Thankfully, Holly had woken up with a start and began screaming, so she had to go. I slipped out soon after, and instead of turning toward my own cabin, I went back to my mom and Russ’s.
Even though it had been a nice morning, I also learned that I could only take Russ’s “dad” jokes for so long before wanting to bash my head into the wall. Hence, my excitement to see my fake-but-maybe-not-so-fake-but-quite-possibly-still-fake boyfriend.
“You coming to challenge us in a battle of Risk?” Russ called out to Miles.
I blanched. Risk? That game would take approximately ten thousand years.
Miles must have had that same idea because his face dropped a tiny bit. Thankfully, Mom stepped in.
“He’s just teasing. You two go for your walk.”
We took our leave before Russ could think of another game. I adjusted my mom’s beanie over my ears as we stepped out onto the snow-covered sidewalk, each with our hands in our pockets, walking side by side.
“Look at you, getting all cozy with Russ. And not a single battle wound on you.”
I gave him a look. “I’ve got a date with a bath and a book this afternoon as a reward for good behavior.”
“That sounds nice. Need some company?”
“No.” I bumped against his shoulder.
He chuckled softly. “Seriously, though, how was it this morning?” Any improvements?”
“I think so.” I gave him a sheepish smile. “I mean, I was still really happy when you showed up, so it must not have been that great.”
His arm snaked out and pulled me to his side. “Oh, really?”
I laughed and attempted a half-hearted escape but not before he grabbed my hand and shoved our clasped hands into his pocket.
We walked for a few moments longer before I said, “But it was better. I feel like Russ and I broke past a barrier between us. It’s not perfect. It probably won’t ever be. His personality still drives me crazy, but he does love my mom. And it’s kind of sweet to see.”
“Good. When we get back, you should definitely play that game of Risk. Twenty-seven hours in somebody’s company is a great way to bring people together.”
“Don’t even joke about that. How was your morning?”
“Good. My little sister got home late last night, so it’s been fun having her here. Jett and I played on his new PlayStation for a couple of hours until it just got embarrassing for me to go on. And I had a good chat with Glenn a few minutes ago.”
I stopped walking and faced him in horror. “What?”
Miles laughed and kept strolling, pulling me along with him.
“What did you talk about? Did you fight him?”
He grinned. “Almost. But he was leaving.”
“He left?” I repeated.
“Yup. Said he’d wasted enough time here already.”
“Aww, he always knows just what to say.”
“But before he left, he asked me to give him a few pointers.”
I looked at his face now, trying to decide if he was teasing me. “About what?”
“He has this book idea and wants to start writing it, but he just doesn’t know if he can find the time in his schedule to get it done.”
I snorted. “It must be hard to be so much busier and more important than everybody else. Did you give him the name of your publishing house?”