Chapter Three
JOSIE
I had some time to pass before I went to check out my potential place to live. I wouldn’t admit this to Tate before I saw the place, but it was a done deal. I loved my parents but didn’t want to stay with them any longer than I had to. It felt too much like backsliding.
When I left Willow Brook, Alaska, I held the honor of Alaska’s most decorated downhill skier. I was slated to go to the Olympic trials, and my future shined brightly ahead of me. Although my heart had taken some hits with my boyfriend cheating on me with my friend, I had other things to focus on. I hadn’t quite made it the first year and sustained an injury that set me back.
I’d buckled down and clawed my way back to make it to the Olympics. I was lucky enough to win gold, only to sustain a career-ending injury in one of my events. Since then, financially, I’d squeaked by on a few sponsorship deals that had been inked before my career as a skier waved goodbye with my knee injury. I’d been trying to keep my spirits up ever since.
My heart was in skiing. I felt most at home with my feet strapped into a pair of skis while I raced down the slopes. I could still ski, but I’d never be able to compete again.
I remembered the hurt when I found out what Kayla and Lyle had done. Even though I was over it, it felt awkward coming back. My pride had been so stung when I left. I’d taken refuge in my skiing life, and now that wouldn’t sustain me. My parents knew I was moving back home, but I’d been deliberately vague about when I’d arrive.
I wanted a little time to adjust before they swept me into a coming-home party, or something like that. God love her, but my mom probably would’ve invited everybody, including Kayla’s parents, who lived next door to mine. My pride still cringed a little when I thought about it. I didn’t want to feel the sliver of satisfaction that karma was finally catching up to them, but I did.
I could’ve driven from downtown Willow Brook to my parents’ home with my eyes closed. They lived about three miles out of downtown proper, in the somewhat suburban area of Willow Brook. In Alaska, areas of town like that were a little different from the way it was in the Lower 48. There were messy yards alongside yards where people had fantasies they could make it perfect until the snow and wildlife destroyed their landscaping.
When I parked in front of my parents’ house and my mom came racing out the front door, I couldn’t help but smile. My mom was the most enthusiastic person in the universe.
“Josie!” She was going so fast she almost slipped on the ice when she reached my car.
I had to catch her by the shoulders. “Mom, take it easy.”
She wrapped me in a rib-cracking hug, and I squeezed her back.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming today?” she scolded as she stepped back. “We’re having dinner with Marion and Fred.” A familiar shadow flickered in her eyes. My parents hated what had happened to my friendship with Kayla. Blessedly, theynever tried to encourage me to be her friend again. “Are you staying with us? Let me get your bags.” She rounded my car to open the back door.
“No need, Mom. I came by to let you know I’m here, but I already have a place lined up to stay.”
“Really?” She eyed me skeptically.
“I’m renting a place from Tate Hall.”
This threw my mom for a loop. She rested her hands on her hips. “Really? Have you been in touch with him?”
“Yeah, obviously,” I said dryly. I saw no need to correct her definition of what she might mean by “in touch”. I’d seen Tate today; therefore, we were in touch.
“Mom, don’t look so stressed,” I assured her. “I’m moving home. I’m here officially as of today. You’re going to see me all the time. I don’t need to live with you.”
She looked a little misty before pulling me into another hug, squeezing so tightly that I yelped.
“You are absolutely right.” She released me. “We’re thrilled you’re here!”
My mom’s general enthusiasm for making everything perfect for everyone and wanting everyone to love each other to pieces was not as strong as her practicality and understanding. She had also been hurt by Kayla’s betrayal. While I think she wanted to wish it away, she recognized what it meant and how I needed to have a boundary there even though they were close with Kayla’s parents.
When we walked into the house, my dad was in the kitchen and glanced over with a big smile. “Just made some hot cocoa for you,” he called over.
A laugh sputtered out as I approached him, and he pulled me into a bear hug. “Thanks, Dad.”
He stepped back. “Good to see you, Josie-girl. You staying for dinner?”
“Not tonight. I stopped in to say hi, but I’m moving into my new place tonight.”
My dad handed me the mug of hot cocoa, and I took a swallow. Hot cocoa was his specialty, and he made it the old-fashioned way by heating milk and chocolate and sugar together. I closed my eyes to savor the rich taste. “The best, Dad,” I said as I lowered the mug. “As delicious as always.”
He waggled his brows. “Where are you staying?”
“I’m renting a place from Tate.”
