Page 27 of When It Snows

Chapter 11

When life gives you snow, make snow angels.

Scarlett

Ipark my car in my parents’ driveway. I’m not ready to go inside. I stare at the farmhouse as I recite my daily affirmations.

I am worthy of love. I am worthy of success. I am worthy.

No more stalling, Scarlett.

I blow out a breath and grab the casserole I made before opening my door. I don’t reach the porch before Hazel comes flying out the door.

“You made it! I thought you’d be stuck in a log cabin with a hot police officer forever.”

I stumble to a halt. “Hot police officer?”

She rolls her eyes. “Did you forget this is Smuggler’s Hideaway? Everyone knows everything about everyone.”

“But there was a foot of snow and no internet or electricity. How could people possibly know what happened?”

She threads her arm through mine. “You’re silly. Now, tell me all about what happened.”

My cheeks heat. “Nothing happened.”

“Liar!”

She drags me inside and sets the casserole on the side table. The dog lifts his head and barks at me but I don’t get a chance to pet him before Hazel pushes me down the hallway to the girls’ bedroom.

“Now,” she says as she shuts the door behind her. “Tell me all about how sexy Weston is and everything you did together.”

I shed my coat and throw it on the bottom bunk bed. “I don’t kiss and tell.”

“Aha! You did kiss him.”

“We kissed. End of story. Let’s go get Christmas dinner ready.” I have my hand on the door handle before she yanks me away.

“No way. No how. I need to know everything.”

“We’re not kids anymore, Hazel. I don’t tell you everything.”

Her mouth drops open. “You like him. You really, really like Weston.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “So, what if I do?”

She squeals and jumps up and down. “I’m so excited!”

“Shush. Everyone will hear you.”

She giggles. “Everyone on the island is assuming you two did the bow chica bow wow anyway.”

“This island.” I shake my head.

“Does this mean you’re moving back to the island?” She waggles her eyebrows. “Since you have the hots for the town’s most eligible bachelor.”

I frown. “I’m not moving back home. Mom and Dad disapprove of every decision I’ve ever made in my life. I can’t deal with their judgmental behavior on a daily basis.”

There’s a knock on the door before Mom walks in.

---