Page 89

There was a heavy silence, and if Gabe could have thought straight, he’d have played this differently. Acting like a surly, injured animal was only going to make Alex start poking. But the best he could do was count. Count and move forward.

“So I guess the question is: Are you pissed with yourself because you slept with her, or because youdidn’t?”

Gabe stopped midtoss, the snow dribbling off the shovel and back to the little square he’d just cleared. Slowly, he turned to face Alex. Red and green lights danced across the brim of his hat and Gabe couldn’t see his expression.

“What are you talking about?”

“You and Monica. Being trapped in a cabin with her for a few days… Full disclosure, we have a bet.”

“A bet.”

“Me, Bec, Jack, and Rose.”

“On whether or not Monica and I slept together.”

“Yes.”

“You, Alex McGuire, bet on someone else’s sex life?” The most un-Alex action was almost enough to penetrate the numbing fog pushing him down.

“Well, truth be told, I wasn’t going to, but the losers have to clean up Christmas dinner. I was told by not participating, I would be considered a loser. I really don’t want to do dishes.”

Gabe just grunted, focusing back on his work. He was almost there, and then he could do two very important things. First, get rid of Alex. Second, drink himself into oblivion.

“It’s freezing out here, Gabe. Come on. Let’s go.”

“Almost done.”

“You can’t stay out here.”

“Sure I can.”

“Gabe. I’m going to be pissed if Becca gets bundled up and comes out here just because you’re being stubborn. Drop the shovel. We’ll dig out the bunkhouse and get it warmed up tomorrow. Now is not the time.”

“Sorry, Dad, last time I checked, I get to make my own choices.”

“Come inside,” Alex said in that commander’s voice that had all of Gabe’s temper snapping against that cold fog of numbness.

He slammed the shovel hard into the snow, turning to face Alex fully. “I’m not going in that house. You’ll have to knock me out and drag me. Either figure out a way to do that, or fuck off.”

Alex crossed his arms over his chest, and though Gabe couldn’t see his face due to the darkness, he could perfectly picture Alex raising his eyebrows.

“I see. So you did sleep with her.”

“W-what?”

“You’d be pissed if you didn’t, but not shut-down pissed.”

“I have no clue what you’re talking about,” Gabe muttered, yanking the shovel out of the snow and going back to work.

“The only thing that ever pisses you off is something you can’t control or shrug off as being one of life’s great cruelties. The only thing that ever truly pisses you off is feeling something you don’t want to feel.”

“I didn’t realize you were itching for a fight, Alex. I guess I could knock you on your ass again, if you wanted me to.”

“You could. But maybe you could try to listen instead. You make very sure everyone knows you’ve got a chip on your shoulder, but not why. And why would anyone push? You’re fun-loving Gabe. Quick with a grin and a joke and a sidestep should it get a little too real.”

“Been there for plenty of your real moments.”

“You have. So why don’t I be there for yours?”