“I’m sure it is,” Maddie said, and winked.

She was about to reply, but the men started walking away, and Maddie followed. She had to hurry to catch up with them, still miffed. Who the hell was Maddie to question her wardrobe? Especially dressed the way she was now. Maddie wouldn’t look out of place in a lumber mill.

The last of the day’s warmth had faded from the air outside, and the chill was biting. Some of the melted snow had also frozen on the sidewalk, so it was slick with ice. The brewery was a little removed from the center of downtown, but from here she could see the stunning light display that crisscrossed over the streets. The ones above the street had been set up a little like the ceiling of a circus tent, rising to a point in the middle of the street. All the light poles were festooned in lights as well, sparkling under the garland, everything in reds and bright whites. It was pretty and impressive, altogether an effort that bespoke a great deal of effort and money.

She bundled herself a little tighter, letting the others get far ahead, wondering, then, how long it would be before they noticed her absence.

Maddie turned back for her, shoulders hunched up a little against the cold, hands stuffed in her coat pockets. She jerked her head toward the guys, and Ryann moved to join her. She almost slipped, and Maddie was there in an instant, catching her elbow in a strong, steady hand.

“Whoops,” she said. “Careful. Those aren’t the best shoes for winter weather.”

Ryann stopped still, glaring at her. “So now there’s something wrong with my shoes, too?”

Maddie shrugged. “Just telling it like it is.”

“Stop flirting back there, you two!” Stuart called. “I want to eat sometime this century, thank you very much!”

“Shall we?” Maddie asked, offering an elbow.

She ignored it and hurried to catch up with her friend. The last thing she wanted was gallantry from the woman after she’d insulted her. Twice.

“Wait up, Ryann!” Maddie called. She heard her jogging to catch up, and a moment later, her hand was on her arm again.

“Look. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to piss you off.”

She stopped and turned toward her. She glared and yanked her arm free. “It’s fine. Let’s drop it.”

Maddie’s eyebrows popped up. “Jeez. Touchy much? I guess what they say about redheads is true.”

“And what’s that?” she asked, voice rising despite herself.

“Hot tempers,” Maddie said, smirking.

She let her mouth drop open, almost unable to believe what she’d heard.

“Are you fucking—” she said.

“Hey! Ladies!” Stuart called again. “I’m starving here! Come on, already.”