Elodie nearly choked on her drink. “Grandma, you’ve got it all wrong. He’s just Jarrod’s friend.”

At that, Rosemary’s expression froze for a moment.

“Well, that won’t do then. Not appropriate. Let’s keep looking,” she said.

Emile, exasperated, put a piece of roast on his mother’s plate. “Mom, Elodie just got divorced. There’s no rush.”

Rosemary had already discussed this with him. He’d been fully supportive of Elodie’s decision-there’s no point staying in an unhappy marriage that only wears you down.

Rosemary shot him a look. “You think I don’t know? Isn’t it you young folks who always say the best way to move on is to meet someone new? If you happen to find the right person, and they’re decent, why not give them a chance?”

Elodie couldn’t help but laugh. “Grandma, you’re really keeping up with the times.”

She’d expected Rosemary to be worried sick about her, but now she realized her grandmother’s years abroad had given her a surprisingly open mind. It was actually a comfort.

The bonfire party wasn’t until ten, and dinner wrapped up a little after eight.

Elodie glanced at the clock. “How about a soak in the hot springs before we head out again? Warm up a bit?”

Rosemary and Emile had no objections.

The hotel had separate hot springs for men and women, plus an outdoor pool with a view. Rosemary and Emile preferred peace and quiet and headed for the indoor springs, while Elodie, who liked a good view, wandered out to the open-air pool alone.

Wrapped in a towel, she stepped in, when her phone suddenly buzzed.

Elodie stopped and glanced down.

It was a text from Jarrod.

[Happy New Year.]

So short and to the point. She could practically hear the cool, distant tone in his voice-the sort of obligatory politeness that meant nothing at all.

Elodie stared at those three words. She knew it wasn’t a group message.

He’d blocked her on social media, never caring about these things, but still, out of sheer courtesy, he’d sent her this one, perfunctory greeting.

She slipped her phone away without another thought.

She had no intention of replying.

Divorced was divorced. She wasn’t going to play along for appearances’ sake.

“Elodie!”

A cheerful shout behind her jolted her from her thoughts.

Freya had come running over, trailed by Joseph, both in fluffy white bathrobes.

“My brother said he ran into you, but I didn’t believe him. Looks like we’re spending New Year’s together after all!” Freya’s words tumbled out, her cheeks rosy from the heat.

Elodie managed a small smile. “Happy New Year, Freya.”

“Too bad, I just finished soaking and now my brother’s dragging me back to take my medicine.” Freya pouted; if she’d known, she would have come later to hang out with Elodie.

“It’s fine. Take your medicine first-your health comes first,” Elodie said gently.

Freya nodded at once. “Okay, I’ll be back to find you in a bit!”

Joseph stepped forward, ruffling his sister’s hair. “Don’t dawdle. You have to take your meds on time. Go on.”

Freya reluctantly squeezed Elodie’s hand. “Wait for me, okay?”

She walked off, glancing back every few steps.

Elodie couldn’t help but smile.

Joseph stayed behind.

He’d only come to the hot springs today to relax and to make sure Freya took

her medicine. Bumping into Elodie was a surprise.

He looked at her. “If you’d rather be alone, I can go somewhere else.”

He knew Elodie wasn’t exactly fond of him.

But Elodie wasn’t unreasonable. They’d both paid to be here; it wasn’t her place to kick anyone out.

“No need. Suit yourself.”

Joseph gave a faint, appreciative smile. “Thanks.”

Meanwhile, at the door, Freya turned to look back.

She spotted the two of them, one tall, one short, chatting side by side. She could

even see the hint of a smile at the corner of her brother’s mouth.

Freya tutted to herself. Wasn’t it obvious he was trying to win Elodie over?

Her eyes lit up with mischief. She snapped a quick photo of the pair from behind.

After mulling it over, she made a collage of all the photos she’d taken that day— dinner, family group shots, scenic views, and now, this candid of Elodie and Joseph.

Satisfied, she hit “post” and sent it out to her feed.