Chapter 7
GRACE
FRISKY FOX
“Oh my god.” She throws her head back and practically moans. “I’ve been craving a Frisky Fox spicy marg so bad.”
I shake my head and laugh. “When was the last time you were here?”
Ever since we met, she’s been my partner in crime. We always seem to get up to something, and judging by the look in her eyes, I have a feeling she’s thinking the same thing.
“Probably last April when we came up for Jackson's closing day,” she says, twirling a short lock of hair in her fingers. “Glad to see Agnes is still here.”
Agnes is the moose that’s always spotted around the ski resort village, snacking on shrubs with one of her calves. Tonight she was in her usual spot when we came into the bar.
In some ways, Josie reminds me of my brother’s fiancée, Lizzy.
I think that’s why I immediately connected with her, even though she was Veronica’s friend.
Their short stature somehow only intensifies their fiery and spunky attitudes into some kind of superpower.
Both of them are outspoken, shameless flirts, and don’t take shit from anyone.
On top of that, Josie always wants to be moving and going, constantly doing something. In hindsight, it shouldn’t have been a surprise that she fell in love with van life instantly. While I’m satisfied with spontaneous, short trips, her wanderlust is insatiable.
She looks down at her now empty drink and nods confidently. “Yep. It was definitely last April. Right before I headed South to Telluride, then to Cali for the music festival.” She points a finger at me across the table. “You know, you still need to make it out there with me one year.”
“I will try this year. Who knows, if I haven't found a full time gig by then, maybe I can join you for a change.”
Her eyes scan my face and she reaches across the table, grabbing my hand in hers. “Girl, you know you're going to find a new, even better job.” She smirks at me. “Now seriously, stop sweating it and let’s have some fun.”
I feel the corner of my mouth lift into a smile. “Well, not too much fun. We still have to drive back to the gym to park tonight.”
Groaning, she rolls her eyes at me. “Are you seriously still worried about running into someone you know? You need to relax. They're going to find out eventually.”
I drop my head and sigh, taking a long drink of my margarita, the salted rim making my lips pucker. “I know, you’re right. I just don't want everyone to make a big deal about it, which I know they will.”
It’s been over ten years since the accident, but even now, if my family sensed something was wrong in my life, they'd drop everything to focus on me. I love them for that, but it’s the last thing I want.
The accident was just that; an accident, a fluke. That's not who I am and I don't enjoy feeling like it’s going to define the rest of my life.
Her hand tightens around mine. “It’s going to be fine, Grace.”
I let out a long breath and take a second to clear my head. I might not be ready to tell all of them just yet, but she’s right. I will get there.
I look down at my empty drink in my other hand, seeing Josie’s glass is empty too. I push back and stand up from our table. “I’ll go get another round.”
She starts to say something, but her eyes drift up over my shoulder and I see her tongue dart out over her lips. That's her telltale sign that she’s found something, or more likely someone, she’s interested in.
I turn and bump into what feels like a brick wall.
“Oh, I’m sor—” My words get stuck in my throat when I look up to see Collin Perry, Tanner’s best friend and now brother-in-law. Fuck. Me.
He looks down at me with that gentle, kind smile that reminds me of his twin sister. “Hey, Little Chapman. I thought that was you. Even from behind, this hair is a giveaway.” He ruffles my hair. “Didn’t realize you were back in town.”
That’s because I didn’t want anyone to know and I was doing just great at keeping it that way, until now. Leave it to Josie to get me out on the town and blow my cover.
Maybe I can tell a little bit of the truth.
I’ve practically known Collin since I was born, and he’s always been cool.
He even caught me sneaking out to see a boy, the summer before we moved to Park City, and I know he didn’t say a word to Tanner or he would have freaked out.
Tanner’s nine years older than me and definitely protective.
“Hi, Collin.” I shuffle awkwardly on my feet, a nervous hum working its way up my throat. Here goes nothing. “To be back in town, that would have to mean I actually left.”
“Oh dang, I wish I knew you were in town. We could have hung out.” He shrugs and I notice he's holding two drinks.
