Page 68 of Snowed In
“You’re making it a thing.”
“I’m not,” he says. “What do you want to drink?”
“Can’t we just—”
“This is your home too,” he interrupts. “Sit down, Meg.”
I do. Shuffling along the seat until I’m squeezed in by the wall, as far away from the others as I can be. The table hasn’t been cleared yet, so Aidan grabs the remaining glasses, all business. “You want a Coke?”
“We’re just staying for one,” I remind him.
“We’ll see,” he says calmly and strides off to the bar. As he does, I catch the eye of Jason across the room. Jason, who quickly looks away.
Great.
Just great.
FIFTEEN
CHRISTIAN
My first proper evening at home is a long one. I’d forgotten how busy the house gets when we’re all back, especially when Liam brings the kids over. Mam makes chicken with rice, and everyone squeezes around the table as best they can. It’s the first time in months we’ve all been together, and it’s a noisy, messy affair, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Liam leaves soon after dinner with his two exhausted children, while Andrew disappears with Molly, and my parents settle down in front of the television. This leaves me with Hannah. Hannah, who’s been acting extra clingy since our conversation by the lake. So much so that I’m not surprised when she finds me a little after nine, slinking into the back room where I’m trying to read. It barely takes two minutes of sighing and wheedling before I agree to take her to the pub.
It’s not exactly a unique idea in the village. The place is so busy I have to park on the side of the road, and I’m tired just thinking about all the people inside, but Hannah’s practically skipping as she walks alongside me, delighting in being out after hours of studying. “My hand is cramping,” she says. “I have essay cramp.”
“That’s not a thing.”
“You know what will solve it?” she continues sweetly. “A vodka lime. Bought by you.”
“I drove. Why do I have to buy?”
“Because I’m a poor student,” she says with aduhvoice and pushes open the swinging door with her shoulder. She stops immediately with a dramatic gasp, and I almost walk straight into her. “Sophie’s here,” she says, grabbing my arm. “I’m trying to get her to be my model for our summer showcase, but she keeps saying no.”
“I can’t imagine why,” I say, shaking her off me. I look around for somewhere to sit, already tired. “Alright. How about you grab some stools and I’ll—”
“Are youserious?” she interrupts, and I swear I’m just about to turn around and head home when I follow her gaze across the room to where Megan sits stiff-shouldered in a booth, talking to a man in a knitted beanie. Her red coat is cushioned between her body and the wall, and there’s a novelty snowflake clip in her hair that she somehow makes look elegant. “You planned this,” Hannah continues.
“No, I didn’t,” I say. “If I had, I would have made you stay home. And this was your idea in the first place.”
She makes a dismissive noise. “Who’s that? Her other boyfriend?”
“Funny.” But I feel oddly nervous until the man finally heads to the bar, and I get a view of his face. “It’s her brother.”
“He says, relieved. I’m going to play pool.”
“No, you’re not.” I grab her wrist before she can run off, sensing an opportunity. “You’re going to say hi first.”
“But—”
“And you’re going to give her a chance,” I finish, glancing back to see Megan’s spotted us. She holds up an awkward hand when our eyes meet, and I smile in response, even as Hannah tugs on my hold.
“This was supposed to be a sibling night out.”
“Don’t even try it. You were just about to desert me for Sophie. Now be nice, or I’ll drop an ice cube down your sweater.”
I don’t dare release her as I cross the room, not stopping until we’re right by Megan’s table. We stare at each other for a beat, and I almost expect a repeat of the awkwardness in her mother’s kitchen when she straightens with a cheerful look.
“Hi!”
