Page 82 of Falling Madly
Julian’s smile was condescending. “I don’t think you do.” He cast a cursory glance at Trevor, then turned his icy blue gaze back at me. “I’m pretty sure you’re permanently banned from Cozy Creek, all things considered.”
I stared at him, stunned. “Banned? Are you the mayor now?”
Trevor appeared by my side, gently squeezing my hand. I appreciated his presence, but this was my fight. He had a house here. Associating with me wasn’t going to help him settle into this town. I took a step to my side to create distance between us.
“I didn’t think you’d even consider coming back,” Julian’s father said, stepping so close I had to raise my chin to look at him. “But if you do, we can make things difficult.”
Julian shifted closer too, lowering his voice. “We can make your life hell.”
“What’s happening here? Ye can’t ban someone from the town they grew up in,” Trevor said, reaching for my hand again. “Or any town, for that matter.”
I sidestepped his touch, my throat so tight I couldn’t swallow, let alone breathe. More people had gathered around us, drawn by the threatening tones and general commotion. Somewherebehind me, the sled contest went on, with the haybales shaking as another cardboard creation hit the barriers. People were everywhere, adding a layer of cacophony that made my brain hurt. I spotted Peony from the corner of my eye, looking like she’d turned into a pillar of salt. Next to her, the realtor stared at me with her mouth open. I recognized two other people from high school but couldn’t recall their names.
I couldn’t do this. I couldn’t face all of them and stand my ground. I couldn’t drag Trevor into this. I had to get away.
Tears blurring my eyes, I retreated through the crowd, bumping into random bystanders, and ran down the hill toward the parking lot, past Trevor’s car and down the road leading to town. I had no direction, only a burning desire to put as much distance between me and Julian as I could. The man who’d broken my heart and my trust. Was he the reason I couldn’t take the leap and fall in love? The reason I could never let go of my independence? I’d tried so hard not to think about him, because as soon as I did, I lost my new sense of self. I wobbled. I became weak and lost and powerless, and I hated it.
Coming back here had been a mistake. A huge mistake. A sharp pain in my lungs told me I was running too fast. I slowed to a jog until I reached the next intersection and leaned on a road sign to catch my breath and wipe my eyes.
“Teresa?”
I didn’t recognize the voice behind me, but as soon as I turned, I recognized a familiar face. He smiled at me through the rolled-down window of a shiny Tesla, dressed in a blue ski outfit, complete with goggles on his forehead.
“Yeah?” I stared at him, trying to connect a name to that face.
“It’s Kyle. We met at Gavin’s party,” he said, offering a gloveless hand through the window.
That’s right! The guy Trevor had dragged me away from at that party. I took off my snow-crusted mitten and shook it.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, trying to smile just enough to not make it seem like an accusation.
My neck felt cold without Trevor’s scarf, and I pulled at the collar of my coat to shield myself.
“Just coming back from the sled competition. That was fun.”
“Is it over already?” I asked.
“Yeah. The fire department won.” He glanced around as if to check I was alone. “Are you… okay? Can I give you a ride somewhere?”
I shook my head. “No, it’s fine. I needed a walk.”
“One of those days?” He cast me a compassionate look.
I nodded. Even if he hadn’t heard the Nevilles banning me from the town, it was probably all over my face.
“You look like you could use a drink,” he said. “Maybe in a remote location overlooking the town. From a distance.”
I huffed. “How much distance?”
“Enough to make everyone look like ants, I promise.”
“So, you heard?” I cringed.
“I have no idea what those guys were harassing you about, but it didn’t look pleasant.”
“It was… old stuff.” I said evasively. “I grew up here.”
“Really? I’m just a seasonal resident. I’ve got a ski cabin up there, not far.” He gestured at the mountains rising behind me. “It’s not as big as Gavin’s but it has a nice view and a nice liquor cabinet.”
