you’re lucky I really like you
Me:
or what?
Golden Boy:
or I’d have to make you admit you like me too
I grin at my screen; his confidence is sexy.
“Aww, you’re so into him,” Chloe murmurs. “You should invite him over. I can leave.” She moves to the edge of the bed.
“Sit your ass down,” I order her as I set my duffel bag on the floor. “I’m done packing. Let’s watch your so-called comfort show together.”
Giggling, she obeys, getting comfortable. Just as I climb onto the bed beside her, my phone buzzes again.
Golden Boy:
still going to Tahoe tomorrow? Any fun plans for tonight?
Me:
yeah. my friend’s with me
Golden Boy:
have fun then! talk soon
Me:
you too
I toss my phone on the nightstand and focus on the TV. I’ve seen the entire series before, and it’s okay. I’m more of aVampire Diarieskind of girl, orSupernatural. Though I also love rewatching old holiday movies in December. That’s on my to-do list for my week alone.
“How about sharing with the class?” Chloe nudges me as she sips her drink.
“I’m not exactly good with sharing. Sorry.”
She assesses me, a slow smile creeping onto her lips. “Neither am I. I could never share, but I don’t think I’d mindbeing shared, if you know what I mean…”
I bang my head against the headboard. “I swear, if?—”
“I’m kidding, babe.” She laughs. “Only kidding.”
I checkthe GPS and sigh. It’s a four-hour drive, but it’s early, so once I get to the cabin, I’ll have most of the day to relax.
The back seat of my Escalade is filled with two duffel bags and two bags of groceries. The first stretch is nothing but highway. Even this early, traffic slows things down. With an iced latte in my cup holder and a randomly picked playlist—a weird mix of English and Russian songs—at full volume, I sing along, rapping my fingers to the rhythm of the music.
Anything to keep my mind busy.
The longer I drive, the higher the road climbs, and the more the freeway thins out. Once I hit the Sierras, it’s like flipping a switch. Pines line the road, tall and endless, their crowns dusted with snow. The crystal blue sky stretches wide, and the view puts a smile on my face. I keep my eyes trained on the road ahead of me as it becomes more winding, slowing me down. I don’t mind it at all. The freedom this ride gives me loosens the tight knots in my shoulders that settled in months ago.
When I finally pull up to the cabin, it’s like I’ve fallen down the well in the Brothers Grimm fairy tale “Mother Hulda.” Like I’ve woken up to find myself in a strange and unfamiliar world. The pines are covered in snow, and the ground is a glistening white. I park the car and hurry inside, realizing my ankle-length black jeans, red sneakers, and red hoodie aren’t quite weather appropriate.
The cabin looks just like it did in the pictures online. Three bedrooms, a little kitchen, a stone fireplace in the living room. There are no neighbors in sight, but it’s still close enough to town that I can make the drive to pick up cheese and milk.
Once I settle in, I call my parents to let them know I made it, then send a few messages to my team and Chloe to check in as well.
