Page 2 of Rekindled Heat

"Are you not happy to be back home?"

"I have a lot of homework for when I return. And I need to get back to the house soon."

"Erik."

"What?"

He sounds more wary than anything, and I don't want to be the one who starts a fight, but I need to say something.

"I've been selling my quilts and I have some money saved up. I think I could…"

"Not this again."

"But…"

"I think we should go back to being friends, Brandy. This whole long-distance thing isn't working, and you know it."

"I love you, Erik."

"I love you, Brandy, but not the same way as before. School is what's important right now, and I need to focus on that. I'm sorry. I have to go."

He gets up and walks away from me, from our relationship, and soon from Woodland Falls.

Chapter 1

Present

Brandy

I'm sitting at a corner table at Over the Roast, waiting for my coffee to be served. Sam, my BFF, and the shop's owner, gets us both drinks and some treats so we can talk during her break. She waves at one of her employees and says that she's taking a break, then comes to our table with a tray full of goodies. I don't know how she stays so slim while consuming so many carbohydrates every day.

"Hey, bestie."

"Hey, Sam."

She sits across from me and places my coffee and a danish in front of me. She looks at me, and whatever she sees makes her frown.

"You're up to something. What is it, Brandy?"

"I'm going to do it."

"And which one of your crazy schemes are we talking about."

"I'm going to go to Erik. Ask for a second chance."

"And when is this happening?"

"It's April. Spring is here. It's as good as any time to do it."

"Are you going to let him know you're visiting?"

"Of course not, silly. It's a surprise."

Mrs. Carter, from the table next to us, eyes me warily. She and her three friends, Mrs. Bentley, Mrs. Stevens, and Mrs. Pierce, are having their afternoon tea and scones. Sam bakes the best scones in Woodland Falls.

"It's not seemly for a young lady to chase after a man, Brandy."

"Thanks for the advice, Mrs. Carter,” I say. “But I know what I'm doing."

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