Chapter 2

The bus got delayed.

The driver called to say a rock slide closed the highway. He was three hours out.

Mrs. Lloyd, the owner's wife, offered me lunch. As she set down a bowl of hot noodles, an RV pulled up outside.

Juliet stepped out through the door, her cheeks flushed red from the heat.

"Diana, why aren't you answering your phone?"

She leaned against the counter, huffing with annoyance.

"Ethan realized he forgot the camera gear. He drove two hours back so I could grab it. Come help me carry this."

I didn't move.

Juliet followed my gaze to the heavy pack by the wall. She yanked the handle. It didn't budge.

"It's loaded with three camera lenses. It's freezing up here, don't throw a fit."

She glanced out the window.

Once she was sure Ethan hadn't followed her inside, her voice dropped.

"Last night was an accident. We were supposed to turn around, but the view on the far side of the lake was incredible.

"Ethan said you're always sensible. He knew you'd be fine at the station."

I picked up my fork and asked calmly, "Where is he?"

"Napping in the truck."

She made it sound so reasonable, as if making Ethan wait in the drive while I did the heavy lifting was standard routine.

Then she pointed to the jacket she was wearing.

"I need to borrow your coat for a few days. The nights are freezing and I left mine at the dorm."

"Take it off."

Juliet’s hand froze on the zipper.

"What?"

"Take my jacket off. Right now!"

Mrs. Lloyd came out with another dish.

Sensing the tension, she quietly set the plate on the table.

Juliet’s face turned sour, but she forced a laugh.

"You're making a scene over a coat? I was freezing last night. Ethan found it in the back and handed it to me.

“Did you want him to just let me get sick?"

I put down my fork and stood up.

"My mom bought me that jacket. You didn't ask me. Neither did Ethan.

"Take it off and give it back."

The RV door slammed outside.

Ethan walked in, rubbing his temples.

Seeing the standoff, he pulled Juliet half a step behind him.

"What's going on now?"

"She's telling me to strip in public," Juliet muttered.

Ethan’s drowsiness evaporated. He glared at me.

"She isn't wearing a t-shirt underneath. You expect her to take it off here? Her own coat is in the truck and it's covered in mud!"

Ethan leaned down and hoisted the camera bag. It took him two tries to get a grip.

I had carried that exact weight for a mile last year so he and Juliet could chase the sunset light.

Neither of them lent a free hand.

Back then, Ethan smiled and promised to cook me dinner at camp.

That night, he spent three hours helping Juliet edit photos while I cooked for all three of us.

Juliet unzipped the coat. She was indeed only wearing undies beneath it.

Ethan immediately peeled off his own hoodie and threw it over her shoulders.

Then he patted down my jacket and shoved it into my hands.

"There. You have your jacket back. Can we go?"

I held the coat. The collar smelled like someone else's perfume.

"I'm heading back to the city."

Ethan blinked, as if he misheard.

"What for?"

"To pick up some things."

"It's not like you need them today."

He handed the lighter bag to Juliet and turned back to me.

"Since the bus isn't here yet, just get in the truck. We'll sort out the rooms at the inn."

"I'm taking the bus."

Ethan stared at me for a few seconds, then let out a dry laugh.

"Still sulking over last night?

"Fine. Cool off for a bit. Call me when you get to the inn tonight."

He was completely sure I would show up.

Juliet’s brow unpuckered.

She grabbed the smaller pack and headed for the exit.

Before climbing inside, she called over her shoulder, "I changed the truck's Bluetooth playlist, by the way. Hope you don't mind."

I laid the jacket over my lap and said nothing.

As the RV pulled away from the station, Ethan tapped the horn twice.

Just like every argument before this, it was his way of telling me not to stretch out the drama.