4. Winter

Chapter 4

Winter

The hum of the city fades away as I step into my apartment. The heavy door clicks shut with an obnoxiously loud sound, drowning out the last remnants of the outside world. My assistant did her job well—the place is immaculate, cozy, and fully stocked with fresh groceries. As much as I grumble about fame, there are certainly some undeniable perks to being a celebrity.

My phone buzzes in my coat pocket, jolting me out of the silence that’s begun to wrap around me like a blanket. I fish it out of my cluttered purse, glancing at the screen to see Dina’s name light it up. A smile tugs at my lips—Dina Marie Mullen always has that effect.

"Hey, stranger," I answer, kicking off my shoes and collapsing onto the overstuffed pillows of my overpriced sofa. Rita swore it was a bargain, but I still believe I paid far too much. Thank goodness it’s comfy or I’d still be reeling over the price.

"Winter! Oh my god, I'm so glad you picked up. I have ginormous news!" Dina crackles with excitement, so palpable that it’s almost visible.

I’m such a horrible best friend. I’ve been so busy on this damn tour that I haven’t reached out to her in months.

I prop my feet on the coffee table, bracing myself. "Lay it on me, girl. Did you finally get laid? Please don’t tell me you’re still waiting for Owen Mills to notice you. You're a gorgeous girl. Stop wasting your time on someone who doesn’t deserve?—”

"I'm getting married!" Dina squeals, so excited she interrupts me. "This Christmas Eve—and guess what?"

"Oh, my word, Dina!” I shout, utterly flabbergasted by her news. Dina’s love life is almost as bad as mine.

My poor girl has secretly pined for the town’s bad boy for years. He’s actually not as bad as everyone believes. I knew him as Orson’s friend back in the day, but I don’t know if they’ve kept in touch over the years. I’m stunned someone finally helped her move past her embarrassing crush, but I look forward to meeting him.

"Screw the ‘guess what,’ lady! I want to know more about the guess who! Who in the world are you marrying and why haven’t you called to tell me you were dating someone?” I scold her in jest as I stride into the kitchen, looking for a snack to go along with Dina’s tea.

"I'm not just getting married. I'm pregnant! You're going to be an honorary auntie! Aunt Winter, will you please come home and be my maid of honor?"

My heart leaps at her words—marriage and motherhood, all wrapped up in a bow. The thought of returning to my childhood home fills me with dread, but listening to Dina shriek with happiness is enough to convince me to make the trip. Undoubtedly, seeing her glowing on her special day will be worth it. Yet, I still don’t know who the hell she’s marrying. For the sake of remaining supportive, I hold my tongue and offer the requisite best wishes.

“Oh, my goodness! Marriage! A baby? Congratulations, lady!”

"Yes." Dina breathes out a happy sigh. "We’re very excited. Will you please come?”

The question nudges a tender spot in my heart. "Of course, I’d love to." Another rush of anxiety about returning home coils in my stomach—a mixture of excitement and dread. "Just tell me when to be there."

"We'll need some girl time before all the chaos starts. Do you think you can get here a few days early?” Dina asks, using her meek voice to manipulate me into giving in to her request. She’s been doing this since the third grade.

“A whole week? I'll check my calendar, but I think I can manage it. I’ll have some time off over the holidays before I head back into the studio in January,” I ramble, aware she doesn’t care much about the how and whys, but I feel better giving her the details in case I can’t make it an entire week in advance.

“I’m sure you can figure something out, and if you can’t, I’ll understand. You’re a big star, and I’m just a little old nobody from Bixby.” Dina laughs to herself, making sure she gives one last dig before we hang up.

“I said I’ll try, woman,” I snap back, in jest of course. Those are the privileges that come along with being friends for so long.

“Yes, yes. I know you’ll try your best. I just can’t imagine doing all this without you,” Dina whines, but considering her condition, I’ll allow it.

“I promise to move heaven and earth. But I want to know who you’re marrying first!”

“Oh! For heaven’s sake. I skipped the best part. It’s a long story that I’ll have to divulge later, but my gorgeous soon-to-be husband is none other than Owen Mills.”

“Owen Mills! Dina Mullen, how on earth did you manage to finally sweep that man off his feet? I’ve never been so impressed in all my life.”

It just goes to show that the heart wants what it wants. She always swore she’d marry that man and never gave up. That’s true dedication.

“I have a few tricks up my sleeve, ma’am.” Dina chuckles. "And let me tell you, it was the easiest thing I've ever done," she continues, struggling to stifle her giggles." Owen came at me like gangbusters, all passion and intensity. I couldn't resist him. A month later, he proposed, and just two weeks after that, I discovered he’d knocked me up. That’s why the wedding has to happen soon. I don’t want the entirety of Colorado to know I’m walking down the aisle with a bun in the oven. Besides, it’s a horrible look.”

As much as I’m thrilled for my best friend hooking up with her one true love, the news feels a teensy bit bittersweet. I’m not a self-centered monster. Although I complain about my career, I’m a fortunate girl living a life most people only dream they could have. This is the fourth hometown wedding I’ve been invited to in last two years. I’ve politely declined the others, but there’s no chance I’ll miss out on Dina’s day. I’m genuinely happy, but why the hell does everyone have to marry? It's been so long since I've been on a date, the idea of settling down doesn't even cross my mind.

“Oh, and there’s one more thing I need to confess.” Dina’s whisper carries enough anxiety to make my ears perk with nervous tension. "What is it? Just say it."

"Orson is going to be the best man. There’s no way around it. I’m sorry, girl. Are you okay seeing him again?" Dina quits talking long enough to hear my reply. It’s nice she’s checking in, but she knows damn well I won’t be okay seeing him again.

"Orson?" The name hits me like a swift kick in the pants. Orson— Orson Frost —the past tucked away neatly like old love letters that you can't quite throw away or fully revisit without completely unraveling. Why does that name keep coming up? First, in Paris, while reminiscing about an old talent show. Then, my close friend Chelsea invited me to the New York premiere of her latest movie, which stars the girl Orson is currently dating. No doubt, I’ll run into them at the premiere. And now he’s the best man at Dina’s wedding. That jerk is probably sitting somewhere sticking pins in a voodoo doll that looks like me.

"Yeah… I thought you should know before you heard it from someone else. Will you be okay seeing him again?” Dina asks again, apparently needing a definitive answer before she can continue making plans.

I swallow hard, pressing a palm against my forehead and wiping the thin layer of cold sweat gathering there. "I’ll be fine, Dina. It’s your day, and as maid of honor, it’s my job to ensure no one messes it up—and that includes me. But thanks for the heads-up.” That’s a lie. I’m not the least bit grateful for the warning. Now, I’ve got three weeks to stress about something I can’t control.

“Don’t worry about stupid Orson. You’ve got male fans all over the world who would give anything to be the future Mr. Knight.” Dina finally breaks the silence with a joke, her voice hopeful yet uncertain.

"True." I force brightness into my voice while wondering if I can truly handle seeing that stubborn jerk again.

Dina’s tone becomes chipper once again. "Don’t sweat the small stuff, sister. It's going to be a wonderful Christmas—just like old times, but better."

"Better," I repeat, letting her optimism wash over me and stake a claim in the nostalgic part of my mind, looking forward to ice-covered streets, twinkling lights, and maybe even a little redemption wrapped in festive colors. “I can’t wait to see everyone again.”

After I hang up, I sit and stare out the window, gazing thoughtfully at the light dusting of snow gathering on the sidewalk. I was really hoping to avoid any holiday drama and trauma this Christmas. So much for that.