Chapter 39
Jameson was supposed to pick me up originally, but since we brought Jess into the mix, I decided I’d drive her and meet him there. Ease her into it a little more.
She has a million questions on the twenty-five-minute drive.
“What does he do for a job?”
“He’s…retired.”
“Ew. Like Grandpa? Is he old?”
“No. He’s not old. Not as old as grandpa, anyway.”
“Okay…what does he do with all his free time, then?”
What does he do with his free time? I suddenly wonder if maybe he’s a little lost right now, going from such a demanding job to basically nothing. Or maybe he’s absolutely loving having nothing to do. I’ll have to ask.
“I don’t know. Why don’t you ask him when you meet him?”
“No. That’s okay. Does he read?”
“Yes. He does read. Big Lord of the Rings fan.” I know that from a late-night chat in my bedroom.
“I read The Hobbit recently…”
“You did?”
“Yes. I told you about it, remember?”
“Oh. Right, right.” I don’t remember. I always give her my attention when she talks about her books, but to be honest, they all blend together after a while.
She gives me a look. I haven’t fooled her one bit.
“Anyway,” I say, changing the subject. “The ski lifts open soon—I think mid-November. Do you want to sign up for lessons again?”
“Yes! You know it, girl.”
I snort at her answer.
A few minutes later, we pull into the resort. It’s quiet this time of year, which is perfect. The summertime tourists have all disappeared, and the skiing and snowboarding crowd haven’t descended upon us yet.
They’re really missing out. I step out of the car and take a deep breath, soaking it all in. I never miss a chance to appreciate the orange and yellow leaves with the mountain backdrop just before they all drop off for winter. The crisp, woodsy smell is heaven.
“You made it.”
I jump at the voice from behind me, then instantly relax as recognition sets in. I turn and face him with a grin.
“Where were you hiding?”
He points toward the same dark SUV he had last time, which I’m assuming is a rental.
“Ahh.”
He holds out a small bouquet of orange and yellow flowers. I take it, my gaze falling on the second bouquet still in his other hand.
“Thank you.”
Jess comes around the car and we both turn toward her. She looks adorable in her denim jacket and leggings.
“Jess, this is Jameson.”
“Hi. It’s nice to meet you.” he says with a wide smile.
“Hi,” she replies, eyeing what’s in his hand.
“This is for you.” He hands her the more colorful arrangement, and her face lights up. She loves flowers.
“What’s that?” I ask when I notice he’s also handed her something else I’d missed. A book. She’s already reading the back cover with a curious expression.
“I heard you like to read. That was one of my favorites as a kid.”
She finishes reading the back before looking up, then she gives him a shy, satisfied smile. “Thanks.”
“Well, should we go grab lunch at the café?” Jameson asks.
“Definitely. I’m starving.”