I ate a small dinner with Mom before heading upstairs to change. I knew this wasn’t the place to wear a skirt and heels anywhere, particularly when we were expecting the first snowfall since my arrival here. Meteorologists predicted at least an inch of snow tonight and I smiled as I thought about getting stuck at Charlie’s cabin for the night.
I picked a fitted pair of soft velvet jeans from my city days and a soft off the shoulder pink cashmere sweater with a sexy black camisole underneath. I hadn’t had a lot of reason to get ready when I worked at the lodge, so I took the time to put on a few coats of mascara and some shimmery shadow on my lids. I brushed a little highlighter on my cheekbones and finished with a pink gloss that matched my sweater.
I wondered if Charlie would appreciate my efforts.
I slid my feet into black boots that would get me safely around the snow and ran a hand through my loose waves. I wore it pulled back every day at work in some manner and felt more like a girl tonight.
“I’m going to take off, Mom,” I told her, stepping into the living room where she sipped tea by the fire.
“If it gets too bad out there, sleep in the guest room,” she told me as I fought the urge to arch my brow. Mom did not know what I had planned with Charlie tonight, assuming he’d be equally into the idea.
“I will. They are expecting some snow and Jefferson said to take tomorrow off. He doesn’t know how much we’ll get done in the weather.” I pushed my phone into my small purse, nervous about the party. “I’ll let you know if I end up staying there.”
“Be safe and have fun. You haven’t done anything but work since you got here. I appreciate that, but you’re young, Avery. You deserve to enjoy life.” Mom smiled at me from her spot in front of the TV and I told her goodbye as I walked to the front door.
Locking it behind me, I glanced around at the snow flurries in the air. It brought a familiar excitement for me, remembering how much I’d want to go play in it as a kid. Now, it was from something else, but still felt the same.
I hopped into my car and drove to the lodge, taking the back road to the area where the cabins backed up to the forest. I noticed a few cars and parked a short distance away, sliding my keys into my purse as I held onto the card I bought for Charlie. I slipped a gift card for his favorite restaurant and hoped he’d appreciate it.
I walked down the small street and approached Charlie’s door. There was a sign that told everyone to come in, so I opened the door and walked inside, seeing about twenty people in the living room and a few others scattered around the kitchen.
I found the gift table and added my card to it before looking around. I saw my brother in the kitchen talking to some friends and I approached him as he glanced at me.
“Hey, sis. I was just going to head out. I wanted to wish him a happy birthday, but I didn’t want to leave Polly home alone too long. She’s been a little nauseous today, otherwise she’d be here.” He ran a hand through his hair and looked around.
“Tell her to rest up and take care of herself,” I told him, glancing around to see where Charlie could be.
“I will. Be safe tonight.” Jefferson looked at me with a serious expression as I rolled my eyes.
“It’s just a cabin party at the lodge. I’ve been to a few of these.” I smiled reassuringly at him. “I’m sure Charlie will keep an eye on me. Where is he?”
“He was just in the living room, so he’s around. It’s too damn cold out there to hang around outside too long,” he replied as I nodded. It was freezing outside, but in here with the fire and the bodies, I felt warm and cozy.
Jefferson headed home, and I helped myself to a couple glasses of red wine as I mingled with old friends from high school. It was great to see everyone, though I kept the details vague about why I was here. I just said it was for an extended holiday since I had some free time, and everyone seemed happy with that answer.
I didn’t want the story about Simon circulating around too much. That still caused me embarrassment, and I wanted to have fun tonight. I felt relieved when most people wanted to talk about Jefferson and Polly’s baby, since they’d all known each other for years.
Someone announced that it was time for cake from the kitchen a short while into my arrival and I turned to see Charlie grinning by the fireplace. He looked handsome in worn jeans that showed off his lean body and a thick forest green Henley tonight, and I’d been checking him out throughout the evening.
A woman carried a sheet cake into the living room that glowed from candles as everyone made room for her. She was a redhead that looked vaguely familiar and laughed as she set the cake down on a table beside Charlie.
He smiled and met the redhead’s eyes as everyone sang Happy Birthday to him as obnoxiously as possible, making me wonder if they might be dating. I’d seen her near him a lot throughout the party, but never heard about a girlfriend.
What if Charlie was dating her, and he was in love? He caught my eyes just before leaning down and the way our eyes locked made me weak in the knees. I hoped he wasn’t with her because I wanted Charlie tonight.
He blew out the candles and the woman carried the cake back to the kitchen, where everyone helped themselves to it. I nibbled on a small piece of the chocolate treat and caught up with some girls from my class, keeping the details vague.
A lot of people stayed here after graduation and while I could see the appeal for them, I wanted to leave as soon as I could. It’s beautiful here, but New York City had been calling my name as soon as I knew I wanted to be a pastry chef.
I knew I could make a name for myself there and had been well on the way before Simon fucked up so badly.
I’d be there again when I finally went back to work for someone else.
The party ended and people began drifting out. I noted the redhead was one of them as I stayed after to help clean up the cups and paper plates that were scattered around the cabin.
“You didn’t have to stay,” Charlie offered as he pulled a garbage bag from under the sink, pulling it open.
“I’m surprised your girlfriend didn’t want to help,” I pointed out, watching as he arched a brow.