Page 59 of Lucky in Love
“At least that means they’re not talking about us,” she said.
“True.” He chuckled. “You here to break up with me then?”
She waved him off. “That can wait. We don’t get these very often, but when we do, they’re a doozy. You have food and warm clothes?”
“I should be fine unless the power goes out for too long.”
“I was thinking about that. The rec cabin has a real fireplace. Maybe you should stay there. No one else will be here. We’re gonna close everything up through the weekend at least. We’ll see after that.”
“All right,” he said. “I’ll head into town and stock up on candles and non-perishables. You sticking around?”
“Yes. I have a fireplace too, so I’ll be fine. Let me know if you need anything.”
“Whatever you say, honey.”
“Ha. Ha.” She glared and rolled her eyes.
Pops greeted her at the door. “You didn’t have to come, sweetheart. I’m all set.”
“I figured. Just wanted to make sure. Plus, I haven’t seen you since the fiasco with Mom. Thought I’d check in.”
“I’m sorry about your mom, hon. I don’t know why she acts the way she does.”
Alex shrugged in a what-are-ya-gonna-do kind of way.
“Hey, the whole town thinks you and Brody are an item.”
“I know,” she ground out. “Brunch in public wasn’t my brightest idea. Now I gotta plot out how to break up but still save face for both of us. It’s on my to-do list.”
“He was bragging about you at the diner yesterday.” Pops crossed his arms. “Sounded like a proud new daddy announcing a birth.”
“He what?” Alex said, surprised.
“Yeah, told everyone how amazing you were at the game over the weekend. Wove a real good story about how you duped the patronizing announcer and then walked away with his cash.”
“Well, he’s not wrong about that.” Alex smiled.
“For what it’s worth. He seems to really like you. You know, more than just an act.”
“I mean, I suppose we’ve become friends,” Alex said. “But it’s nothing more than that. He’s too old for me. Not to mention too handsome. Too rich. Way out of my league. Mom may have had a point regarding that particular issue.”
“That’s not true. Any man would be lucky to have you.”
“Of course you’re going to say that. You have to.” She pushed his arm gently.
“I’ll drop it. Just floating the idea.”
“The idea that Brody and I could actually be a couple? You keep talking like that, and I’m gonna have to schedule an appointment to get your head checked.”
She hugged him goodbye. “Call me on the HAM radio if you need anything. See you on the other side.”
“Will do.”
On her way home, she stopped by the Kitchen Kart to grab some apples and vegetables. Thanks to Tess, who was big into prepping, Alex had been prepared for any type of emergencyfor the last five years. A few days of snow would be nothing compared to what Tess had demanded she be ready for.
After putting away the groceries, she walked to the rec cabin and picked out a few books, then closed up the office.
She’d just reached the top of the porch steps when the first flakes started to fall. It was pretty now, but wouldn’t be for long.
