Page 1 of Should I Fall
Chapter One
Stormi
“For the love of all things pumpkin spiced, please go do something fun,” Erin pleads with the women piled in her lodge room. It’s the most emotion the ex-bride-to-be—my sister—has shown since someone tipped her off about Chad cheating on her with our stepsister Gwen, back in the Omaha airport this morning.
Fucking Gwen.
I knew that bitch was bad news from day one.
The room falls silent, because we’ve been trying to get my sister to talk since we boarded the plane destined for Bozeman, Montana earlier today. My typically extroverted, can’t-shut-up sister has been scarily quiet this entire trip.
I scan the lodge room, noting her room is angler themed. The picture of a hawk swooping down to catch a fish is both fascinating and terrifying. Aside from that nature print, the rest of her room is cute, cozy, and very mountain-esk. Lots of fishing poles mounted on the wall, but also lots of cute fish decor.
I might be the only one who’s secretly thrilled that our beach resort trip was switched out for one in the mountains. I don’thatethe beach, but there’s something so soothing about the mountain air that I was never going to find on the crowded beaches of Cancun.
And after the week I’ve had, I’ll take all the fresh mountain air I can get.
I also hope Gwen has shown up in Cancun to face the consequences of her actions by now. If I could only see the look on her face when she realizes all the booked rooms were cancelled and the bridal party never showed. Oh to be a fly on the wall.
I might be the only one who’s tickled pink that Erin’s fiancé—ex- fiancé now—fucked upbeforeshe married him.
I’ve never liked Chad. But insisting he hasbad vibeshas never gotten me anywhere with my family. I’m the whimsical sister who sounds part witchy, part crazy. They don’t take me seriously, except when it comes to my practical job. It’s the only thing they think I haven’t flaked on. Once they find out what I did a few days ago, they’ll probably write me off completely.
“We’re worried about you, sweetie,” Devin says, finally breaking the silence. She’s the bridesmaid I know the least. She and my sister met at a book club a couple of years ago. Devin has good vibes, through and through.
“I need time to decompress,” Erin insists, her voice unsettlingly calm.
“But Erin?—”
The attempt Alanna—Erin’s best friend since second grade and the former maid of honor—makes to interject is quickly cut off.
“No buts. You all spent a lot of money to be here, and I want you to enjoy this trip. I know it’s not what you planned, but this place is like a fucking Hallmark movie in autumn. It’s calledCinnamon Creek for crying out loud. Don’t be stupid and waste your time trying to hover over me. It’s…morbid.”
“You’re sure you’ll be okay?” Gabby asks, the murder twinkle still strong in her eyes. If our cousin had it her way, we’d be burying a body or two in the Nevada desert right about now.
“I’m only going to say this once,” Erin says, her tone level and serious. “The minute you leave my room, I’m locking the door and disappearing into my Kindle. I’ll resurface on Sunday in time to leave for the airport. You wonderful bitches better go make some memories so I can live vicariously through your stories.”
“If you need anything,” I add.
But Erin has shut back down, so I don’t bother finishing my sentence. Instead, I very discreetly leave a rose quartz crystal on her nightstand to aid with her healing. It’s the love language I speak best, even if my family doesn’t understand it.
The four of us glance at one another and come to a silent but mutual agreement that it’s time to give my sister the space she’s asked for.
The others retreat to their rooms.
But I’m too antsy to sleep right now.
I slip downstairs to the lobby, hoping to gather some brochures and plan my weekend getaway. I want to know what the charming small town of Cinnamon Creek has to offer. And maybe, I’m also being a bit evasive. Which is why I gravitate toward the most remote option first and pick up a flyer for a fire watch tower tour.
“That’s such a scenic experience,” Winnie, the sweet-as-pie elderly woman at the front desk says, startling me. I figured she’d gone home and I was all alone.
“I didn’t realize you could visit these,” I say of the fire watch tower.
“Oh, yes. But you’ll either have to hike to it or be flown out there by helicopter.”
“That remote, huh?”
“You get to see sights you can’t see from a simple pull off,” Winnie continues. “And Dash is such a knowledgeable guide.”
