Page 19 of Meant To Be

When we rolled out of bed a few minutes later, it was chilly in the room. The staff had notified us last night that the water would be cold if we wanted to shower.

“What do you think about showering?” I asked.

Piper rested her hands on her hips, eyeing the shower. “Let’s make it really quick. I can only handle so much cold water. I just need something to freshen up.”

A few minutes later, we raced through the gauntlet of a bracingly cold shower.

“I’m awake.” She grinned as she looked over at me.

We got dressed and headed down to the main area. We discovered some guests had piled blankets in one of the main rooms. A fire crackled in the large fireplace, and the kitchen was in full swing. Staff were setting up the buffet, and a radio played.

“Any news?” I asked one of the staff members.

“They’re saying at least two more days. We’re going to make it entertaining. The rooms might get a little colder, but people can bunk down here if they want. We have tons of food.”

The atmosphere felt fun. Everybody hunkered in to make the best of getting stranded by the winter storm. They rearranged the tables to leave space in front of the large fireplace. We found a table by the windows. While the wind was still whipping, the clouds broke apart to show more blue sky.

Another couple glanced around, looking for a table. I looked over at Piper. “We should let them sit with us.”

“Of course!” She waved them over.

“Plenty of room here,” I offered when they stopped by the table.

They sat down, smiling at us. “I’m Matt,” one guy said, with the other chiming in, “And I’m Jack.”

“I’m Dylan,” I replied, just as Piper responded, “Piper. Nice to meet you both.”

“How did y’all sleep last night?” Matt asked.

“Pretty good,” Piper said. “We got the extra blanket out of the closet.”

“Same here,” Jack said. “It seems like some people opted to come down here.”

“It’s like camp,” Matt quipped. “Do you think the band’s going to play tonight?”

“I heard they’re going to do an acoustic show,” I said, having gotten that tidbit from Lucy.

“They’re scheduled to play tonight anyway,” Jack commented. “After tonight, that’s just a bonus show if we’re still stranded. I hope the food holds out.”

“Lucy said there’s enough food for over a week,” Piper added.

“We could organize charades and other games,” Matt said.

Piper grinned. “I love that!”

“Are y’all from around here?” Jack asked.

“I grew up in Stolen Hearts Valley, but I don’t live there anymore,” Piper replied.

“I’m from Colorado, but I’ve lived all over the place.”

“What brings y’all here?” Matt prompted.

“The band is one of my favorites,” Piper explained. “Dylan and I thought it would be a fun weekend. What about y’all?”

“We’re from Asheville and also here for the band. I would guess pretty much everybody here this weekend is here for the band,” Jack replied.

“Where do you live now if you’re not in Stolen Hearts Valley anymore?” Matt asked.

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