Page 55 of Wrapped in Winter
“Lief runs hot and cold. He’s overbearing then he’s distant. And in both instances, we fight. We just can’t get on the same page anymore.”
“He’s carried a lot too, girl. And you're all still dealing with it in your own way.”
Her cell phone goes off and she reaches for it. “Well, that was perfect timing!”
“What was?”
She turns her phone to show me a text from Jack.
Jack: Classic boyfriend vs big brother tonight! Drake just schooled Lief then walked out. He’s got the bar talking. I can’t wait to hear how Miss Trudy tells this story!
My eyes get wide. “Oh my god! Call him right now! I have to know what happened!”
Courtney calls and he picks up on the first ring. “You’re on speaker so behave!”
Jack laughs. “I expected this call, I’m already walking to the bathroom and away from Lief. Hey, January! Am I going to find your number on the wall in here?”
“Very funny. Now tell me what happened.” I say.
He whistles. “I brought your brother out knowing today was going to be rough. He was already in a mood when we walked in. I didn’t know Drake would be here. But I tried breaking the ice between everyone.”
I groan. “I can only imagine.”
“What?” He laughs. “I was talking about Meadow and Cole, too.”
“Jack!” Courtney yells at him. “You can’t be stirring shit up like that.”
“Sure I can. Anyway, all I’m going to say is Drake has it bad for you, January. He earned his place tonight and I think it’s just what he and Lief needed. A little back and forth to get them both thinking.” I connect eyes with Courtney and Jack continues talking. “I like him. And I like him for Lily. I know it’s scary for you, but you’ve got a lot of people in your corner now.”
“Thank you for that,” I say.
“You're welcome. Now don’t fuck it up.”
He snickers and Courtney yells at him. “Go home, Mr. Fristoni before you get yourself into trouble.”
“That’s what I’m hoping for, Mrs. Fristoni.”
“Goodbye Jack!” We both yell and she hangs up on him.
“I think you just got your sign.” Courtney says.
Chapter 23
January
After getting the scoop from Jack about the conversion between Lief and Drake, I knew I had to go see him. Courtney offered to stay with Lily and Joey while I tried to figure out where Drake was. I hadn’t been to his house yet, but I remember him saying he and Cole are renting a cabin on the outside of town. It has to be the Birch Village which is just opposite Oak Valley, the next town over.
I jump in my truck and drive the short distance to the small neighborhood, feeling like a stalker as I pass slowly in front of the homes looking for Drakes truck.
And then I find it. Pulling into his driveway I cut the engine and look out the windshield at the ranch home in front of me. It’s a decent size and I’m glad it was available when he and Cole arrived here. I get out and follow the walk that looks like it’s been recently shoveled, and when I knock on the door all of a sudden it dawns on me that I’m here, standing in front of his home. We never established what our relationship is, if that's even what we’re doing, but now I’m standing in his space, hoping to be let in.
I came to him. And it tells me I’m ready.
Before I can think any further, Drake opens the door. He’s shirtless, with a pair of sweat pants on and barefoot, using a towel to dry his hair. “January.”
“You always open the door shirtless?”
He leans against the door, “I just got out of the shower and heard the knock. Come in.”