I look at Ash, and she shrugs at me.Cool, we’re both oblivious.
We follow behind her into the building and back to our regular booth. We’ve been coming here weekly since we first became friends. The owner, Dom, gives us a free appetizer every time we show up because we remind him of his daughter who moved to Europe a few summers ago. He’s been our adoptive dad ever since those first few weeks when he started stopping by our table to get the latest girl drama. He says girls have the best views on life, and he misses the daily entertainment from his daughter, so he likes stealing a bit from us when we’re around.
Dom peaks over the back kitchen window at our table before waving. We wave back and slide into our spots.
“So, tell us, how’s the office?” Ash asks after she slides in next to Jaz.
“Amazing. Honestly, this all feels like a fever dream. Am I dreaming? No, don’t tell me.” We decided to meet for lunch on my first day. I’ve already gone through a bunch of client debriefs and prepped content to make this week and it’s only noon.
“You’re a nut job. But I hope you’re loving it. You deserve this. All of it.” Jaz says.
“Yeah, we know your mom gets a little wild about the art scene, but we’ve seen your work for years. We know how talented you are, you just needed the right person to finally see it.” Ash looks at me with her wildness creeping in again. “I guess it’s a good thing, everything thathappened when you quit. You know, finding Taylor at your apartment and everything. Maybe we should send him a card.”
“Ugh. Why do you have to remind me!” I ball up a napkin and toss it at her, but she dodges it.
“Hey! I’m just saying, maybe it wasn’t so bad. You know, carpe diem and all that jazz.”
“What?” Jaz whips her head up from the menu.
“Not you, you dummy.” Ash rolls her eyes. “No one listens to me.”
I laugh and pat her hand. “It’s okay. I know what you mean. Everything happens for a reason. Even if it sucks in the moment.”
Dom rushes over and places water glasses in front of each of us, sliding an overflowing basket of breadsticks in the middle with a cup of cheese.
“Yesss! We love you, Dom!” Ash yells, while Jaz and I beam, diving for the bread.
“Best dayever,” I say as I inhale my breadstick with cheese.
“Better than the cabin?” Ash asks around her bread.
I give her a death glare. “Okay, whatever, second best.”
We all bust out laughing and try not to choke.
Epilogue
ALEXANDRA – ONE MONTH LATER
“Areyou going to tell me where we’re going yet?” We’ve been driving for hours to this top-secret location, and James hasn’t let a hint drop once.
He glances at me before his eyes go back to the winding road. “Patience. We are almost there, then you will have all of your questions answered.”
The snow is almost completely melted from that wild storm. Now just a dusting is left across the grass. A couple of miles later we turn down a long driveway, each side surrounded by trimmed trees. It looks like something out of a movie, my head is swiveling around, trying to take it all in. At the end, it opens up to acres of yard with buildings strategically placed. A white barn sits off to the right, connected by fencing where cows graze. A large chicken coop is off to the left of the barn. Another large outbuilding sits directly off the driveway.
The house is tucked off to the left, and my breathhitches. It’s beautiful. A modern take on a wooden cabin, complete with a wraparound porch. The dark stain of the wood pairs nicely with the dark doors and windows. It looks a lot bigger than anything I’ve ever lived in. The porch furniture is a cozy green, the swing full of pillows. Flowers on the end table are freshly placed, as if someone is expecting us. There’s no way anyone just leaves that out with this weather, even if it is relatively warm today.
I turn to him as he pulls around to park in front of the garage. “What is this place?”
He lets out a sigh, looking at the house. “This is my house. I haven’t moved in yet, but I… I built it for my dad to finish out his days, initially. Unfortunately, he was only able to enjoy it for about a year.” He opens the door and motions for us to get out. I step out, button my jacket, and put my gloves back on.
Our shoes crunch in the leftover snow as we walk across the yard, making our way towards the chickens. “When did he pass?” I ask.
“It’s been about eight years now.” He looks at the animals then out across the yard, a sadness radiating off him that I haven’t seen. “He was my best friend, my biggest supporter, and the best damn father I could’ve asked for. My mom passed away when I was young, so it was always me and him. Well, my aunts, Ryder and Alester’s moms, always tried to be around as much as they could, but it’s not the same.”
“I’d love to hear about him sometime, whenever you’re ready. And your mom.”
He looks back at me with a sad smile before I wrap my arms around his middle.
