Page 46 of Playing Her Game

I turn toward him and give him a look that manages to convey both amusement and exasperation.

He flips the page.

OR THAT YOU GOT AN AIRBNB BECAUSE THE HOTELS WERE ALL BOOKED.

“Airbnb,” I blurt. “Everything else was booked solid.”

Hildy nods slowly, apparently satisfied. “Makes sense.”

Rez lowers the pad, his lips twitching. I owe him for that, in some frustrated but undeniably grateful way.

“Show me?” Hildy asks, peering into the screen with the familiar spark of nosiness in her eyes.

Lucy appears beside her, bright-eyed and cheeky as ever. “Hi, Aunt Anna!”

“Hi, sweetheart.”

“Lucy wants a tour.” Hildy informs me.

I hesitate, glancing at Rez. This house is a far cry from the average last-minute accommodation. Everything about it speaks of wealth, taste, and privacy. Showing it to them feels like putting a spotlight on the fact that I'm not quite where I claim to be.

But Lucy's excitement wins.

“All right, all right.” I lift the phone and give them a sweeping view of the living room. Leather sofas, carefully chosen art, warm lighting, and wide windows overlooking the snow-dusted lake create a space that manages to be luxurious without feeling cold.

Lucy's eyes widen. “Wow. It's so fancy.”

I swipe my hair back and manage a laugh. “I was very lucky to find it.”

“And it's fancy,” she repeats, grinning. “Just like you.”

Hildy shakes her head, though warmth softens her expression. “She's not wrong, you know.”

Rez hovers nearby, remaining out of sight while we chat about the snow, Lucy's excitement about returning to school, and hockey. For a few minutes, the distance between this lake house and my usual life feels smaller.

“Of all the places to end up,” Hildy says, shaking her head.

Despite the disruption and my less-than-ideal privacy, talking to them reminds me how much I miss them. I hadn't expected to feel that so soon.

Hildy and I exchange goodbyes, then Lucy pops back into view, waving enthusiastically.

“Bye, Aunt Anna! We love you!”

“Love you too, sweetheart.”

“Safe travels when you can.” Hildy adds gently.

The call disconnects, and the screen goes dark. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding before standing and heading for the kitchen.

“That was... entertaining,” Rez says.

I laugh. “Entertaining?”

“I had fun.” His mouth curves into a smirk.

“You got a kick out of my flustered attempt to navigate two worlds?”

His eyes crinkle with amusement. “The nickname fits.”