Chapter 22 Aspen
Aspen
Today is the day I get to see Genevieve again! I can’t help but do a little happy dance as I comb my hair and get ready for work. Nothing has ever felt so great.
I was honestly really nervous to ask her, unsure if she felt the same way I did during our time together.
For all I knew, she could hate me—or worse, have already friend-zoned me in her mind already.
But I’m holding onto hope that I can charm her over the weekend.
I’m not even sure how long she’s staying, but Derek mentioned he’d be back on Tuesday, so at least we have some time to ourselves until then.
I feel guilty because Derek left for the airport this morning, looking miserable, while I’m here grinning from ear to ear. I drove him there and tried to talk during the car ride, but he wasn’t really in the mood. I think it was a combination of the early hour and just the weight of his situation.
Once I’m ready for work, I head outside to start my car before coming back inside to pop an Oreo Pop-Tart into the toaster. The metal bars press against the sugary pastry and I wait patiently for it to pop up, eager to dive into the sweet goodness.
I’m in such a good mood.
Nothing can ruin my day.
I’ve got one Pop-Tart in my hand and the other resting on a paper towel as I step out of the apartment.
I take a final glance around, admiring its cleanliness.
I tidied up a bit last night and I can’t help but feel a sense of pride.
I’m usually a pretty clean guy, so it didn’t take much effort—just a little Clorox here, a little Windex there, and voila.
I smile to myself and lock the door behind me.
I hop in my Subaru and drive to work. I’m preparing myself to ask my boss for a couple days off so I can spend my time with Genevieve. I don’t want to waste any time apart from her.
I park my car, stride on into work and clock in. Instead of heading straight to my station, I head over to the boss’s office, hoping to catch him there. I have a kick in my step and a smile on my face when I say hi to the receptionist, Rebecca.
“Hey, Aspen, lovely day huh?” She says.
“Oh it sure is, Becky!” I say cheerfully and carry on my way.
I knock on the glossy wooden door to my boss’s office and wait for his response.
“Come in,” he says.
I open the door and let myself in.
“Hey Aspen, how are you?” He asks.
“I’m great, actually. Boss, I was wondering if I could take a couple days off,” I ask him with confidence.
“Sure bud, when were you thinking for?” He asks.
A wave of shyness hits me, and I realize my chances just shrank to zero. "Ummm, tomorrow and the day after?" I say, my voice trailing off.
“Oh no. I’m sorry man, I can’t do that,” he says. “Didn’t you hear about Derek? He won’t be in for days. I need you now while he’s gone so I can count on things running smoothly while I’m in the kitchen,” He says.
Fuck. “I forgot about that,” I admit.
“I’m sorry man. But hey, when he’s back I can surely give you that time off,” he says.
“Sure,” I say slightly disappointed. “Thanks boss.” Then I leave his office.
So much for my perfect day that couldn’t be ruined, that was a short-lived fairytale. Guess I’m the prince who can’t take a day off.
I walk out, shoulders slumped, feeling incredibly disappointed.
What am I supposed to do now? I’ve already invited Genevieve.
I can’t just uninvite her. That’s rude. Plus, I don’t want to.
The only thing I can think of is having her snowboard alongside me while I teach my classes.
It’s the only way we can spend time together.
I just hope she’s up for it.
I walk over to the bathroom and out of anger pull out my last vial of coke I have and keep in case of an emergency, like this one. An emergency where something so bad is happening I can’t bear it.
its own. I just want to feel nothing for a second.
I hold the miniature glass up to my nostril and go to breathe in, but then stop myself.
I imagine Genevieve staring at me at this very moment.
She wouldn’t like this. No way she would approve.
So I slip the vial back in my coat pocket and just hope I never have to touch it again.
I’m stronger than this.
***
I have one hour of work left, and I still feel terrible about not being able to take time off. I just hope Genevieve will understand. But then, I remind myself that there's only an hour left and after that, she’ll be so close! The thought lifts my spirits and a smile starts to creep across my face.
I’m done with classes for the day, so now I’m just waiting for the clock to run out. Hiding in the bathroom for a few minutes, I pull out my phone to check for messages. It’s been four hours since I last looked, and sure enough there are a few or I mean many text messages from Genevieve.
