Page 30 of The Triple Play

“Where’s the fun in that?” I stand up from the cold, hard floor, and go to the kitchen in search of some more snacks, leaving the two puzzle nerds to do their thing. Trip gets up and follows me, and I sneak him a piece of jerky.

“Are you spoiling my dog?” Olivia calls out, and without even turning around, I simply say her own words back to her.

“What happens at the cabin stays at the cabin, Pix.”

Her easy laugh fills the space with a warmth that has nothing to do with the woodstove.

“Why puzzles?” I ask when I rejoin the others. Olivia sits back, her head tilting to one side. A wistful, almost sad expression covers her face.

“My mom loved them. One of my best memories of my childhood is sitting with her, working on a puzzle while Dad and the boys did whatever they were doing. It was our time, quiet and peaceful. Sometimes we’d talk, sometimes we’d just be silent and work on solving it.” She drops her gaze to her lap. “After she died, I couldn’t build one for a long time without sobbing. Then one day, my dad came to my room with one in his hands, one of Mom’s favourites. He asked me if I would build it with him because he wanted to feel close to her. I couldn’t say no.”

She lifts her head, and even though her eyes are shining with unshed tears, she’s smiling again. “After that night, he gave me all of Mom’s old ones, and I started collecting my own as well.” Her shoulders lift in a shrug. “I still find it peaceful, and it helps me remember my mom in a good way.”

Silence falls over the cabin again, punctuated by the crackling fire in the stove.

“Wow. That’s beautiful, Liv,” Griff says quietly, lightly touching her knee. “I bet your mom loves that you still enjoy jigsaw puzzles.”

“Out of respect for your mom, I’ll even do it the boring way and work on the edge with you first.” I wink at Olivia, and she lets out a soft laugh.

“Thanks,” she replies dryly.

The rest of the evening passes by quickly. The rain pounds down on the roof of the cabin, and Griff and I periodically get up to check the conditions outside. It’s hard to gauge the risk of more trees falling, but the wind seems to be dying down, even if the rain hasn’t let up.

Inside, we’re cozy and warm, insulated from the worst of it. Except for when we need to use the bathroom and have to brave the outdoors to get to the outhouse…

I continue to rib the other two as they methodically work through the puzzle, finishing the outer edge and some of the inside.

I contribute, of course. My three matched pieces sit proudly in the middle, waiting to be joined with the rest.

It’s when I notice Olivia yawn for a third time that I think to look at my watch. “Damn, it’s almost eleven. We should probably get some sleep so we can get going early tomorrow.”

Griff leans back from the puzzle and stretches his arms up overhead. I notice how Olivia’s gaze immediately drops to his chest, even if he doesn’t. He’s a muscular guy, even I can admit that as his best friend. And she’s most definitely checking him out. The immature side of me wants to do the same thing and see if I can catch her checking me out, but I refrain.

For now.

“If you two don’t mind sharing, there’s a double bed up in the loft. I’ll take the couch,” Olivia says as she stands up. She gestures to a backpack beside the door. “I’ve got my sleeping bag, and there are a couple of blankets around here somewhere. I’m afraid it’s not much, but the heat from the stove does rise and keeps the loft very warm.”

“Liv, you don’t have to give us the bed. One of us can take the couch and the other can take the floor.”

I fold my arms over my chest and glare at Griff. “Dude. I get that you’re trying to be all chivalrous and shit, but are you insane? The floor?” I shake my head. “I’m good in a chair.” I grab one of the wooden chairs at the small table, sit down in it, and prop my feet up in the other. “See? Perfect.”

Olivia chews her lip, shifting from one foot to another. “Guys, come on. Be reasonable. It’s crazy for me to have the bed all to myself.” She freezes. “Unless you’re not comfortable sharing. Crap, I’m sorry. I should’ve⁠—”

“Olivia, breathe.” I laugh, standing up and closing the distance between us. I place my hands on her shoulders and wait until her gaze lifts to mine. “I think I can speak for Griff when I say that’s not an issue. We’re totally secure in our friendship. I just don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”

“But you came to rescue me, why should you be uncomfortable?” she protests, and goddamn, I want to kiss her.

“I mean, the rescue was kind of a failure,” Griff says with a small grin. “And we didn’t come here prepared for an overnight, so really, it’s our own damn fault.”

“Oh sure, because you pack a sleeping bag to every rescue,” Olivia snarks, and my head falls back as I laugh.

“Damn, Pixie. Shots fired. Okay, listen. Griff and I will take the bed on one condition.”

“What’s that?” she asks, trying and failing to hide her smile.

“You confess that sweet chili is the superior Dorito flavour. Cool ranch is second-rate.”

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