Snowed Over (A Christmas Novella) Read Online Free Page A

think? Do Drop Inn or four-wheel drive?”
    “How far again?” she asked, apparently considering the options.
    He wondered if she worried more about spending the night with him in a hotel room or not getting home to see her mom tonight. “If it’s really bad, forty-five minutes, maybe an hour at the most.”
    “You realize you’re going to have to stay the night? My mom will never let you keep driving in weather like this.”
    “You mean stay with, what did you call him, Not the Boyfriend , Tom? I don’t know.” On the other hand, if he got waylaid, he’d be able to postpone his break-up talk with Trina. A night at a cabin with a bunch of strangers wouldn’t be all bad. Plus, Katie seemed pretty nice and low drama.  
    Bright flashing lights appeared outside, followed by a huge snowplow.  
    “Look, there’s a plow.” Katie pointed out the window.
    “And it’s headed the right direction. What do you say? Want to go for it?” Alex asked, anxious to get back on the road.
    “Totally. No guts, no glory.” Katie’s face lit up. She held up her hand, and Alex high-fived her.
    “Do you kids have emergency supplies in case you have trouble?” the old clerk asked.
    “Yeah, I’ve got sand in the back and a snow shovel.”
    “How about water and blankets?” the clerk asked.
    “I have half my wardrobe in my laundry bag, but I’ll grab us a couple of waters.”  
    “Don’t worry. We’ll be fine. We’re not far from our destination,” Alex explained.
    “I’m sure you will be, but it never hurts to be prepared.” He moved the laptop off the checkout counter.
    As Katie paid, Alex scanned the store racks for some last minute Christmas gift for his fiancée. She’d be pissed if he gave her a light-up pen with a Santa dressed in a Packer’s jersey. Fudge wouldn’t be on her diet or a giant tin of popcorn. Once he broke off their engagement, she’d probably throw any gift he gave her back his face anyway. He followed Katie out to the truck.  
     
    The plow scraped off the top inches of snow off the roads. The going was still slow, but Alex felt satisfied he’d have Katie at her destination soon. He spotted their turn thanks to a light at the intersection.  
    “The good news is we found River Road. We’re getting close,” Alex said.
    “And the bad news?”
    He slowed to take the turn. “River Road hasn’t been plowed.” The truck fishtailed as he took the corner.  
    “Whoa, don’t do that!” Katie gripped the dash.
    “Sorry.” Alex peered out at the deep, unmarred snow before them. Someone had driven by from the other direction not too long ago; he used their tire treads to help guide the way.
    “So where’s the river?” Katie peered into the darkness with nothing but snow flying all around.
    “I don’t know. I’ve never been this way before. It could be right next to us for all I know. I can barely see the road.” He gripped the steering wheel and peered through the mesmerizing snow.  
    “At this rate, you’re going to end up staying the night with me at camp dysfunctional. Ha!” she taunted, sounding more nervous as they neared her destination.
    “You’d like that, wouldn’t you? To make me suffer alongside you?” He might not mind staying at her place. The closer he got to home, the more he dreaded the task ahead.
    “Anything to save me from facing Mom and Not the Boyfriend alone. I feel like I’m going to death row, not celebrating Christmas. How messed up is that?”
    “Pretty messed up, but isn’t that what the holidays are about? Forcing families to spend time together so they can be reminded how odd everyone is.” That’s how he felt about Trina. She used to be pretty and fun, but now she stood out in ways that weren’t good.
    “Interesting theory. I always thought my family was pretty normal. But now that you mention it, I have my Aunt Liz.” She giggled.
    “What?” He glanced over to see her laughing face illuminated by the lights from the