Star
T he idea of going to the Meet ’n’ Mingle with Barrow should thrill me, but all I can feel is dread.
As I close the Snowpack for the night, my mind drifts back to high school — to James. I’d been so na?ve, so desperate to be seen, that I’d fallen for his sweet talk. I thought I was special. Instead, I became a punchline.
I haven’t trusted a man since.
Barrow’s different. I know that much. But knowing and believing are two very different things.
When I lock up and step outside, the crisp mountain air fills my lungs. For a moment, I let myself imagine what it would be like to leave Heartwood behind—to move to a city where no one knows my past and where people, maybe, are kinder.
But then I think of Barrow’s smile, the way he looks at me like I’m someone worth knowing, and my resolve wavers.
Maybe, just maybe, he’s not like the others.
The days leading up to the Meet ’n’ Mingle feel like I’m balancing on a high wire without a safety net. Every passing moment is a test of my resolve not to back out. Ruby’s relentless teasing doesn’t help.
“You’ve got this,” she says one afternoon while I wipe down the counter at the Snowpack Café. “You’ll sweep him off his feet.”
I laugh hollowly, shaking my head. “Right. Because I’m so good at sweeping people off their feet. I’m not even good at existing in social situations, Ruby.”
Ruby leans on the counter, her silver-streaked curls bouncing as she waves off my protests. “, you’ve got charm, whether you believe it or not. And Barrow? He’s already hooked. Trust me.”
I want to believe her, but doubt has taken up permanent residence in my brain. I’ve spent so much of my life expecting the worst from people—especially men—that I can’t help but assume Barrow will come to his senses and decide this whole thing was a mistake.
The day of the event, I stare at my closet, my nerves tightening into knots as I rummage through every article of clothing I own. A floral dress feels too sweet, too optimistic. Jeans feel lazy, and my usual flannel screams I gave up before I started.
I finally settle on a black skirt and a light blue sweater. It’s simple, soft, and comfortable—but as I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I can’t help but feel underwhelmed.
The knock at my door startles me out of my spiraling thoughts. My stomach flips. He’s here .