Chapter 15

“Hey, guys!” I said with a tone that didn’t reflect how I felt. Heather looked up briefly from her phone to give me a frosty smile.

“Nadolig Llawen, Theodore,” Jeremy said with what passed for a smile—his was sincere, at least, but looked more like he was taking a shit than displaying happiness.

“Yeah. Right back atcha, bud.” I looked around the shop, deciding if I had any choice but to sit with these two. “Mindy around?”

“She and Scott are on their way,” Heather said without looking up.

“Okay. I’ll just get a drink.” I paused, wondering if either of them would acknowledge me further. When that didn’t happen, I shrugged and went to the counter.

I was walking back with my white hot chocolate and a cookie when Scott and Min walked in, shaking snow off their boots.

“THEO!!!” Min shrieked into the small café. I cringed, not making eye contact. “Oh, my God, oh, my God, oh, my God! Is it true?” She’d rushed me, catching me in a hug as I struggled to put down my food next to Jeremy.