Page 112 of Merry Mended Hearts

BOONE

I stoodin the inn’s large dining room with a plastic goblet in hand, and took a sip of the sparkling cider being served. I wouldn’t have minded something a little stronger, but this was a family inn—a family night to celebrate the new year.

Each of the three large-screened TVs blasted the ball-drop in New York City. The streets were packed, people were shouting, dancing, celebrating, keeping their attention plastered to the large, glittering ball on its tower.

I stole a glance at my phone. Only minutes to go.

I couldn’t understand the appeal of gathering in Times Square around that many people, but then again, it had taken all of Junie’s powers of coercion to get me here tonight, and we had only a fraction of the people in the dining room than there were in New York.

What could I say? I just didn’t want to be around people, period.

Children—who were up way past their bedtimes, if I had to guess—were either nestled on their mom’s or dad’s laps or running amok all over the dining room, weaving in and out of tables and chairs. Guests sat and chatted in friendly conversation, but I didn’t fail to notice a few check their phones and yawn.

Most of the guests who’d been staying over the Christmas holiday had gone, and I was glad. I could enter the living room much easier without a Christmas tree hoarding the space. Now, it was just a normal room again.

I hardly glanced in the radio’s direction when I entered to check the fires.

Just like I used to.

Junie sequestered herself with Angelica and the other women who worked in the spa, while Mason Devries was situated on the other side of the room. Interesting.

The chef scowled in Junie’s direction. What had happened between them?

The last time I’d checked, Junie had grinned like an idiot at the mere mention of Mason. Now, it was like nothing had happened between them.

Then again, I knew exactly what had happened: Christmas was over. The radio had stopped playing. Which meant their infatuation had ended, just like I suspected it would.

It was a good thing Grace had left. I’d hate for things to have gotten any more awkward between us than they already had.

As if sensing me watching her, Junie peered behind her. I ducked my head, looking at my shoes, but it was too late. She saw me.

Junie muttered something to Angelica and then made her way over to me.

“Happy New Year,” she said.

“Not quite. A few more minutes.”

She sat on the empty chair nearest to me. “You know what New Years means?”

I slid a wry glance to her. “If you’re here to talk tome about resolutions, you can skip the lecture.”

I’d heard it plenty of times from her already.

“Christmas is over,” Junie said with a smile, undeterred.

My brows knitted. “I thought we covered that.”

“You’re still sulking, though.”

I gritted my teeth and fisted my hand on my leg beneath the table. “I am not.”

She bumped my arm. “Come on. You haven’t smiled once tonight. Not even at the little kids. I know you love being around the kids.”

“What’s your point, Junie?”

“I’ve watched you through all the sleigh rides you gave today, and you aren’t even teasing anyone.”

Her words bristled under my skin, but I supposed she was right. Would admitting as much get her to back off? “I haven’t been myself lately.”

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