Page 19 of No Time for Traditions

“Are you okay?”

Brittany stared at him for a moment, unable to find her voice. “I . . .” Brittany shook her head and looked down at his hands, still touching her sides. “Yeah.”

Greg put his hands in his coat pockets. “Sorry about that.”

“No, thanks for helping.” Brittany brushed some ice slush from her bottom. Despite having fallen on solid ice, heat rose in her as she studied Greg. “Are you here to skate?”

Greg laughed. “No. Never tried.”

“Really?” Brittany found it hard to believe an athlete like him had never skated.

Greg shrugged. “Maybe you could teach me.”

* * *

“There you are.”

Brittany turned to see Scott skating up beside her.

“Scotty’s done pretty good for a little kid.”

“I saw. I took photos.”

“Thanks.” Scott spun around, stopping in front of her. He always was the best skater and enjoyed showing it.

Brittany glanced toward the sitting area and spotted Greg lacing up a pair of skates. When she looked back at Scott, she noticed him looking that way, too.

“Did I see you talking to Greg?” Scott raised his eyebrows and smirked.

“Yes, but it’s not like that. I fell, and he helped me up.” Brittany started skating.

Scott caught up to her and raised his hands. “Hey, I didn’t mean anything by that. But Greg is a great guy.”

Brittany sighed and sped up a bit. Of course, the master skater caught up and spun in front of her. Thankfully, at a safe distance.

“Oh, don’t tell me you’re still hung up on him aggravating you as a kid.”

“No. I’ve actually seen him several times since I’ve been home.”

“Really?” Scott dragged out the word, signaling he did mean something this time. He circled her again and stopped, cutting a spray of ice when he did.

Brittany stopped beside him and punched his arm lightly. “Because of him surveying the land.”

“Okay, that makes sense.” Scott swayed back and forth on his skates.

“What do you think about all that?”

Scott stood still and frowned. “It must be hard for Daddy and them.”

“Yeah, but selling Grandpa’s house?” Brittany swallowed. She needed to know if he cared. If anyone could understand how much this bothered her, it would be Scott.

“Sometimes, there’s no good decision. You just have to do what’s best for the future.”

Brittany narrowed her eyes. “How’s that best for the future?”

“Letting it rot away or having to tear it down isn’t good. Someone moving in and getting use out of it makes more sense.” Scott stared at Brittany and cocked his head, waiting on her response.

She didn’t know what to say to that. He made a good point, but it still stung. Was she the only one who had a problem with the family losing the farmhouse?

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