Page 43 of Catch Yourself a Snowmance
Noelle smiles at me. “Trust me, he’s coming.”
Her phone chimes. She looks down at it.
When she looks up, she’s smiling right at me. “Well, well, well. I think we have our answer.”
I smile at her. It can’t be bad the way she’s beaming from ear to ear.
“Liam just texted. They’re leaving the mountain right now. The cabin’s empty and locked up and the key’s been turned in. And …” She wags her eyebrows, and grins widely. “Carson asked Liam for your number. Can I give it?”
“Yes!” Tori shouts. “Give him her number!”
I nod at Noelle. She turns back around in her seat and types into her phone.
Less than a minute later, my phone pings with a text.
“Is it him?” Stephanie asks.
“It’s him.” I say, opening the message.
“What does it say? What does it say?” Jennifer asks.
I read the message out loud to my friends. “Hey, Alyssa. It’s Carson. I got your number from Liam. We’re on our way down the mountain. If it’s okay, I thought I’d come over to look at the damage with him. And if you need anything, let me know. I’m here for you.”
“Told you!” Jennifer practically squeals. “Oooh. He’s so sweet!”
I smile at Noelle who has turned in her seat again.
“Write back!” Tori says.
“What should I say?” I ask them.
I can compose my own text messages, obviously. But this is a group effort at this point. I’m the one who brought them into the middle of my overthinking paranoia. I may as well get their input now that it seems I was totally off base.
“Say something about how thoughtful it is for him to offer, and tell him it’s fine if he wants to come over. Nothing too eager, but nothing too evasive.”
“Gah. Seriously?” I stare at my phone. “Why is this suddenly hard? We talked so easily all week. Everything flowed so effortlessly.”
“Just say whatever’s on your heart or mind,” Noelle says softly. “Don’t try to figure out what he’s thinking or feeling. You’ll drive yourself nuts. He likes you. He just offered to come by to help. Be yourself. Get out of your head. Enjoy the fact that a man you like is offering to step up when you’re in need.”
I nod at her. “You’re right.”
I type a response to Carson.
Alyssa:That’s really thoughtful. I’d love if you stopped by if you don’t have other plans. Sorry I didn’t get to say goodbye. You were sleeping and we hadn’t really talked about what happens next. I thought we’d talk today.
Carson:Me too. I had a big talk planned out and then I woke to a testosterone-fest in the kitchen. I’m so sorry about your house.
Alyssa:Thanks. I have insurance. It will be a hassle, I’m sure, but it’s not the end of the world.
Carson:Great attitude, as usual. So, I’ll see you when we’re back in Waterford.
Alyssa:I’m looking forward to it.
Carson:Me too. Totally looking forward to it. I have some things I want to say in person.
Alyssa:Sounds ominous.
Carson:It’s totally not. Basically it’s just that I want to see you more after we’re home.
