beers, vodka, and TV dinners; and the waitress from Bob’s Burgers.
Lucky Falls is a small town, and after bumping into the same faces at the grocery store and fast food joints every week, it gets easier to distinguish who’s who.
The people all the way at the front of the line nod and smile at me.
“Good morning.”
“Nice day, isn’t it?”
“Been a while, Cordelia.”
I nod in response to their greetings, tucking my helmet under my arm.
“Cordelia Davenport!” The woman directly in front of me in the line whirls around. “Hi! I’ve been meaning to talk to you. How serendipitous to meet here!”
“Yeah,” I say with a lot less enthusiasm. She seems familiar, but I can’t place her.
“I’m Marjorie White.” She taps her chest and makes her giant silver necklace jolt unhappily. “The leader of the Lady Luck Society.”
At the mention of the organization, I remember where I last saw her. She came to the garage to speak to Rebel. I remember she was really rude to Gunner, Rebel’s boyfriend, and was condescending to Rebel too.
“It just so happens that we have some open seats for our Society, and I wouldloveto talk to you about joining. Only the best and most prestigious families in Lucky Falls are invited. It’s a very high honor.”
“Mm.”
“The Davenports have a long history of giving back to the community and participating in events. Why, I saw a picture of you in a pageant from when you were a teenager.” She watches me with an all-too familiar desperation. As if her entire world rests on my approval. “It was a big, famous pageant, I believe. You were stunning in that green dress.”
My chest constricts.It wasn’t me in that dress.
“The line moved,” I point to the gap between Marjorie and the people in front of her.
Marjorie inches backward, still facing me. “We’re currently shuffling out some people and looking for new, exciting members. And it would meanso muchif we had a Davenport in our Society.”
“I’m too busy to join at the moment,” I mumble, hoping the conversation will be over.
I remember that pageant. Gwen was so excited about it.
“I’ve always wanted to wear the crown. Do you think I can win this one?”
