Page 109 of Snowed Inn

I scoff, crossing my arms over my towel. “That’s not true.”

“Isn’t it?” She raises a brow. “Think about your exes. Did any of them make you feel like Jesse did?”

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out.

El gives me a knowing look. “That’s what I thought.”

I press my lips together, my chest tight. “Jesse is messy.”

Ellie shrugs. “So?”

“He’s frustrating.”

“Sure.”

“He wears a ball cap like it’s a personality trait.”

Ellie snorts. “True.”

I exhale. “But he’s also . . .” My voice trails off.

El leans forward. “He’s also the guy who didn’t hesitate to adopt a blizzard kitten. Who treats his friends like family because his real family let him down. Who fights for the people he loves.” She pauses. “And he loves you. I’m sure of it.”

I close my eyes. “Really?” I say. “Then why didn’t he fight for me?” And that’s it, right there. That’s why I didn’t buy the ticket and go back to the inn. Jesse didn’t fight for me. He made up his mind that I didn’t want anything more than a fling—hell, he practically accused me of not being capable of anything more than a fling—and I’m not about to beg a man to give me a chance.

“If I had to guess . . . I’d say he didn’t dare let himself believe. Look, Maria. It’s the eighty-twenty rule,” El continues gently. “Jesse doesn’t have the twenty percent. The polished life, the Manhattan apartment, the corporate world connections.” She tilts her head. “But what if he has the eighty percent? What if he has the stuff that actually matters?”

I swallow hard.

Chapter 42

Five months later

It’s a Friday in June when I see the post.

I see hundreds of posts a day, probably thousands, but this one catches my eye because it’s on the Mockingbird’s profile. The one Jesse posted on for the first time the day we visited the site.

I’ve been watching the account all spring. Of course I’m low-key about it. But Jesse’s been posting regularly, just like I suggested. He even used almost all my best practices. I’ve been more than a little proud to watch the account grow its follower count significantly as opening night gets closer and closer.

He didn’t disappoint with the hot guys doing construction posts either. His army buddies are nearly as good-looking as he is. Behind-the-scenes clips had the whole thirsty-girl-on-TikTok aesthetic—sweaty muscles, sawdust flying, sledgehammers hitting things in slow motion. If there’s a Channing Tatum of Harvest Hollow, Jesse definitely found him. But I stared only at him in every photo. He looks happy. Content. Yes, definitely content. And regardless of what happened between us, I can’t help being proud to think my encouragement may have played a part, however tiny, in getting him to go for his dream.

Now, staring at the newest post, my heart nearly leaps into my throat.

Because it’s an open invitation. To come to the grand opening of the Mockingbird.

It’s a super-cute graphic with a cool modern font that says . . .

Sip Happens . . . and You’re Invited

Join Us for the Grand Opening of the Mockingbird

Crafted mocktails. Cool vibes. Zero proof. 100% fun.

📍 107 Main Street, Harvest Hollow, NY

📅 Saturday, July 3

⏰ 6:00 PM ’til the sparkle fades