Page 3 of Snowed Under

“I broke up with my boyfriend,” she whispers.

“Oh, shit. Sorry to hear that,” I say. Drake. I don’t know the guy well, we don’t exactly hang in the same circles. But I know she wasn’t with him during the whole speed-dating escapade. I’ve heard they’ve had an on and off relationship for a while.

She shrugs. “It’s not the first time. He broke it off last year, then we patched it up after Christmas and I moved in with him; that was short lived.”

“Ah.” I nod, like I’d really know. I’ve only ever had one serious girlfriend, and I’ve never lived with anyone.

I wait to see if she’s going to elaborate, but she’s staring down at her food.

“I’m sorry, “ I continue. “Breakups can be really shitty.”

I mean, when are they ever good? But I’m trying to make her feel better here.

“I needed a break,” she says with a sigh. “We’ve been on and off since high school, so I guess it’s all I’ve ever known.”

So he broke up with her last year, and now she broke up with him?

Seems like there’s some back and forth happening. Not that I’m judging in the slightest, but if he’s her high school boyfriend, she obviously doesn’t know anything else except him.

“A break can be justas good as a vacation,” I say playfully. “Or at least that’s what they tell me.”

She smiles. “Thanks, Cole. You’ve been really sweet tonight. And putting my bed together. That would have been impossible by myself.”

My eyebrows raise slightly in amusement. “Hey, don’t go broadcasting it, there could be a stampede on my hands for my handyman services. I’m already booked up till after Christmas.”

That evokes a laugh at least, and I can see behind her facade that she’s hurting. It’s all in the eyes and how they don’t sparkle like they usually do when I’ve seen her.

“Don’t I know it.” She winks. “If those speed dating scores were anything to go by.”

I glance up at her. That was ages ago. Wow, she still remembers that?

“Quite a hit, was I?”

“Did you even read the scores?”

I laugh and pop a shoulder. “Honestly, I was there to play cupid for Jake and Charli.”

Most of the girls there that night weren’t exactly ones I’d want to date. Charli’s friend Rory was there, and whilst I think Rory is good value, and always up for a laugh, we’re more like friends than potential partners.

“Well, it seems it worked out great. They’ve been happy ever since.”

“It was fun that night.” I don’t tell her I secretly thought she was the hottest girl there. Ever since she got back with her boyfriend, I’ve kept my crush on the DL.

“Anyone would think you were a pro.”

She laughs lightly, and it’s good to see. I’m sure she has a lot on her mind right now.

“I seriously doubt it, Cole. But thanks.”

“Any time.”

“And thanks for dinner and helping out.”

I shrug. “Hey, what are good neighbors for?”

“I think this move is really going to work out for the best.”

“See, there you go,” I say. “Things might seem a little shitty now, but it’s already working out for you.”

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