Page 70

“And you got lavender, my favorite color,” she says in a teasing voice.

“Happy coincidence.”

“Can I give you a kiss goodbye?”

“I’m afraid if I kiss you or touch you I won’t let you leave this room all day.”

“We’ll have to be strong,” she whispers, her mouth almost touching mine.

“I can be strong,” I say. Then I step back, open the door and go through quickly. I peek back in through the crack. The shock on Audrey’s face is totally worth it.

“Weren’t expecting that, were you?” I say with a grin. “Go back to sleep, lazybones. Coffee’ll be hot when you get up.”

I close the door, leaving Audrey shocked and, hopefully, very turned on.

Greta stands in the kitchen, holding a mug of coffee, staring into space.

“Hey,” I say.

She startles, then tries to act natural. “Good morning. Sleep well?”

“Like a rock. You?”

Greta turns to me full on and I’m shocked by how tired she looks. The skin around her eyes has been caked with concealer, but dark circles still manage to peek through.

“Yeah. Like a rock,” she says.

We’re both lying, and we both know it.

“Was Willa impressed with the stars?”

“Yes,” Greta says, coolly. She deliberately holds my gaze, daring me to probe.

I’m not an idiot. I keep my mouth shut. Besides, she’ll reject any attempt I make to get her to open up—God forbid she acknowledge that I could help her with something—and right now I need advice she can’t help me with.

“I’m going to go snowshoeing,” I say. “Back in a bit.”

“Have fun,” she deadpans, and walks out of the kitchen and up the stairs.

In ten minutes, I’m kitted up and out on the trail. In twenty, I’m using the spare key to unlock the basement door of Max’s parents’ house. I shed all my gear, sneak into Max’s room, and climb into bed with her like I’ve done hundreds of times in our lives.

Max sleeps on her side in a fetal position and I mirror it and watch her. With her eyes closed she says, “You’re kidding me right now.”

“Nope.”

She sighs and opens her eyes. “What the fuck are you doing sneaking into my bed on Christmas Eve.”

“Oh, shit. I forgot it was Christmas Eve.”

“Would that have mattered?”

“Nope. I need your help.”

“Obviously.” Max rolls on her back and rubs her face. “You know one day I’m going to call in all these favors and you’re going to sorely regret this.”

“Looking forward to it.”

She drops her hand and looks at me. “Oh no, I’m going to make you miserable, Tone.”