Page 95 of When in December

“Your husband?”

Fiona motioned across the room toward a man with gelled hair that stuck up near the front. “He’s right over there. Maybe you can convince him how great this area is, though I think I’m already wearing him down. His parents are still around, too, which helps. Plus, I mean, Barrett and my aunt are here, too, and it would be nice to see them more.”

I narrowed my eyes at the man she’d pointed to across the room. He looked oddly familiar.

“Where in the city is he from?”

“Isaac?” Fiona thought for a second. “I’d have to ask again. I’m not good with all the little neighborhoods. But I know that he went to Oak …”

“Oak Bridge?” I filled in.

Immediately, Fiona nodded. “Yes, that’s it. Oh my goodness, did you go there too? Now, we’ll have to steal him away and see if you remember each other. I imagine, in the city, it’s a big school.”

It was, but I was starting to remember him already—and not because Isaac had been someone exactly memorable to me, but the person he’d hung out with on sports teams and in the hallways had been. He spent enough time with Aaron that I was certain that he’d remember him.

“Enough about him though.” Fiona laughed. “I’m sure he’ll come over at some point. Are you … on anything exciting now?”

“Huh?” I’d missed part of what she said.

“For Home Haven,” she prompted. “Are you working on anything new and exciting right now?”

“Oh, yes,” I said. “The friend who invited me here actually—a friend of Barrett’s—he has a small home, more like a cabin, not too far from here. It was expanded. I’ve been working on finishing the renovations there and making sure that it’s perfect for a family holiday coming up.”

“That’s amazing. Can’t wait to see the final pictures.”

Neither could I, and that reminded me how soon the photographer would be coming to take them for the magazine.

Fiona’s brow creased as she looked to where Aaron was quickly approaching. “It looks like he’s more than just a friend of Barrett’s.”

Aaron was coming toward me and only me, not looking at anyone who paid him any attention.

“Looks like a conversation I want to overhear but should probably go. I’ll see you around, hopefully. I’ll be looking for your work on Home Haven’s socials!” Fiona said. “Happy holidays!”

“Happy holidays,” I responded, unable to look away from Aaron. He stood directly in front of me now, brows low and eyes hard. “Aaron, are you all right?”

He grabbed my hand. I looked down at it. I wasn’t sure if he’d ever grabbed my hand. Ever.

“Let’s go.”

“What?” I asked, confused. “We just got here.”

“I’m ready to go.”

I didn’t want to be rude. I looked around for Barrett, who must’ve been talking to Aaron before he stormed over here.

Barrett raised a hand in a wave. I waved back as Aaron gathered our coats from the chair we left them on, but I hadn’t managed to shout out a thank-you.

“Aaron, did something happen?” I asked.

He didn’t answer.

“That was so rude. You can’t storm out of a party a friend invited you to.”

Though clearly, he had and didn’t seem to care. He barely even looked at me as walked all the way to the truck. He climbed into the driver’s side and turned the key. It rumbled to life.

“Buckle up,” Aaron instructed.

“Did Barrett say something? Are you not feeling well? I don’t understand here?—”

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