4 Cupids Curse Read Free Page B

water level of the lake was quite a bit higher, but nine years ago a group of farmers in the valley got together and challenged the legality of the Ashton Falls Dam. At the time the dam was built, water had been plentiful and everyone was happy, but after seven years of drought, the farm community at the foot of the mountain had been looking for a way to force the transfer of a greater amount of the runoff from the mountains directly to their crops. After winning an extremely messy lawsuit, the farmers had forced the opening of the dam, and the water level had decreased dramatically, effectively relocating the boathouse twenty feet from the natural waterline. Several years ago, I asked my mom if it would be possible for me to convert the abandoned structure and, surprisingly, my grandfather not only agreed but offered to pay for the renovation as well. Charlie and I have been living there ever since.
    The high temperature for the day had been a blistering twenty-four degrees, causing my breath to condense as I worked to remove the four inches of fresh powder from the wooden surface. I paused after a few minutes to look out over the glassy water and take in the wonderful sound of absolute silence that can be found on a cold winter day. Once the deck was cleared, I headed back inside to check on the brownies, which had filled my little home with the most wonderful aroma. I turned some music on the stereo and tossed another log on the fire. If there was one thing that could be said for my cabin, it was that it provided cozy comfort when it was chilly outside. I was about to take off my boots when I heard a car pull up the front drive.
    “Is there more?” I asked El lie as she stomped the snow off her boots on the front deck.
    “A couple more bags , but Levi pulled up behind me, so he’s getting them.”
    “You have a lot of stuff. I figured you’d just bring soup or a casserole from Rosie’s.”
    “I made shredded beef for our single-parent get-together yesterday and had a ton left, so I decided I’d heat it up, grate some cheese, heat some beans, and make burritos.”
    M y mouth started to water. “Did you make guacamole?”
    “Of course . I shredded some lettuce and diced some tomatoes and onion as well.”
    “It looks like you brought my favorite tortilla strips,” Levi said about the chips poking out of one of the bags he was carrying as he walked into the cabin. “I’m hoping that means you brought salsa?”
    “ Some of Mom’s homemade,” Ellie assured him.
    “I’ve got the tequila and limes for margaritas,” Levi added.
    I opened my freezer and took out a bag of ice. I missed Zak, but it was good to have the old gang together again.
    “So how did Barbie take it when you told her you were hanging with us tonight?” Ellie asked.
    “She wasn’t happy,” Levi admitted. “She doesn’t really understand why I’d want to be friends with women I don’t sleep with. She says it’s unnatural to have close friends of the opposite sex.”
    “That’s crazy,” Ellie declared .
    “Yeah. I think my relationship with the fabulous B may be coming to its natural conclusion. I really enjoyed being with her at first, but she seems to be obsessed with moving things to a more-committed level, and I don’t think I’m ready for that.”
    Ellie smiled.
    “I wouldn’t wait too long if you’re planning to end it. Valentine’s Day is coming up, and everyone knows that ending a relationship within a week of the dance is considered to be a relationship faux pas,” I pointed out.
    “I hadn’t thought of that. I guess I should really give it some thought. If I do break up with her, I’ll need a date for the dance. You wanna be my backup?” Levi asked Ellie.
    “Absolutely not.”
    “Why not?” Levi actually looked surprised. “We’ve gone together before.”
    “You seriously think I’d agree to go to the dance with you knowing that I’m only the backup in case things don’t work out with