Page 5 of Frozen Hearts

“Would you love me less if I were less impossible?” River asked with genuine curiosity. Willow took the seat beside her on the couch.

“I think I would love you no matter what your level of impossibility was. As long as you were still you,” Willow offered. She couldn’t tell if River found her answer satisfactory or not.

“What’s new in your life? Any success on that dating app you joined?” Willow asked. River rolled her head to the side, met Willow’s eyes and groaned loudly. Willow had always thought River had beautiful features with her long dark hair and warm brown eyes. But it was her friend’s personality that really sold her.

“Well, that doesn’t sound good. What’s going on?” Willow asked.

“Oh, nothing. I’m just going to die alone,” River sighed.

“Stop it. You’re not going to die alone. You’ll find someone. Didn’t you go out on like two dates last week?” Willow laughed.

“I did. Turns out the women I went out with were each other’s exes. They decided to get back together after going out with me.”

Willow cringed internally, but carefully arranged her facial features so that River wouldn’t see.

“Isn’t it nice that you brought two people back together?” Willow asked.

“Yeah. I’m living the dream,” River chuckled.

“Do you really think there’s someone out there for me?” River asked.

“You’re too wonderful not to find someone,” Willow assured, then immediately asked,

“Do you think I’ll ever find someone?”

“Yes, of course. You’re wonderful. But I do think in order to meet someone you’re going to have to leave your house more,” River suggested.

“You may have a point there,” Willow laughed.

The two sat talking for another hour until it was time for them to leave. Willow’s friend, Autumn was probably the most competent person she’d ever met in her life. Everything about Autumn was well put together. Autumn’s home was no exception. She greeted Willow and River warmly at her door. Autumn wore her long blonde hair tied back into a ponytail; her blue eyes studied Willow’s face.

“It’s nice to see you. I’m glad you made it,” Autumn said with a smile. There was no hint of judgment behind her words.

Their friend Piper sat at Autumn’s kitchen table. When she saw Willow her eyes widened before she wrapped her into a hug. Willow hadn’t meant to lock herself away, but the last several months hadn’t been pleasant. Willow had lost her job, and then her girlfriend of six months had broken up with her. Those two things combined had left Willow with a need to be alone and regroup. She’d found a new job fairly quickly. But what had really helped Willow find her groove again was adopting Sushi.

Looking around the room at her friends Willow felt at peace. She knew none of them would judge her. They had all made it a point to check in with her while she was trying to regain her footing in life. The thought of her friends filled Willow with warmth. No matter what else was going on in her life she had a lockdown on good friendships.

“I’m glad you’re getting to hang out with us all,” Piper grinned.

“Me too, friend,” Willow said.

Chapter 3

Mel did one final lap around her house. She wanted to make sure that everything was in order for Mase. She had spent the two days since visiting the shelter to buy everything Mase could possibly need. She wished her fenced in backyard was bigger, but she knew that the dog park and the beach access made up for her own lack of space. Mel couldn’t believe the day had finally come.

Mel startled at the sound of a car door slamming outside. She raced to the front door and swung it open before Jordan had the chance to knock. Jordan stood with an expression of stunned surprise. Mase’s head poked out from in between Jordan’s legs. Mel gave a smile at the dog’s lopsided head movement. Mase was clearly trying to figure out where he was.

“Can I let him come in?” Jordan asked with a smile.

“Of course. I’m all ready for him,” Mel said assuredly.

Jordan gave a slight tug on the leash and, with a moment of coaxing, Mase bounded into the house. Mel was glad she hadpicked up as Mase ran from room to room. Jordan closed the front door.

“You have a lovely home,” Jordan said, taking in her surroundings.

“Thank you.” Mel ushered Jordan into the living room.

Mase had already found a spot on the couch and was laying on his back watching them. Jordan glanced over at the dog and smiled. Mel gave a little laugh.