Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
The crisp mountain air nipped at Camilla's cheeks as she and Jade set out from the Parkes family estate. Fresh snow had fallen overnight, and the morning sun peeked through gaps in the clouds, casting a shimmer over the landscape.
They walked hand in hand down a winding path that led away from the house and into a dense grove of aspen trees.
The slender white trunks stood in stark contrast to the evergreens scattered among them, creating a dappled pattern of light and shadow on the snowy ground.
In the distance, the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains loomed, their snow-capped summits disappearing into low-hanging clouds.
As they ventured deeper into the woods, the sounds of the estate faded away, replaced by the crunch of snow beneath their boots and the occasional rustle of branches in the breeze.
Camilla felt a sense of peace wash over her, grateful for this moment of solitude with Jade after the emotional rollercoaster of the night.
"It's beautiful out here," Jade said, her breath forming small clouds in the cold air. "So different from LA."
"Yes. I've always loved it here. It’s –" Camilla stopped herself as she caught sight of movement in the trees ahead. She put a finger to her lips, signaling Jade to be quiet, and pointed.
A majestic elk stood in a small clearing, its impressive antlers silhouetted against the snowy backdrop.
It raised its head, ears twitching as it sensed their presence.
They stopped, holding their breath as they watched the magnificent creature.
Then, with a graceful bound, it disappeared into the forest.
"Wow," Jade whispered. "I've never seen one that up close before."
Camilla smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind Jade's ear. "It never gets old, no matter how many times I see them. There's something magical about encountering wildlife like that."
They continued the path, gradually climbing uphill, and as they crested a small rise, they came upon a wooden bench overlooking a stunning vista of the valley below. By unspoken agreement, they sat down, huddling close for warmth.
"So," Camilla began, turning slightly to face Jade, "tell me something I don't know about you."
“Oh, there’s a lot.” Jade laughed. "What were you thinking?”
“Let’s start simple,” Camilla said. “What’s your favorite food?”
That's easy. My mom's homemade Marzetti. It's a family recipe, passed down for generations. What about you?"
"Hmm," Camilla mused. "I'd have to say sushi. But in winter, I’m also partial to a good stew."
"Favorite pastime?" Jade asked.
"Reading, definitely," Camilla replied without hesitation. "I love getting lost in a good book. You?"
"Acting, of course," Jade said with a grin. "But when I'm not on stage or auditioning, I love hiking. I go hiking in The Hills whenever I get a chance."
They continued trading questions back and forth, learning the small details that make up a person's life - favorite movies, childhood pets, dream vacations…
Meanwhile, Camilla gathered her courage to bring up something that had been on her mind. "Jade, can I ask you something? You don't have to answer if you don't want to."
“Ask away.”
"Why haven't you been in a long-term relationship before?" Camilla asked gently. "I know you explained that nothing ever worked out, but why is that? It just seems so unlikely that someone as amazing as you wouldn't be taken."
Jade was quiet for a moment, her gaze drifting to the mountain vista before them.
"It's a fair question," she said finally.
"The truth is, I've always been waiting for something.
.. extraordinary. A connection that feels effortless and profound, and I never wanted to settle for less than that indescribable spark.
" She paused, her eyes meeting Camilla’s. "I feel that spark with you."
Camilla leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Jade's lips.
“I've read about this kind of connection in books,” she whispered.
“I've seen it in movies, heard about it in songs.
But I never fully understood it until now.
" She shook her head, a small laugh escaping her.
"I always thought it was just artistic exaggeration, that real life couldn't possibly match up to those descriptions.
But being with you... I finally get it."
“I love that.” Jade smiled. "I have another question. Be honest - had you really never had an inkling that you might be interested in women before?"
Camilla laughed, shaking her head. "Honestly? No, I hadn't. Or at least, I'd never let myself consider it." She paused, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "Although, now that I think about it, seeing you at the coffee shop always did brighten my day more than I cared to admit."
Jade's eyebrow arched teasingly. "Oh really? So it wasn't just my barista skills that kept you coming back?"
"Maybe not," Camilla admitted with a grin. "I just never analyzed it until now. You were this bright spot in my day, and I didn't question why."
“That’s cute,” Jade said. “Can I ask you another question?”
“Go ahead.”
"What's your biggest concern? About us, I mean."
Camilla considered the question carefully. "I suppose... I'm worried about messing it up because I'm so new to all of this. Not just relationships but being with a woman. What about you? What's your biggest concern?"
"Honestly?” Jade said. “It's the wealth disparity between us.
It's not just a small difference - it's enormous.
Bicycle versus private jet enormous." She gestured vaguely in the direction of the Parkes estate.
"Your family is going to find out eventually that acting is not just a hobby and that I'm far from wealthy myself, and that might cause problems. And I worry it might cause issues between us too.
I can't take you on fancy dates or buy you expensive gifts. "
Camilla felt a pang in her chest at Jade's words, and she took Jade's hands in hers, meeting her gaze steadily. "Jade, listen to me. Does that really matter to you? Because it doesn't matter to me at all."
"But-"
"No buts," Camilla interrupted. "I've had wealth my entire life, and you know what? It's never made me truly happy. I can see that now. These past few days with you have brought me more joy than all the fancy dinners and expensive gifts ever could."
Jade's expression softened, but Camilla could still see a hint of doubt in her eyes.
"Look," Camilla continued, "I fell for you, Jade. Not your bank account, not your social status. You. Your kindness, your humor, your passion for life. That's what matters to me."
"But what about your family?" Jade pressed. "Won't they expect you to be with someone... well, more like them?"
Camilla shook her head firmly. "My family wants me to be happy. And if they can't see how happy you make me, then that's their problem, not ours." She paused, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Besides, Uncle Robert already adores you. I'm pretty sure he'd disown me if I let you go."
That finally coaxed a laugh out of Jade. "He is pretty great, isn't he?"
"Yeah," Camilla agreed. "And so are you. So let's make a deal, okay? We take this one day at a time. We focus on us. The rest of it - the money, the family expectations, all of it - we'll figure it out together. Deal?"
"Deal," Jade whispered.
“Now, there is one burning question I’ve been dying to ask.” Camilla shot Jade a mischievous smile. “That amazing thing you do with your tongue…” She grinned, her cheeks turning pink. “Can you teach me how to do that?”
Jade burst out in laughter. “You, Miss Parkes, are so gay!” She got up and held out a hand to pull Camilla up too. “How about we discuss that tonight, in the dark under the covers? We should probably head back; Theresa will have a fit if we’re late for breakfast too.”