Awesome, maybe he won’t push this any further if he’s here with someone. But then again, leave it to Collin to double fist drinks.
He squints, eyeing me for a second. “Wait a minute. Why am I just now hearing about this? I know you're not staying at Tanner’s or your grandparents’ place or I’d have seen your van.”
I fidget with the two empty glasses that I wish were full right now.
“That’s because I’m not staying at either of their places.”
This time his brow raises in surprise, but I see the moment it clicks.
“They don’t know you're in town, do they?”
“Um, rude,” Josie interrupts, eyeing Collin like a piece of meat. “Are you not going to introduce me to your friend?” I can’t blame her, Collin is a hottie. Six foot-something, part time personal trainer, part time property manager with Tanner.
I’m about to introduce Collin when another voice cuts me off.
“This would be my boyfriend, Collin.” I watch as the tall, handsome cowboy I’ve only met once, at my brother’s wedding, walks up. He extends his hand to Josie, taking hers and placing a kiss on the back of it. “And I’m Walker. Pleasure to meet you.”
Damn, Walker is smooth. I turn and my jaw drops. Josie is grinning and I swear, she actually blushes.
After a couple rounds of Frisky Fox spicy margaritas, I finally spill the beans to Collin and Walker.
I’m glad I did, it feels like a weight has been lifted.
They understood why I don’t want my family knowing yet.
I should have known Collin would get it.
He might be Tanner’s best friend and even though he’s almost ten years older, we were still pretty close.
I remember he came out after high school years ago, so if anyone would understand keeping things from your friends and family, it would be him.
My worries feel almost trivial in hindsight now, even if I still don't plan to tell anyone else yet.
“I know, I know. I’m probably being overdramatic. Even TJ offered me a job,” I say, taking a sip of my drink. The salted rim stings my lips, chapped from a day of skiing.
The table goes quiet for a second and Josie turns to me. “Excuse me? TJ, as in The Tommy Jacob? As in Teal Tigers’ Tommy Jacob?”
I nod, licking more of the salt off the rim of my glass.
Collin chimes in. “As in TJ, the notoriously private retired rockstar whose house you stayed at with your brothers earlier this year? And side note, still bummed I missed that trip.”
I shake my head, jutting my chin out at them. “Yeah, and? He probably just felt bad for me or is bored since he can’t fish right now.”
They both hum curiously and look at each other. Simultaneously, Collin and Josie both look back at me, pointing at each other when their mouths open.
“I like her.”
“I like him.”
“What?” I groan, wishing they’d clue me in on their inside joke. I remember Collin could make friends with anyone and clearly that hasn’t changed.
Walker leans forward, letting out a low laugh. “I think these two here believe that good ol’ TJ has a thing for you.”
Between what they're saying and Walker's way too cool drawl, I can feel my cheeks heating. “No way. He’s just pity offering me a job. Tanner’s pathetic little sister. Besides, I barely know him and he didn’t even say what the job is.”
Josie shrugs. “I can’t believe you kept this detail from me. Who cares what he needs you to do? He’s Tommy-freaking-Jacob. You should absolutely take that job.”
I want to object, but she’s not wrong. I didn’t take him seriously in the moment and then there was all the commotion and celebration after Clay proposed to Lizzy. But would it really be the worst thing?
I was considering picking up shifts at the coffee shop or somewhere else around town. I’m sure whatever TJ’s offering would be better than that — and probably pay better too.
Would it be weird to text him? I told him I’m not a charity case. What if it was just a joke or he’s changed his mind?
Collin looks at Josie and gives her a few enthusiastic nods. “Hell yeah, she should. Plus, TJ's a total daddy.”
I nearly choke on my drink and Josie cackles. Walker is quirking his brow at Collin but gives an approving shrug.
“Screw all of you, seriously.” I manage to get the words out after I stop coughing on my drink.
They continue on with their conversation, but I can’t help but think they’re right. Not the hot part, even though yeah, TJ is definitely hot. It would be worth reaching out to him, even if it’s just to have another friend in town. If only I could just work up the nerve to do it.