Page 38 of Fighting Words

“Let me try it,” Oliver says.

“Oliver, let her eat.” Alice laughs.

“No, actually that’s fine. Here, have some, but I want to try some of yours too.”

We all end up sharing. Apparently, the lamb has been on the menu for a while, but the vegan ragu and butternut squash risotto are new. The bartender—who I learn is the chef’s husband—comes around to ask our opinions. I’m absolutely no help as I only have gushing reviews to give him about everything.

My mom would love this place.

Well, she would love the food. I’m not sure she’d love the atmosphere; a cozy country pub isn’t exactly bougie enough for Patricia Collins. She wants a fancy restaurant nestled between an Hermès store and the Eiffel Tower.

After we’re finished, we sit and drink our wine.

“Freya, I never asked, what do you do for work?”

She smiles tightly and looks down. Right away, I realize maybe it would have been better if I didn’t ask. “Between jobs at the moment, actually. I was working with my mum and stepdad. They own the grocery store down the way.”

“Martin’s store?” I ask, taking a gamble that I happen to know what shop she’s referring to. It’s not like there arethatmany in Sedbergh.

Freya smiles. “Yeah, that’s it.”

“Really cool. I’ve been in a few times now. I really like it.”

She nods. “Yeah, it’s not that I don’t like helping out. It’s just, I’d like to go back and study graphic design. Folks around here are always looking for someone who’s handy with computers. It’s tough though, hard to find the time.”

“Freya’s a single mum,” Mike says proudly. “Jack’s just turned three.”

“Oh! I have a niece about that age. I can imagine you have your hands full.”

She nods exaggeratedly. “You can’t keep track of him. I mean, I swear he’s in one room then the next second, he’s clear across the house. It’s nonstop all bloody day. You’d think I load him up on sweets, but it’s just the way he is!”

“He gives me a run for my money,” Mike adds with a little chuff.

Freya bumps her shoulder into his, smiling up at him. “Mike’s good with him though.”

I’m watching them with a lazy smile, enjoying how sweet they are with each other.

Nate finishes the last of his beer, drops it on the table, and stands. “Summer, you ready?”

Oh.

Right.

I hadn’t even considered the fact that he’d be driving me home. Now that I think of it, I’m not sure how I planned to get home without Nate. It’s dark outside and I have no flashlight other than the tiny one on my phone. I suppose I could have asked Alice for a ride, assuming she has a car, but well…I have no choice but to stand.

“Yes, right. Okay.”

I make sure to grab my bags and offer to pay, but apparently, Nate’s already taken care of it. He’s covered everyone’s dinner, actually. It’s kind and the group thanks him, but he clears his throat like the whole thing makes him a little uncomfortable.

As I do my round of goodbyes, I ask Freya to see a picture of Jack. She’s scrolling through an endless album of photos on her phone when Nate touches my elbow.

“I’m worried about the snow. Let’s set out.”

“Yes, yes. Sorry.”

Alice comes over to give me a hug, and I thank her quickly for inviting me to dinner.

“Of course. Don’t be a stranger. It was nice having another girl around. The testosterone gets to be a bit much with this group.”

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