Genevieve: Hey! It’s Genevieve. You probably know that though. LOL!
Genevieve: I mean, not that I assumed you saved my number or anything.
Genevieve: I just texted to let you know I left my place! I’m on my way!
3 hours later…
Genevieve: Hey! I crossed into Colorado!
Genevieve: I’m pretty sure you’re working, but I’m still okay to come right? I just haven’t heard a response. LOL!
Genevieve: No rush though! I’m only three hours away.
Genevieve: Sorry for all the messages by the way!
1 hour later…
Genevieve: I’m two hours away!
Holy shit! She’s two hours away! That means she’ll be here just about an hour after I clock out.
Holy shit balls. I can't wait to see her. I should probably say something cool, or normal. Do I even remember how to be normal? She’s gonna step out of that G-Wagon and I’m gonna forget how to use my legs.
I stare at my phone screen and smile at all the silly messages she’s sent. It’s so cute how ruffled up she gets. It seems like she’s embarrassed, but there’s no reason for her to be. It’s just me. I hope she doesn’t act all shy around me now that it’s just us two.
I text her back.
Me: Can’t wait to see you! Sorry for not responding, I’m working.
Sweet, simple, and to the point. Hopefully she doesn’t get the wrong memo.
Before it’s time for me to clock out I walk over to the bar to see my boss flipping burgers in the back. He usually doesn’t mind feeding me for the night so I’m gonna grab some food for Genevieve and I because she will probably be hungry after her long drive here.
“Hey boss,” I say to him.
“Hey Aspen, how was the day?” He asks.
“Day was good, I’m really enjoying teaching everyone. It’s been nice,” I admit.
“Knew you’d like it,” he says, then shoots me a wink.
“Thanks again. Hey, do you think you can make me a couple burgers?” I ask him.
“Yeah of course, how many?”
“Two,” I tell him while throwing him a peace sign.
“Two?” He asks me. “I thought Derek was out of town.”
“Yeah he is, this is just for my friend.”
“Ohh, I see,” he says, nodding his head slowly. “This wouldn’t happen to be your little partner in crime from the video camera footage, would it?”
I look at him dead in the eye.
“Just make the damn burgers you nosey fuck,” I tell him. Then he bursts out into laughter like the immature man child he is.
Raul and I are cool like that. I act all good because he treats all his employees the same and I shouldn’t get any special treatment, but sometimes, it’s really fun to play with him and talk with him the way I do.
“Just wear a condom. Okay?”
“Go!” I tell him pointing towards the back of the kitchen. He turns around and raises his hands like he’s innocent, one hand holding a spatula.
Innocent my ass.
This guy.
He comes back out about ten minutes later with two bags in hand each containing a burger with a side of fries.
“Thanks boss, you’re the best!” I say, grabbing the brown paper bags from him.
“Condom!” He shouts at me as I hurry out of the bar. I just shake my head.
As I head out of the bar, I head over to clock out and jog to my car. I put the car in reverse, then in drive and speed on home. When I get through the door, the first thing I do is stick the paper bags in the microwave. The grease is spewing out of the bottom of the bag.
I make sure everything has remained spotless even though no one has been home to touch anything. I light a candle that I’ve had for the last three years since I moved in here and have only used for special occasions. It’s not even halfway gone.
I text Genevieve back and tell her I’m home.
She responds right away with a thumbs up and I hop in the shower as fast as I can so I can look my best for Genevieve.
It sucks that I have to go into work tomorrow, but hopefully Genevieve will understand.
If not, I’m going to feel real bad that I made her come out all the way just to watch me work.
I step out of the shower onto my shower mat and rewindex the mirror, it looks like shit.
I have to wait for it to defog so that I can reclean it.
I put on some fresh clothes and spray on a little bit of cologne I got from Hollister.
I spray some on my wrists and then rub the rest on my neck. Now I just wait for Genevieve.
Within twenty minutes on the dot, Genevieve shoots me a text that she’s outside. I take one last look at myself in the foggy mirror and make sure I don’t have anything in my teeth. I’m all good so I go out into the parking lot and greet the woman of my dreams.
She steps out of the beautiful white G-Wagon and for the first time in what feels like forever, I see her.
Her hair falls just as I remember—long, soft, and effortlessly flowing.
