Page 65 of The Moment He Couldn’t Walk Away

Zoe - Grieving smieving. Move it, Winter, or we’re coming to get you.

Cill - Is smieving a word?

Blue - Of course. To smieve is to put something off that will really annoy your friends.

Cill - Gotcha.

Nina - Can’t I just stay home?

Blue - angry emoji

Birdie - red heart emoji

Zoe - running feet emoji, which Nina guessed meant she was on her way here.

Cill - dancing girl, champagne bottle, two glasses, and smiley face emojis.

Nina - Fine, but only for an hour or two.

Blue - Make sure you look hot!

Finding a smile, which wasn’t easy lately, she ate the rest of her pizza and then wandered into her bedroom to change. She studied the contents of her closet. Nina loved fashion and usually relished the prospect of a night out with her girls. You’ll enjoy it when you get there.

She chose tight black pants and a white halter top. On her feet were black leather ankle boots with a high heel. After straightening her hair, she applied makeup. Nina then pulled on her overcoat and wrapped a scarf around her neck.

Even though it was cold, she would walk to the Rollaway because there would be a ride home available later if she stayed longer or drank a little too much. Otherwise, she’d just slip away and walk home again when she was ready.

Slinging her bag over her shoulder, Nina stepped outside and quickly closed in the warmth behind her so Mabel was kept toasty until she got home.

The early-evening winter air slapped her in the face. Around her, Christmas tree lights were twinkling in windows. People were preparing meals, doing homework with kids, and getting ready to snuggle in for the night.

Outdoor Christmas displays were popping up, and Nina knew she really had to get into the spirit. She should put up a tree and think about presents. For the first time in her life, her mother wouldn’t be on that list.

Stepping onto the sidewalk, she headed toward the main street.

A wolf whistle from Jay Haddon, who was running by, had her yelling, “You’re an idiot. Get home to your family!”

She could hear his laughter as he ran on. Blue and Jay didn’t live far away from Nina.

The main street was busy, even considering the conditions, but that was something else that was the norm now that the town’s population was increasing. Walking briskly, she scanned the displays as she passed.

“What the actual fuck is that all about?”

Spinning, she found Blue Jay behind her, wrapped in a long jacket with a fur collar, and boots.

“Did you run to catch up with me?” Nina asked.

“I had to wait for Jay, and he told me that he just saw you.”

“So you ran?”

“In these?” Blue pointed to her high-heeled pumps.

“Right. So you walked fast to catch up with me,” Nina amended.

“Exactly. Can you believe that?”

“What?”