“You’re asking me what’s up? You, who outed your second degree in the middle of a Historical Society meeting and then took Camden Daniels’s side over your father’s? You’re asking me what’s up?”

“See, this is the reason I didn’t answer. I’m not reverting back to high school, Thea. I refuse.” The black skirt was safer, and Dad would appreciate that. The shorter red one had been a favorite while I was at school, but it would no doubt lead to a lecture.

“Ha! You were avoiding me! And by reverting, you mean when we’d chat for hours about boys? Or just the Daniels boys?”

Guess I walked right into that one.

“I just don’t have anything to say about Cam.”

“I could say a whole hell of a lot. I mean, it’s Camden.”

Yep. Right back to high school.

“Yes, it’s Camden,” I muttered, putting on the black skirt.

“Oh, come on. Is it fun to be around him again? Please give me something. I’m dying here.”

“‘Fun’ isn’t the word I’d use for it.” I zipped the skirt up the back and headed to my closet, bringing my phone along.

“Exhilarating? Exciting? Heart-pounding? What?”

“You have a very distorted idea of what it’s like between us. Try frustrating, confusing, aggravating, and just plain weird.” I found my knee-high dress boots and hauled them out. Sure, I’d get some comment about them from Dad or even Mom, but the temps had dropped, and I wasn’t going out in heels.

Her sigh was loud and long. “Willow, you have to remember that I was there. You can’t fool me. And if you don’t want to talk with me about what his return is doing to you, then fine, I know Pat’s feelings about him complicate things. Just make sure you’re talking to someone. That boy—that man—ties you into knots and always has.”

“Can’t we just pretend that you weren’t there?” I asked softly, then bent to put on the boots.

“No.” Her voice dropped in volume. “Because you can’t pretend, honey. You spent years shoving those feelings away, and I’m afraid if you do it again, you’ll implode.”

“I’ll be fine.” I was always fine. It was the only option.

“Maybe. But last time, you both retreated to your corners. You got together with Sullivan, and Cam pretty much took his ball and went home. Working together on the mine? That’s a lot.”

“Cam didn’t retreat. There was nothing to retreat from. And I loved Sullivan.”

“I know you did. I just…”