Chapter 3
Chapter Three
JOSHUA
I close my eyes and inhale. Even the air out here is different.
It’s clean and fresh, not like the thick smog hanging over LA like a dark cloud.
There are trees everywhere: oak, willow and California black walnut.
I’ve never seen so many trees. Maybe I don’t get out a lot, but Lake Haven really is like some kind of paradise.
I don’t think I’ve ever been in the wilderness, without people around, in my entire life.
Dad took us camping when we were kids, and I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors. But this puts a whole new meaning behind rest and relaxation.
When Dad had to cancel staying the weekend because Alison was sick, he stayed home to look after her, and he offered me the cabin. It isn’t often I manage a weekend off, but it seemed like a waste of good money. Plus, I can do some networking while I’m here.
The small cabin sits right above the banks of Lake Haven; a quaint little town east of LA. It’s opulent, referred to as California’s ‘Hamptons’ but strangely unassuming.
I think I could retire here, or maybe get a place. I’ve only been in the cabin for an hour and I feel the stress weighing on my shoulders diminishing by the second. Yeah, I could see myself here on weekends, not that I get many of those.
I pad barefoot across the wooden floorboards, the cool feel of the resurfaced wood caressing my feet as I walk, and out to the screened-in porch. There’s not another soul for miles.
The lake looks like glass and spans for as far as the eye can see.
Every now and again a small boat passes by, causing a ripple effect in the cool, gray water, but it’s not Downtown or anything out here. Peace and quiet. This is what people come out here for. A perfect escape from the world.
There’s no noise except for the swooshing of the wind amongst the trees, birds tweeting a gentle melody from the treetops, and the lapping of the water.
I set my coffee down on the table, deciding to take a jog around the lake and then get my bearings. Not that it’ll be hard. Lake Haven is small; hence why property here is so rare and hardly ever comes up for sale. I can see why. The long drive out here is worth it.
The log cabin I’m staying in isn’t anything to write home about, but it’s cozy.
There’s a fireplace set around the most amazing stonework I’ve ever seen, reflecting soft beiges and grays in the detail.
It's almost begging for me to light the fire so I can admire its beauty.
The high ceilings make the small space seem bigger, and the refurbished hardwood floors add cozy charm, plus a small but neat kitchen.
With a couple of updates, and some newer appliances, it could really shine.
Something about the rustic, uninhabited cabin has me feeling nostalgic. I guess I really am a sucker at heart.
Dad insisted I come out here. He knows I’ve been working my ass off for the last few years.
I haven’t taken a vacation in four years, and I definitely sleep more with my cell phone than I do with an actual woman.
The idea of having someone to come home to seems like a far-off dream.
While I’ve no shortage of women throwing themselves at me, I’ve never been arrogant with it.
Not like my younger brother, Brad, who revels in women by the truckload.
He says it’s the Lucas brothers’ charm, but I’m not so sure.
More like he enjoys the attention. I’d be fine with just one woman, if I could find one who could put up with my schedule, and — according to my brothers — my overweening ego.
They just don’t get it. I’ve had to work hard.
Things don’t come to me as fast as they do Brad, or as easy as they do Noah.
I’m meticulous in all that I do because of my personality.
Maybe I’m a little over the top, but I like things how I like them.
I’ve always strived to be the best version of myself, but I worry sometimes I’ve thrown myself into work so much that I’ve missed the simple things.
I’ve always wanted to make my dad proud.
Being his eldest child, there has always been an expectation on my shoulders. Taking over the family business one day is something that will happen, but I’m happy to share the load with Brad and Noah. We work better in a team, even if Brad thinks he’s all that.
Speaking of which, my phone pings with a text. The coverage out here is spotty, but Mason said he wouldn’t bother me unless it was an emergency. My dad, Brad and Noah are all still in LA, both of my brothers are holding the fort.
Brad
Yo dick. Having a swell vacay?
I scratch my chin, fighting a smile.
Me
First vacation weekend in four years
Brad
How are the mosquitoes?
Me
Haven’t encountered any yet
Brad
Trust me, they’ll come out to play. Speaking of which, are you secretly going out there to spend time with Melinda?
I scoff at the idea. My ex-girlfriend is a realtor out here in Lake Haven. She works between here and Chestnut Hills; another highly sought after small town made popular by the rich and famous.
In all honesty, I’d completely forgotten about Melinda.
She was an amazing girl, and we left on good terms, but we split up for a reason.
Neither of us could commit to a long-distance relationship for one, and she deserved better than that.
Three years ago, I wasn’t where I’m at now.
What I thought I wanted then, I no longer do.
But Melinda and I were never going to work. She spent a year in Paris after we broke up, and I’m proud of what she’s achieved with her career. But I’m not here to rekindle things.
Me
No. Why would you think that?
Brad
Bc you’re pathetic. When was the last time you had sex, old man?
Me
I’m not discussing that with you, and you’re 2 years younger than me, asshat
Brad
Maybe I should come out there and we’ll shake that little tavern upside down
Me
I don’t think Haven Sent is ready for you, brother, seriously
The beloved tavern and the best place to eat in town.
Brad
Do you have some chick stashed away in that cabin that I don’t know about?
Me
I’m pathetic, remember
Brad
Oh, that's right. Dad said you needed to decompress…
A few seconds later, Brad has Venmoed me some cash.
Me
Why did you just send me money
Brad
You need a massage. If the masseuse irons all the kinks out of you, you might come back a little less grumpy
Me
I have money, idiot. You do realize you’re the one they all call Mr. Grumpy around the office, right?
Brad
Who says that?
Me
Everyone
Brad
I want names
Me
You’re disturbing my peace. Did you want something?
Brad
Nope. Just wanted to annoy you
Me
I’m going for a jog
Brad
I smirk. Asshole is just jealous he didn’t get offered the cabin from Dad. Heck knows this place isn’t big for anything more than a couple. There’s only one bed. And I’m not sharing that with my brother.
Then again, everyone knows I’ve been stressed.
As much as I try to hide it, we’re all in tune with one another, so hiding things is never easy.
It’s why our family business works so well and has since Dad paved the way for the next generation.
I love my job more than anything. It’s the one stronghold in my life, the one thing I can depend on. It’s what I know.
When I feel like I’ve been slobbing around a little too much, I change into my sweats and take that jog around the lake.
It’s so pretty this time of year; the end of summer, but not quite fall.
Everything is still green, despite the dry spell we’ve had for a little while.
Though, I’ve been told it rains here sporadically, and there was even a weather report this weekend for rain and a cold front.
I didn’t let it deter me. In fact, it’ll be even more cozy with the fire on.
I noticed the wood pile outside, and I’m not mad about it.
The rain gently tinkering on the roof as I read a book, or catch up on Game of Thrones , or just look out at the lake and think.
Some R&R sounds good to me. I realize how pathetic I sound, and by the time I’ve jogged right around the lake and back again, I’m famished.
I picked up a whole lot of stuff from the overpriced convenience store on the way in. Apparently they make the best chicken salad this side of California.
I strip off my clothes and jump in the shower.
Yeah. I think I could get used to a simple life, after all.