Page 2 of Only One More Lie

Even though Juniper had practically grown up here, she still thought the experience was magical.

Even if her life here had been built on a lie.

“This is a great place to spend Christmas,” Peppermint murmured with a glance around the property. “I’ve always been jealous of you being here, and I desperately wanted to visit, to step into your perfect life.”

“It’s hardly perfect.”

“It’s better than the way I grew up. My parents barely decorated for Christmas, and they didn’t believe in presents. They still don’t. They’re such downers.”

A lump formed in Juniper’s throat. Her friend hadn’t had an easy upbringing—and it wasn’t just because her parents didn’t have much money.

Peppermint’s parents were never violent with their daughter, but they were manipulative and controlling. Plus, her dad had major anger management issues.

Peppermint had needed to get away. Her mom and dad were even pushing for her to marry a family friend—as if this were the olden days of arranged marriages or something.

They wanted to force her. Peppermint had been terrified.

“Speaking of your parents . . . have you talked to them lately?”

She shook her head. “Nope. As you know, I ditched my old phone. They have no idea how to find me. That’s the way I like it.”

Peppermint’s parents had moved without her to Seattle a couple of months ago. That was where a new career opportunity had arisen. That was also where the man they wanted Peppermint to marry lived.

Juniper knew of an old cabin on the property here at the camp where her friend could live until they figured something else out.

One thing was for sure: Juniper couldn’t tell her parents Peppermint was here. They were the kindest people on the planet . . . until it came to Peppermint’s parents. Peppermint hadn’t even been allowed to spend the night. That was how much contempt her parents had toward the couple.

Their friendship had all been cloak and dagger.

“I wish I didn’t have to spend Christmas in that cabin by myself.” Peppermint frowned and rubbed Starla’s face. “Not tosound ungrateful or anything. It just gets awfully lonely out there.”

“I wish you didn’t have to either.”

A smile tugged at Peppermint’s lips before quickly disappearing. “Maybe I won’t soon.”

What did that mean? Juniper studied her friend. Probably nothing. But something about Peppermint’s tone made Juniper wonder if her friend had some type of plan she hadn’t shared yet.

Juniper swallowed hard and glanced around, making sure no one was out here with them.

She didn’t see anyone. But that didn’t ease the tension between her shoulders.

She was probably just nervous about possibly being spotted with Peppermint.

Juniper’s radio beeped, and her mother’s voice cut through the air. “Juniper! We need you at home. Right now.”

She grabbed the radio and squeezed the Talk button. “Be right there.”

Her mother’s tone sounded urgent. She and Juniper had gotten into an argument earlier today about college and Caleb, and now Juniper didn’t feel like hurrying. She would take her time getting back to the cabin.

“Wonder what lit the fire under her?” Peppermint asked.

Peppermint had never been a big fan of Juniper’s mother.

“Beats me.” Juniper placed the radio back on her belt and then tossed the rest of the hay on the snow.

Since the reindeer needed to eat about nine pounds of this per day per animal, this was merely a snack for Starla. With thirty-five reindeer at the camp, a lot of hay and pellets was needed to keep the majestic critters healthy and happy.

“I’m going to run.” Peppermint stepped away from the fence. “We’ll catch up later, okay?”

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