Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 24578 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 123(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24578 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 123(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
“And then something happened when you were about…oh, I don’t know, in middle school or so,” my dad adds, and I look around, realizing the room has gone quiet, and everyone is listening.
Now, I’m uncomfortable.
“Did something happen, baby girl?” Grandpa Steven asks.
I shrug a shoulder and reach for my bowl of fruit. “Who can remember back that far?”
“Hey.” Uncle Matt takes my hand and smiles down at me. I don’t know what it is about his eyes, but they make a woman want to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Maybe it’s because he’s a cop.
“You can tell us. I think we’re all genuinely curious.”
“I mean, am I that horrible to be around?”
“Not at all,” Meg rushes to assure me. “You’re one of my favorite people. But there was definitely a shift at that time.”
I take in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “It’s not like I was hurt or anything. I just remember some kids in my class were little jerks in the sixth grade.”
“Most kids are,” Jules says, making me smile.
“Hey,” Finn, the youngest at sixteen, says with a scowl. “I’m not a little jerk.”
“Oh, you have your moments, my darling son,” Aunt Nic says with a laugh.
“Anyway,” I continue, “they just weren’t nice. Looking back, I guess they were kind of bullies. I know that I could be loud and probably too outgoing sometimes. They often told me to shut it. Said I was too much. Needed to tone it down because no one wanted to be around me.”
My dad’s eyes narrow, and I shake my head.
“It’s fine. I discovered that you can take in more when you’re quiet. Listen more. And I really did like studying. I guess my priorities changed.”
“Basically, some little fuckwits decided to be assholes and bully you, so you shut up and took it.” This comes from Drew, who looks like he wants to punch someone. “Oh, hell no.”
“It was a long, long time ago. I like my life, you guys. I’m totally fine.”
“You may be fine,” Mom says and walks around the table to wrap her arm around my shoulders. “And you’re a wonderful woman, but the next time someone tells you you’re too much, you tell them to go find less.”
“I’ll tell my sixth-grade self that.”
“Good.” She kisses my cheek. “Now, back to the original point. I am so glad you’re enjoying your vacation. You practically glow.”
“Probably all the sex,” Jules says, and I can feel my eyes practically bug out of my head.
“Jules!”
She looks around the room and then back at me. “What? It’s not like we don’t know. You’re glowing. And good for you.”
I hang my head in my hands and wish with all my might that the volcano we’re sitting by would go ahead and erupt, ending my suffering.
“Don’t worry,” my Aunt Stacy says. “We’ll have a girls’ night and get all the details.”
“I’ve never been more mortified in my life.”
“Then you’re doing really well,” Natalie replies. “Like, really well.”
* * * *
“My aunt announced to the whole family this morning that I look so happy because of all of the sex I’ve been having.”
Dylan is driving us through the countryside to destinations unknown.
Well, unknown to me.
He knows where he’s taking me.
“It’s nice of them to notice my hard work,” he says, making me laugh.
“The parents weren’t supposed to know,” I remind him. “And she said it in front of everyone, so I was mortified.”
“You’re in your thirties, Maddie. Do they think you’re a nun?”
I watch the snow-covered hills as we pass and shake my head. “No, I’m sure not. It’s just…uncomfortable.”
“I’m sure you’re the only one who feels that way. Here we go.”
He parks and cuts the engine.
“We have to walk a bit, but I have crampons for our shoes.”
“It’s a good thing I brought the snow gear. You didn’t tell me where we were going.”
“It’s a surprise.”
He seems unconcerned as we get out of the car, and he helps me fasten the little things that wrap around my shoes, making them perfect for walking in snow and ice.
And then we set off down a path that’s clearly been traveled quite a bit, although we seem to be the only ones here today.
As we walk farther from the road, I hear rushing water. And then, I see it.
“Wow.”
Chapter Eight
Dylan
“Be careful.” I step ahead of Maddie on the trail so I can catch her if she falls. “The path isn’t steep, but it’s wet and icy. Even so, it’s worth the walk down.”
“This is incredible,” she breathes and braces her hand on my shoulder. “It’s magical.”
“Makes you believe in the magic that lives in Iceland, doesn’t it?”
“It really does. I heard there’s a witch museum here. That could be fun.”
“I’ll add it to the list for tomorrow.” I glance back at her with a grin. “Okay, watch your step.”