Page 13 of Snowed In on Valentine's Day

I rolled my eyes. “We get it, Mari. OK, yes, I have had a little writer’s block occasionally.

More like every day.

Especially in the afternoons.

“Your freezer’s full, isn’t it?” Without waiting for an answer, Mari directed another pointed question at me. “When’s the last time you left the house?”

“I have stayed home a lot, yes. But unlike the Mediterranean, here in frozen-town, Minnesota, it’s cold as hell. Er, OK, that didn’t make sense, but you know what I mean. Frigid. Frostbite within seconds—the weatherman said to stay home.” Well, they’d said that last Sunday, when there was a wind chill warning.

Mariana and Terry were silent for a long moment, concern written all over their newly tanned faces. Well, slightly tanned but mostly freckled in Mari’s case.

I shook my head and sighed. “Just say it.”

“You have cabin fever, Haz,” Mari pronounced, while Terry nodded next to her.

“No, I don’t. I—yes, I’ve been home a lot, but it’s nice. Being home. Staying in one place.” This is what I wanted.

“I know you were looking forward to staying in one place for a while. I get that. But not literally staying at home 24/7. That’s not you. You’re not a hardcore introvert like I am, Haz.”

“Definitely not,” Terry said, giving me a sympathetic smile.

Were they right? I thought my problem had just been plain old writer’s block, amidst the larger career shift I’d made recently … and my best friend being out of the country.

I nodded slowly. “I guess you’re right. Well, itisfreezing here.”

“Well, how about—” She stopped, looking sideways. “Terry, what’s that weekly winter social thing they have down at the village?”

“Honey, we literally own the place. You should know this.”

She waved her hand dismissively. Social events had never been important to Mari. But I knew what she was talking about, as I’d gone there with friends or the odd date here and there.

“I forgot about that,” I said honestly. “I guess I haven’t felt that social, you know? And it’scold.”

“There’s a huge bonfire,” Terry pointed out with a grin. As though he was being helpful.

I shook my head. “No, I don’t know. I—” I stopped and took a long breath. “Fine, maybe I’ll go next time. Not making any promises though.” I crossed my arms in front of my chest.

“Hazel, you’re not yourself. Even Terry can see it.” Mariana’s eyes bored into mine for a long moment, or three. She looked over at Terry with an expression I couldn’t read.

He gave her a tiny nod and turned back to me. “So, I got news.”

My lips curved upward, hoping this subject was finally closed. “Oh, do tell.”

“My best bud from Chicago—my best man in the wedding, remember? He’s moving to Shipsvold!”

He looked so genuinely happy that I tried with all my might to keep the smile pasted on my face. “Ah. That is … that’s great for you guys.”

A look passed between them before Mari added, “I think he’s already moved there actually. Didn’t he say the 1stof February?”

Terry nodded. “Oh, right. He did say that. Then he’s already in town!”

“A normal friend would’ve given you that update,” Mari said to her husband in a teasing tone.

“Hey, he’s a great guy, a great friend. But not so communicative, that’s true,” Terry said with a laugh. “Anyway, yeah, it’s pretty exciting.”

I thought carefully about my response. Should I act clueless? Admit I’d already seen him? Mention he wasliving next door?

Another thought passed through my mind: Weretheypretending to be clueless? Trying to see if I’d admit to having encountered him already?

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