Page 9 of Her Maine Reaction

“Yes, mom,” I say, rolling my eyes. The cottage sits on the coast, and last summer we all sat out in Adirondack chairs and drank cocktails while talking and watching the boats pass. It’s was so nice. But, right now it’s all snow and ice, and I don’t plan on falling down the rocky edge into the freezing Atlantic.

“Sorry, I just don’t want you stranded out there and then freeze to death.”

“Wow, thanks for that image. It’s safe to say I won’t be wandering around. Trust me.”

“Okay.” She smiles. “Now, a huge storm is coming in a day or two.”

“That’s okay. I’ll just raid the bookshelves, drink wine by the fireplace, and relax. I could use that.”

Ally’s face drops. “I’m sorry this happened to you. What the hell is with that guy?”

“I don’t know.” I shrug. “I knew he was interested in me, considering he asked me out every damn night I was there, but…” I shake my head. “Whatever. I handled it, and I need to move on. Again.”

“You’ll find something.”

“Not in the field I want. You know that.”

“Sorry.”

“It’s fine,” I say quickly. “I don’t want to talk about it. Thank you so much for asking Dottie for me.”

“Of course.” She smiles. “I’m so happy you’re here.”

“I already stopped at the café on my way here and told Courtney we needed to have a girl’s night at the bar. So, when are you free? Can you pull yourself away from Jake?”

“Yes.” She laughs. “How about tonight? Or are you too tired?”

“No, I’m not. I could really use a night out after everything.”

“Perfect. I’ll pick you up at seven? We’ll have dinner and drinks.”

“A lot of drinks,” I correct.

“Yes, a lot. Sorry.” She laughs. “Okay, I’ll text Courtney and tell her the plan. Now, let me help you bring your stuff in so you don’t have to take more than one trip out into the cold.”

“Thank, God. I don’t think I’ll be leaving this house much unless it’s necessary.”

Taking just one trip, Ally and I manage to haul in my two big suitcases to the pink room. She’s right, I did want that one.

Dottie’s cottage has two bedrooms, each virtually the same, with light brown wooden dressers, paintings of flowers on the walls, a floral patterned rug, and wrought iron beds with big, fluffy floral comforters on top. The only difference being that one is pink, and the other is purple.

“Did you bring enough shit, Ashley?” She jokes.

“Shut up. Yes, I did bring enough. I brought all of my winter stuff. I didn’t know what to expect. You made it sound like the arctic tundra, which to be fair, it kind of is. So I’m glad I brought everything.”

“Don’t be dramatic,” she says, rolling her eyes.

“Dramatic? My face is frozen and my nipples have been as hard as rocks since I got here.”

“Ashley!” she exclaims, laughing. “Okay, I’m going to go. But I’ll be back soon.”

“Alright. Go make out with your man and I’ll just be here freezing and figuring out what people wear to go out in when you can’t show any skin for fear of exposure.”

“You’ll figure something out. I believe in you.” She jokes, closing the door behind her.

Chapter 3

Looking in the mirror, I do a little twirl and smile, fluffing my hair. Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean I can’t be cute. I went with a short black and white plaid woven wool skirt, sheer tights, black suede over the knee boots, and a tucked in, tight burgundy turtleneck sweater. My boobs look good, my waist looks slim, and the boots make my legs look longer. And luckily, the tights make what would be an inappropriately short skirt sexy, not slutty.

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