Read February Fever for Free Online

started.
    The library job required me to host events for the public, and I loved Johnny and my tight circle of friends, but beyond that, I was a loner—which was the best for everyone involved. Case in point: the New Year’s Battle Lake Budget Bash (I didn’t name it) had been held at the library a few weeks ago. I’d played host, sticking to the perimeters, making sure the drinks were filled and the cheese tray didn’t run low. The one time—the one time!—I was called on for extended interaction was when Chris Schaefer, head of the Chamber of Commerce, brought over the owner of the new gift shop for introductions. It went something like this (it went exactly like this):
    Chris: Mira, have you met Jack? He’s the new owner of the Battle Lake Beads and Bangles shop. Across from the Apothecary?
    Me: No, but I noticed you from across the room. You’ve kept your winter coat on all night! What are you, armed? (I may have wink-winked here. I’d read somewhere that gregarious, normal people wink when they say funny stuff, and that this behavior sets others at ease. I was trying really hard to pretend I was normal.)
    Chris (suddenly pale): …
    Jack: … (Hurries away with flushed cheeks.)
    Me (horrified): Oh no! Did I say something?
    Chris: You asked him if he’s armed . The Man. Has. A fake. Arm. He’s self-conscious about it, so he wanted to keep his jacket on, at least until he got a chance to meet everyone. (Turns on heel, storms off to follow Jack and hopefully tell him I have some sort of medical disorder.)
    See? I was not someone you wanted to encourage to “meet and mingle” on Valentine’s trains. In fact, I probably should look into getting my groceries delivered to cut down on my need for public interaction.
    Mrs. Berns patted my arm. She knew me well. “I won’t let you embarrass yourself too much, baby cakes. Think of it this way. It’ll be good practice. It’s something all of us could get a little better at.”
    Her words would have landed better if she hadn’t then pointed at me, aggressively nodded, and mouthed “really, just her” to Jed.
    I breathed out deeply. Well, I was this far, so I might as well make the best of it. Come to think of it, I bet I wouldn’t even need to leave our cute little cabin. Heck, I could catch up on my reading and drink tiny bottles of champagne for twenty-four hours straight if I really wanted to. That thought visibly brightened my mood.
    â€œFine,” I said. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
    We climbed out of the car and stepped into the frosty air of a February afternoon. The day had been sunny as a lemon, which meant frigid this time of year. It was the kind of atmosphere that’d freeze your outer nostrils to your septum if you inhaled too quickly. It was also as beautiful as a diamond field with the sun glinting off the sharp flakes of snow that had been plowed into piles at the edge of the parking lot.
    Jed had strapped his snowboard to the car roof, so he got busy removing that while Mrs. Berns and I unloaded our suitcases, our carry-ons, Kennie’s package, and Jed’s duffel bag. We all finished at about the same time and made our motley way to the station platform. My excitement ramped up as I spotted the crowds waiting for the train. It was supposed to arrive at 5:40 PM. We were a half an hour early, as were approximately thirty other people, plus those who had come to see them off.
    We rounded the back of the station, and my heart opened as I spotted the silver AmeriTrain sitting still and quiet. “Hurry! The train is already here! It might leave without us.”
    â€œNo rush,” said a man in a blue cap and matching jacket. The pocket of the jacket was embossed with AmeriTrain in gold thread. He was on his way to the station as well but turned to toss me a smile. “She’s early. We won’t leave until it’s