Chapter 153: Austin

The clear, bitterly cold air hurt his lungs with every breath, a cloud drifting up from the nostrils of Bob as they plodded along. It was the perfect winter day – cold, bright, and beautiful, ice and snow sparkling as far as the eye could see.

He'd thought about asking Declan to go riding with him this morning, but then decided against it, figuring he was probably spending all of his free time with Iris. After being apart for years, Austin knew it only made sense that his friend would want to spend as much time as possible with her, although it did leave Austin a little lonely.

Too bad Ivy has gone back to California.

Austin shoved that thought away. Ivy was gone, and wouldn't be back. One moment of staring at each other, almost kissing – what was that even about?! – before that damn Tiffany showed up, did not a relationship make.