She's dressed in dark brown yoga pants, a matching zip-up hoodie, and a cozy headband holding her hair back.
Her feet are snug in Ugg boots, adding to her effortless look.
From the car she pulls out a puffer coat, slipping her arms through the sleeves, but leaving it unzipped for a casual vibe. She runs a hand through her hair, giving it a little more volume after the car ride, and shoots me a smile—one of those smiles that could light up a room.
I continue to stand afar just admiring her beauty until she speaks, breaking my trance.
“Hey you,” she says grinning.
“Genevieve,” I suddenly forget how to speak.
“Well, don’t just stand there. Are you going to help me with my bags?” She asks.
I snap out of the trance she always seems to have me in and walk up to her. Before helping with her bags, I offer her a warm hug and a kiss on the cheek. As my lips leave her skin, I notice a soft pink flush spreading across her face.
I then proceed to open the backseat of her car and take out the mini suitcase and duffle bag she’s brought with her.
“How long do you plan on staying for?” I ask her, trying to make a joke. She doesn’t really have that many bags because I know winter clothes are bulky. I just like to pull her leg.
“As long as you’ll have me,” she says smiling while standing there staring at me.
I’m like her bell man while carrying her luggage and directing her to where she’ll be staying. In my room.
Genevieve enters my apartment. She takes a look around at the small space and says, “This is a nice place you got here.” I can tell she’s being nice. There’s no way that someone who drives a car more expensive than a year's worth of my rent thinks this is nice.
“You don’t have to lie. It’s nothing fancy, but it works,” I say. “I’m hoping to someday upgrade and get a place with a little more room.”
“I’m not lying. This place is great. I love it,” she says and that makes me feel good.
Gen has this way of making everyone feel good inside—at least, she does for me.
I was a little nervous to show her my place, especially after finding out who her parents are.
I know she comes from money. But somehow, she doesn't carry that entitled attitude that most rich girls do. To me, she’s the kindest, most genuine person I’ve ever met.
I honestly don’t know how she doesn’t have a boyfriend.
I keep on walking with her bags towards my bedroom. She follows and observes my room.
“So this is what Aspen Davis’ room looks like,” she says in the third person as if I wasn’t there. “I’ve been wondering.” I set her bags down near the closet.
I’ve kept everything clean since she got here. Scrubbed out the ashtray, hid the things I swore I wouldn’t need again, and made sure everything was perfect for this very reaction.
“This is it. I hope you don’t mind, but I figured you’d be okay sleeping in here with me. If not, I can sleep in Derek’s room or the couch and you can take my bed,” I tell her.
“No need for that I’ve slept with you before, I think I can handle it again,” she says.
That makes us both let out a small chuckle.
“I’ve gotta say, I’m pretty surprised you own a comforter,” she says and continues to look around, “and curtains,” she says laughing.
Wait what? “What do you mean? Doesn’t everyone?” I ask her.
She lets out a short, loud laugh. “You’d be surprised. I guess my standards were pretty low though. Let’s just say the average frat boy doesn’t even own sheets,” she says.
“Thats…” I’m trying to find the right word. “Disgusting,” I tell her.
She lets out another laugh.
“You’re telling me, and the mattresses are left behind for each person each year so I’m sure the last twenty frat guys to live in a room have probably all slept and jacked off on the same mattress,” she says.
Now it’s my turn to laugh. “God, I’m glad I missed out on college.”
“You should be, I swear it’s a scam. But that’s a story for another time,” She says. I’m dying to know that story. I want to know all of her stories. I’m so glad she came.
Her stomach lets out a growl, making us both laugh even harder.
“Don’t worry, I got you a burger with fries from the resort. I figured you’d be hungry.”
“My hero!” She says all swoony as I pull the brown paper bag out of the microwave to start plating our food on separate plates.
“Don’t get your hopes up, Derek’s gone so my boss made them, so no promises that they’re any good,” I say and that makes her laugh.
God I missed that sound. How was I able to ever go time away from that sound? And worse, how will I do it again?
How can I keep it around forever?
Her.
She’s here. In my room. In my world. If this is all I get — a weekend, a couple nights — I’m going to make every second count. And maybe, just maybe, she’ll want to stay longer than that.