Page 127 of Meet Dare

Damnit. Why did I tell Elizabeth about my desire for forgiveness from Cassie? I should have kept my mouth shut. I’ve had enough practice keeping my mouth shut over the years. Why did my mouth malfunction now?

Because you want a fresh start,my conscience reminds me.

You know what no one tells you? Fresh starts are freaking painful.

There’s a knock on my bedroom door before Beckett sticks his head in the room. “You ready?”

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?” He looks me up and down. “You’re dressed. Your hair is brushed. Your make-up is done.”

Behind him, Lilac rolls her eyes. “You look lovely, Olivia. And you’re under no obligation to accompany us.”

“Yes, she is,” Beckett disagrees. “This is a family occasion. Family occasions are obligatory.”

“I meant she can drive herself.”

“Oh. I guess we’ll see you there.” He waves before leaving with Lilac following him.

Great. If I don’t show up now, they’ll think I chickened out. I may be a lot of things, but a chicken is definitely not one of them.

I wait until they’re gone before putting on my shoes to follow. I stare at the fancy car Beckett bought me the second I agreed to stay with them while I get back on my feet. For all his bluster, my big brother didn’t hesitate to help me out. He never does. Don’t get me wrong. He bitches and complains, but in the end, he always gives in.

I can’t even begin to thank him for all he’s put up with regarding me. But I’m going to have to start figuring out a way soon.

I drive the thirty minutes to Winter Falls, but when I reach the small town, I realize I don’t know where I’m going. I pull to a stop in front ofEarth Blissand get out.

I knock on the door, but when no one answers, I peer inside. It’s a yoga studio. There’s a yoga studio in Winter Falls? Maybe the small town isn’t as backwards as I feared.

“Cayenne’s at the party,” someone calls, and I glance over to discover a man walking two small creatures on a leash.

“What are those?”

“This is Dale and Chip,” he says as he comes closer. “Do you want to pet them? They’re very friendly squirrels.”

I back up until I’m plastered against the storefront. “Um, no. But thanks?”

He tips his non-existent hat to me. “I’m off. See you around.”

“Wait!” I call after him. “Where’s the party?”

His eyes narrow as he studies me. “What party?”

I don’t remind him he mentioned a party a mere minute ago. I’ve had enough experience to recognize a suspicious older man when I encounter one.

“Cassandra’s party?”

The suspicion doesn’t fade from his eyes. “You know Cassandra?”

“She’s my sister.”

“You must be Olivia.”

“Yes.” I nod even though I want to ask how the hell he knows my name.

He points down the street. “Hang a left over there. Then, another left and the second right. You can’t miss it.”

“Thank you.”

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