They rode on in silence, Nic still looking around at the surrounding forest, the snow now more widespread as they approached Red River. She slowed as they came to the old mining town. A resort town with less than five hundred full-time residents, it swelled with tourists during the summer months and during ski season. It was bustling with activity today as cars and Jeeps crowded Main Street, the road that housed most of the pubs and shops in town.

“During the summers, all of these restaurants and bars have outdoor patios open. The brewery over there has a second-floor patio too that’s quite fun.” Abby smiled at her. “That may be an escape for us one day. They also have killer burgers.”

“Sounds like fun. I don’t really go out to places like that much.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mostly hang out with Eric and Addison, my best friends. College buddies, like I said. I’m usually at their place twice a week for dinner.”

“Twice-a-week dinner date? Must be nice to have close friends like that.”

“Yeah, he and Addison are the best. She’s pregnant, so I’ll get to be Aunt Nicky pretty soon. What about you? Any close friends I should know about?”

“Beth and Jenna are my best buds, I guess. We don’t have standing dinner dates, but we get together two or three times a month. I have a group of single friends that I mostly go out with on Saturday nights. Used to, I should say. I haven’t made one of those outings in a month or more.”

“That’s right. You met Holly at one of those nightclubs.”

“Do you ever go?”

“Oh, sure, when I go out, that’s where I go. To be honest, I much prefer hanging out with Eric and Addison than that scene. Much less stressful.”

“Are you going to tell me why you don’t date? Other than you’re not interested in a relationship.” She heard Nic take a deep breath before answering.

“Love is not for me. I’ve been quite skeptical that it even exists, but Eric and Addison have proven me wrong. But it’s not me. I don’t have that burning desire to settle down with someone.”

“Bad experience?”

“You could say that.”

“I don’t think being ready to settle down or not has a bearing on with whom and when you fall in love. But I suppose you have to be receptive to it. If you’re not ready to settle down, you probably aren’t looking for love. Therefore, you won’t find it. Is that your goal?”

“And you’re receptive?”

“Sure. I’m also cautious.” She pointed to her left. “The ski resort is down that way. A little ways up here, you’ll be able to see the ski lift.”