Chapter 156: Ivy

Ivy's waist tingled where it was pressed up against Austin, as they followed the flow of the crowd back into the foyer. The bells choir had put out refreshments – coffee, hot cocoa, apple cider, and some homemade donuts – and following her nose, Ivy decided to head that direction instead of out the front doors. Those donuts looked way too delicious to pass up.

After she and Austin picked out cups of coffee and donuts, though, she quickly realized her mistake. More than a few members of the community were openly eyeing them, and the same question was written on every person's face – was Ivy dating Austin? Had Ivy moved back to Long Valley? Had Ivy given up on her dream of becoming a famous artist and had slunk back home with her tail stuck between her legs?