Page 53 of Cabin Fever

Olivia covered her mouth with her hand, trying to stifle a laugh. "No, not at a diner."

The two women moved toward the hooks by the door that held the coats. They were lost in conversation. Olivia was relaxed and animated. It was clear that she loved her sister and the way she looked at her, Olivia missed her, too.

"Get your coat, Carter," Olivia said after she shrugged on one of my old jackets.

"You two go and catch up. I don't feel like packing everything up just to go to the diner. Besides, I forgot the sheriff said he would stop by around noon to update me on the robber."

Bea gasped. "Robber? You were robbed?"

"It's a long story, Bea. I'll update you in the truck."

"She can tell you how she knocked the guy unconscious," I yelled as Olivia was shutting the door behind her.

I could hear Bea shriek from outside, enjoying her sister's outrageous reactions.

Since Beatrice had left the cabin, Kitty left her bed. The dog was no longer taking commands from me—Olivia was the new leader in her eyes. And now with Bea, Kitty barely noticed me.

"I guess it's just you and me for lunch, Kitty. Just like the old days."

Kitty whimpered and sat, staring at the front door.

"Jeez. Tell me how you really feel."

I moved around the table and took over Bea's vacated chair. Now I was sitting and staring at the front door, too.

It had only been two-and-a-half weeks but being alone with Kitty didn't seem normal anymore. It felt lonely.

SEVENTEEN

Olivia

"AND WHO IS THAT PIECEof silky luxury?" Bea's eyes flickered to her left as she brought the white diner mug to her mouth. This was her third cup of coffee since we arrived at the Fire and Ice diner.

I turned my head and saw a man with short, dirty blond hair at the cash register speaking to Debbie.

"I have no idea. But Debbie is pointing at you and he's looking over here."

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