Page 75 of Snow Balled

“How’s that?”

“Those people… my overbearing stage mom, and various demanding directors… they kept me down for years. You screwed up last night, and you’ve apologized for it today. That’s a big difference.”

“I just wish I’d never hurt you in the first place.”

He was still pacing, so I reached out and touched his arm, stopping him. Then I moved into him, pulling his arm over my shoulder. He tilted his head and rested his cold cheek on my shoulder. “I’m sorry,” he said again.

I squeezed his hand and for a while, we stood there in silence. The woods were stark, but the snow was pristine and beautiful.

“I heard you slept with Drew. I mean real sleep, not, you know…” He trailed off.

“That’s right. It was nice. I’m still tired, though. That happens to me after things get emotional.”

“I’m tired, too. Didn’t sleep well last night.” He sighed, squeezing my shoulders. “Sierra?”

“Yes?”

“Will you take a little nap with me?”

“I’d like that.”

He kept his arm around me the whole way back to the cabin.

* * *

“Oh shit,” Carter muttered. “That’s not good.”

It was after dinner—which was the first meal we’d eaten together today—and now we were in our usual spots in the living room watching videos on the screen above the fireplace.

There were a couple new clips on Lila James’ Battery Operated channel. One was her review of a high-tech air fryer. But the one we watched right now was completely different than anything I’d seen her do.

“They’re complete Luddites,” she claimed. On the screen behind her was what appeared to be a publicity photo of three handsome men.

“What does that mean?” Drew whispered.

“They’re anti-tech,” Carter answered quickly.

“Shh,” Tristan scolded. He was still a big fan of Lila’s videos.

“Down to Earth,” Lila said. “That’s the name of their show. And what do they do? Give tips on grilling a good steak. Show you how to change your oil. Yet, stats show they’re gaining popularity among women eighteen to twenty-five. Why do you think that is? I’m twenty-four, and I’ve never once had a burning desire to change my own oil.”

Carter chuckled.

“Newsflash,” she continued. “Women watch them because they’re hot.” She put up another photo of the three men, this time with the nameDown to Earthunderneath them. I had to admit, they were three very good-looking guys. Then Lila snapped her fingers, and the wordEarthwas crossed out with something else written on top of it so that it now read:Down to F*ck.

“There,” she said. “That’s why women watch them.”

Tristan whistled. “That girl wants to start a war.”

“She might just get one,” Carter agreed.

“Have any of you ever watched their show?” Drew asked.

I hadn’t, but I was kind of curious to see what it was about—and what their response might be.

The television went dark when her video was over. “Want to watch a movie?” Carter asked.

“I kind of feel like we’ve watched them all,” Drew said. “Or at least the good ones.”

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