Page 16 of Love is a Game

Pen’s sarcasm is sharp. “Oh, sure. Like I imagined my alcoholic father walking me down the aisle. Or even entering a church after my grandmother told me we were going to hell—because, you know, I was born out of wedlock and all.”

“Pen—” I sigh.

“So,no,” she barrels on. “Marriage never felt like something I should aspire to. And, besides, my relationships barely last a fashion season.”

“Well, that’s because you dump guys whenever things get serious,” I blurt.

Pen’s mouth drops open in full indignation. She slowly turns her head, and I brace for impact.

“You’re unbelievable, Tuck Allen. You do exactly the same thing. Are you really that immune to the impacts of your own behavior?”

“Stella and I were together three years,” I say defensively.

“Exactly. Because you’ve turbo-charged the seven-year itch into three.” Her smile is syrupy sweet. “You’ve done it with every girlfriend since high school. Think about it.”

I open my mouth to argue, but stop short. Damn. She might have a point.

“You’re a serial romancer who jumps ship the moment things heat up. In fact, I think you’re as allergic to commitment as I am. The difference is, you’re better at pretending. But the second they want more from you?Poof! You’re gone.” Pen hooks her thumb toward the window.

All of a sudden, her exuberance melts away, and I follow her eyes to a giant signage board looming ahead.

“Welcome to Blue Mountain Lake

Where Nature Meets Adventure!

Est. 1878 | Elev. 2,400 ft | Pop. 6,610”

Penelope hits the indicator. “Shit. We’re here.”

Chapter 6

Penelope

Tuck’s speaking, but the droning in my ears drowns him out.

I’m on autopilot, driving down Main Street, free-falling through time. In fact, there is no time here. This town feels untouched, suspended between decades. We’re in the lap of mountain peaks, glimpses of the sparkling lake, ancient trees, and heritage buildings that have stood for generations. It could be ten years ago, twenty—maybe a hundred.

The giveaways? Traffic congestion from out-of-towners in rental cars and minivans. Tourists glued to their phones, snapping selfies amongst the Hallmark scenery.

I drive past the library, which Tuck, Brady, and I nearly set alight by testing firecrackers in the parking lot one summer. The scorch mark might still be there as a relic of our stupidity. Past the turn-off to the police station, where Sergeant Cooper hauled us in after we “borrowed” old Mr. Carmichael’s tractor for a joyride and lodged it in the mud behind the high school football field.

Then the grocer’s, where that same faded “Cash or Check Only” sign clings stubbornly to the window. I picture the candy section tucked in the corner with its chipped jars of gumdrops and licorice. I have no idea if it’s still there, but it lives on in my mind regardless.

“Holy hell—the Tavern is still operating?” I say in surprise. “I thought that place would be condemned by now.”

“At least there’s more competition these days,” Tuck says, as I try to clear the static in my head. “Have you been back since Déja Brew opened? Awesome coffee. And Brady’s new restaurant will have really elevated the local dining scene. Can’t wait to try it.”

Tuck shakes his head. “Seriously, what a turnaround it’s been for him. Can you believe Brady settled back here—and has a teenage kid? I still can’t wrap my head around it.”

I nod. Brady’s news shocked me, too. That a woman he had a one-night stand with fifteen years ago showed up back in his life—with the child Brady never knew about. Then he told us how he’s setting up a whole new life with them, back here in Blue Mountain Lake, of all places.

My heart twists guiltily. “Brady sent me a message about Mom.” I sigh. “I didn’t get back to him yet. It’s all been so…hectic.”

“That’s okay,” Tuck assures me. “We’ll see him in person. Tomorrow. Let’s just get settled for tonight, okay? My parents made up the guest room for you.”

“Huh?” I frown. “Why? I have Mom’s place to stay. An entire empty house.”

“Sure. But Pen, she only just died a few days ago,” he says gently. “Do you really want to stay there alone?”

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