Mari's Mistake (Icehome, #10)

by Ruby Dixon

God, I wish I was like Lauren. She's always brave and in control, even when she's scared. In a way, she's a lot like Velma from the Scooby-Doo cartoons I loved as a kid. She always has a plan, and nothing rattles her. Me, I'm unfortunately less of a Daphne and more of a Shaggy. Everything scares the shit out of me and then I hide.

"Why do you apologize? You cannot help it. I knew you were uncomfortable. I have always been happy to wait for you. I will wait even longer, if I must. You are worth waiting for."

"You have faced down everything to protect me when I was helpless. So tell me again that you are not brave, and I will tell you once more that you lie."