CHAPTER ONE
Ivy
I hope the personwho argued with the flight attendant, caused a two-hour flight delay, and ended up on the no-fly list steps on Legos for the rest of forever. Naturally, the delay meant getting into the city during rush hour traffic—cue the two and a half hours sitting in the car that would've been avoided. I actually opted to walk the last few blocks because I'd rather trek with all my luggage instead of wasting another second in traffic.
After traipsing through fresh snow, the wheels to my suitcase covered in ice and salt, I finally make it to my apartment. I find the key and put it in the lock, like I’ve done a thousand times before. Pushing inside, I find the light switch, and am greeted with the familiar smell of lavender and the feel of home. It’s almost just the way I left it, minus some of my most favorite things, which I packed up and moved to The Emerald Canopy Lodge. The things I couldn’t be without are with Holland in Washington, and I’m here, in New York.
It’s funny how things work out, huh?
“Earth to Ivy. Quit looking so wistful like your husband just went away to war,” Vivian, my best friend and obsessive video-caller, interrupts my thoughts. “It’s only for a few weeks. You’ll be back out in the middle of nowhere with your grumpy lodge owner and howling French bulldog in no time,” she jokes and rolls her eyes.
“Cut me some slack. Today was draining and it’s a little weird being back here.”
“At least you’re in your old apartment and not posted up at a hotel. That would get old quick.” I watch as she looks down at her freshly manicured nails.
“Yeah, I actually can’t believe Stella really took over my rent.”
Last year there was quite the scandal at Sparks Wellness, when one of my ex’s, who was also a colleague, was found guilty of embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, and indecent exposure. Jack Wright is a complete slime ball—plus a horrific ex-boyfriend—and I'm thankful I'll never have to speak to him again. It’s the least he could do after derailing a personal vacation with a work trip, putting me into a questionable situation with one of his dickbag friends, and cheating on me throughout our relationship.
After the dust settled from the trial, I told Stella, my boss, I wanted to move out west and work remote; she couldn’t say yes fast enough. She even offered to take on my rent as a company expense, so I could stay in a familiar place a few times out of the year when I’d work in the office. I’ve made the trip three times but this is the first extended one: almost three weeks.
“Can you take yourself out of hyper planning mode and do coffee and yoga tomorrow morning?” Viv asks.
The only person who can get away with making fun of my severe attention to detail and preparedness is Vivian—the sister I never had. Literally. I’m an only child and in my adult life, my parents have caught the travel gene. I think they’re somewhere near the Greek islands this week.
“As long as we stop at that new bakery,” I sigh, acting like this would be difficult. Viv, a talented baker herself, is always my go-to when it comes totrying new food, especially anything including butter and sugar. She's one of the best parts of being back in New York.
“Already planning on it.”
“Even if it’s snowing! I need the vibes,” I press. I know that Vivian hates the cold. She’d rather take a cab than walk any number of blocks in the winter.
“Fine. Even if it’s snowing!” She blows me a kiss, after a very enthusiastic eyeroll and ends the video call.
I bring my roller bag to what used to be my bedroom and pause. The furniture is the same but that’s about it. I made out like a bandit when Sparks bought out my lease; they also paid me for all of the furniture and décor I didn’t want to bring with me to Washington.
My phone vibrates, bringing me back to the moment.
Holland-not-Tom
Slate is staring out the window
think he’s waiting for you
Because the words aren’t enough, a picture comes through. Slate, a gray French bulldog, is propped up on the loveseat, gazing out the window. I’m surprised he isn’t howling—his favorite pastime when he doesn’t get his way.
My eyes water as I look at the picture. It’s weird to think how it wasn’t too long ago when I didn’t even know Slate existed; now he’s cemented his fury self into my heart and soul. Jack was a whole lot of terrible, but if I hadn't worked at Sparks, dated that loser, and caught him having sex lateat work, I wouldn't have made the solo-trip to The Emerald Canopy Lodge, where my entire world changed.
Me
Omg. My heart hurts
Holland-not-Tom
we miss you already
i'll be back for a visit before the event
I know. Still miss you though
