Page 31 of The Love Dose
The one word reply is said with a measure of skepticism.
“It’s going to be epic,” I say.
Caroline pulls out her phone. “I need to get back to Sam. There’s a crisis with the fundraiser and I left her hanging. One of our major donors is threatening to pull out because of the news leak regarding the court case. They don’t want their name associated with a strife-ridden family drama."
I open my mouth to tell her that this is precisely why she is getting away and maybe waiting until she’s back in town tomanage things would be a better idea. Instead I say, “Fine. But the moment we cross the state line, I don’t want to see that phone again.”
The words come out bossier than intended. She gives me a look and I brace myself for push back. It doesn't come.
“Doctor’s orders,” I add more reasonably.
I watch as Caroline's fingers fly over the device. “I’m telling Sam to manage the crisis herself. I know she can do it.”
I note the strain around her eyes, the tension in her jaw. I have never felt prouder of my friend. She's determined to get better. I hurry with her to the car.
The attendant helps me heave the case into the trunk then opens the passenger door for Caroline. “Madame.”
Caroline hops into my car and off we go.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Caroline
The crunch of gravel under the tires stirs me from a deep sleep and I blink awake, peering out the window of Calvin's SUV. The scene is straight out of a picture book, a stark contrast to the bustling streets of New York. Towering snow-laden evergreens frame the drive, blocking the view of the house. In the distance I see an endless sea of rolling white hills.
“Welcome to my humble abode,” Calvin says with a warm smile as he brings the car to a stop.
I yawn and step out. Huge mistake.
The frigid air shocks me into full awake mode, like taking a double shot of Red Bull while standing naked in Iceland. As bitter cold as Manhattan was, this is a whole new level. It has to be twenty below. I jump back into the car to a laughing Calvin and set my hands onto the heating vents.
“There’s an adjustment period to Vermont winters.”
“Now you tell me. I can’t feel my face.”
Calvin reaches into the back seat and hands me a gray wool cap that looks two inches thick. It’s hideous.
“Here,” he says. “Put this on. Most body heat exits from the head.”
“I’d rather turn into a block of ice than put that thing on my head.”
Calvin smirks. “Have it your way but unless you ran track in college and can make it to the front door in under fifteen seconds, that’s exactly what you’ll be.”
I look at him in horror and grab the hat, pulling it over my brow. I know I look a fright but the choice is death or beauty. I guess I’m not so vain, after all.
We step out together and I bolt around the bend, coming to full stop.
The house is pale blue with white shutters. It’s delightfully charming with a wrap-around porch adorned with twinkling lights and a wreath of fir and holly on the door. Icicles hang off the eaves like nature's chandeliers, glistening in the afternoon sun. Smoke billows upward from the stone chimney. It’s idyllic.
Calvin comes up beside me with my suitcase.
“It's beautiful,” I say, my breath turning icy as it makes contact with the air.
Calvin leads me up the steps. “Come on, let’s go inside.”
He's pulling a key from his pocket when the door springs opens and I fall back into Calvin. He reacts quickly, one arm around my waist, keeping me vertical.
“Auntie Pearl!” he cries.
