2. Frost
Chapter two
Frost
I hit the gas, frowning when my car seems to sputter and jitter on its way up this hill. Fuck. Do I really need to change the spark plugs? I noticed they were starting to look corroded around the edges but I was hoping to at least make it a little further before they decided to take a shit like this.
“For fuck’s sake,” I say through gritted teeth, my jaw starting to ache with how tightly I’ve got my teeth locked. I lay off the gas before pressing down again, my car answering the same way with jittery movement forward.
Okay, this is fine. Totally fine. I can figure something out. I always do.
A sign catches my eye. There’s some sort of lodge resort place up ahead. I was planning on camping out in the woods for a few days but with the incoming snow, an actual roof and bed would be amazing.
Not that I have the money for that right now. My next deposit from my parents isn’t going to hit my account until the beginning of next month. I’ll have to bargain my way into getting a room. Gods, I really hope whoever owns this place isn’t some sort of corporate asshole.
I pull my shitty car into the parking lot. Looking around, I see there’s one large building that must be the main hall. Then there are a handful of personal cabins scattered around the area with their own porch and driveway, decorated with sparkling Christmas lights. It’s a really cute set up.
Despite having black hair, bangs that cover my forehead, kohl lined eyes, a neck tattoo and snakebite piercings, I love cute things. Give me adorable cottagecore vibes and I’ll be nothing but smiles. Just because I like dressing like this, doesn’t mean I’m all emo music and doom and gloom.
Emo is a state of mind. Or something.
I get out of my car and make my way into the main building, hoping to every god out there that whoever is working is kind. As much as I love my nomadic life, I could really use a break. I’ve been on the road for as long as I’ve been an adult. I love being untied and free, but living like this takes a toll on me.
“Morning!”
I put on my best smile as the man behind the counter greets me. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think Santa was here early. The man has a white beard, rosy cheeks, and a round belly. He’s even wearing a red hat on his head.
“Hello,” I say, stepping over to the counter. “I couldn’t help but notice how cute this place is. Are you the owner?”
“Aye, that I am. Me and my husband.”
“That’s amazing!” I knock my knuckles against the counter. “I have a bit of an unorthodox proposition for you. I’m a handyman. I can fix just about anything and if I don’t know how, I’ll teach myself how to get the work done. I don’t have money for a cabin, but I could trade a room for work, if that’s something you’d be interested in?”
The man’s eyes turn stern as he stares at me and it almost feels like he’s looking right into my soul. Maybe he really is Santa, weighing if I should be on the nice or naughty list. I swallow around the lump in my throat. He opens his mouth to answer but someone steps through the door behind the desk labeled ‘Employees Only’. He’s tall and thin with a spring in his step. He grins from ear to ear as he wraps an arm around the other man’s waist.
“Oh, come on,” he says with a giggle. “Let’s give him a shot!”
Modern day Santa finally lets out a sigh. “Fine.” He holds out his hand and I shake it firmly. “I’m Theo and this is my husband, Elias.”
“It’s nice to meet you both. You can call me Frost.”
“What sorta stuff do you know how to fix?”
I smile as I explain. “I haven’t found anything I wasn’t able to fix if given a little time. I need to change the oil and spark plugs on my car. The last place I stayed at had me fixing their AC units but any maintenance you might have, I can take care of.”
“That’s good to know,” Theo says, running his fingers through his long beard. “We’ll make a list for you tonight and you can get started in the morning after breakfast. Does that sound alright?”
“That sounds perfect. Thank you so much, Sir.”
Elias giggles. “You’ve got pretty boys calling you Sir, Theo.”
Theo’s cheeks brighten even further. “Hush, both of you. Call me Theo, no need for this Sir shit.”
“You got it,” I say with a chuckle. They’ve instantly put me at ease and a little wave of something runs through me. I realize with a start that I’m jealous .
Gods, it’s been too long since I’ve been around people for any extended period of time. Am I lonely? Do I wish I had a place to call my own or do I simply wish I had someone to share my bed with?
I’d rather not analyze all of that so instead, I take the key to cabin 5 with the promise of seeing them both in the morning.
I pull my car into my designated driveway. My cabin has a large, decorated 5 on the front door. Everything about this place gives off good vibes. I find myself grinning as I grab my bag and haul it into the cabin.
The first thing I do is strip out of my clothes and get into the shower. The hot water is nothing short of blissful. I usually shower at truck stops or exercise clubs so a shower in my own personal room is downright indulgent. Gods, this feels so nice. I even have the privacy to jerk off if I really wanted to, but the idea of laying myself out in a bed in order to touch myself sounds so much better.
It’s something I’ll have to indulge in before my stay is over.
I stay in the shower until my fingers and toes get pruney. Turning off the shower, I get out and dry myself off. My eyeliner is streaked down my cheeks but using a washcloth, I quickly take care of that.
Walking through my cabin completely naked, a little thrill goes through me. I’ve missed this. I’ve missed having a space to call my own where I can do whatever the fuck I feel like doing. Sure, I have my car, but I can’t drive around without pants on. I can’t kick off my shoes and wiggle my toes.
I love being on the road, but now that I’m in a comfortable place, I realize how tired I am. Maybe a week in a comfortable bed, a hot shower, and free coffee will fix these feelings right up.
I have the entire day to myself so I quickly get dressed before heading out to my car. The oil and spark plugs aren’t going to fix themselves and it’s better to get them done before the snow decides to hit.