I was cold, but just existing with josh like this kept me from feeling the discomfort of my frozen toes and fingers while we wandered, snacking on cherries and drinking coffee. Josh was patient and present with my kids, as he always was, buying treats and stopping them before they tried the chili pepper jelly and the stinky cheese.
“Do you need to get right home?” he asked as the kids ran wild on the town green.
Julian had found Jacob, and they’d roped Ellie and Maggie into a game of tag with really convoluted rules.
“No. We’ve got nothing today.”
“Great.” He gave me an awkward grin that instantly made me suspicious. “Give me one second.”
Before I could question him, he strode away. When he returned, Frankie Dunne was at his side.
I’d seen her once or twice but had never spoken to the woman. She was terrifying. Tiny and muscular with colorful tattoos, big doll eyes, and a “don’t fuck with me” air that I heeded with extreme caution.
She was my polar opposite. I couldn’t imagine hertwisting herself into a pretzel to please others the way I’d done far too much in my life.
“Frankie, do you know my friend Celine? She and her kids live in the cottage on my property.”
She gave me a nod. “Teacher, right?”
Smiling, I shook her hand. “Yes. Kindergarten.”
“Celine’s minivan is not gonna survive the Vermont winter. You mind taking a look?”
Hackles rising, I took a step back. “Excuse me?” I wouldn’t hear any trash talk about my van. Not from anyone. We’d been through a lot together. I’d bought it used with my own damn money; it was mine. It was big and boxy and slow, but it had enough room for my whole family and all the gear we’d need for road trips. I used to drive a luxury SUV. One Donny chose because it “sent the right message.” The damn thing was uncomfortable, and a simple oil change cost several hundred dollars. I’d hated it. So when the time had come, I’d found my baby blue Honda Odessey and instantly fallen in love.
It was all mine, stow-and go-seats and all.
Arms crossed, I glared at him. “It will be fine.”
He adjusted the bill of his hat. “Our winters are harsh.”
I scoffed. “I’m a Mainer. I know how to drive in snow. I can operate heavy machinery in the snow. Hell, I could bake a cake in the snow. So thanks for the concern, but I’m good.” Suddenly, I was sweating, the anger running through me raising my body temperature. How dare he insinuate that my car wasn’t safe?
“I like her.” Frankie sipped casually from her travel mug, surveying me over the top of it.
Josh pinched the bridge of his nose. “I just want to help.We’ve got a lot of unpaved roads and hills here. Uneven terrain, lots of ice. You need better tires, at least.”
I had zero dollars for new tires and mine weren’t bald. I’d make it another year, at least.
Frankie turned slowly and looked at Josh. While I was twitchy and quick, Frankie took her time, her unhurried movements making her even more scary.
“Are you trying to mansplain winter driving to this nice woman?”
A laugh threatened to escape me. Suddenly, I wanted to hug her. She’d probably hate that, so I focused on scowling at Josh.
“If she doesn’t want me to look at her car,” Frankie told him, “don’t waste my time. I’ve got shit to do.”
Yikes. I was definitely not going to hug her. But maybe she’d like a batch of homemade cookies instead. Maggie had perfected brown butter chocolate chip this fall.
Or maybe she’d want to be my friend.
Should I get tattoos? Hers were incredible.
“I’m sorry.” She eyed me, her lip curled on one side. “His Y chromosome makes him stupid. But while I’m here. I could take a look at it for you. No charge.”
I cringed internally, feeling like a child backed into a corner. Though I supposed I’d rather a qualified woman look at my car than Josh, who was being an overprotective ass at the moment.
So I told Ellie I’d be right back, then guided Frankie to the side street where I’d parked.