I thought he was intelligent and charming when we met six months ago at a bar, but he turned out to be a man child. Simon couldn’t admit fault for anything and never admitted defeat, even after the cafe closed for good.
He lost a business while those of us that opened it with him lost their jobs. In my case, I lost my apartment since I had no cash to fall back on.
I learned a lesson from Simon, and that was not to trust too easily. He drew me in with his easy good looks and charm, but it ended badly between us.
As I drew closer to town, I thought back to my life in Lake Placid. It had been my parents, my brother Jefferson and me and our family that lived in the area.
My parents ran the lodge until Dad passed away from a heart attack four years ago. Jefferson took over and things were running great.
It was more than a family business to me. I spent nearly all my time there as a child, playing in the snow or learning winter sports from Jefferson’s friends.
We loved our holidays and during Christmas time, we would all gather around the massive fireplace when we were snowed in.
I’d always thought I was an outdoorsy girl, but I took to New York well when I moved there seven years ago to start school. There was a vibe to it that drew me in, and it always seemed busy there.
Growing up on a mountain offered me a lot of peace that I loved, but New York City made me feel alive in a way I had never felt before.
I threw myself into culinary school, focused on a career as one of the most well-known pastry chefs in the country.
Of course, I knew that would take time to accomplish, so I had two jobs starting out after graduation. One was at a small bakery that was starting out and ended up closing, and the other was Simon’s business.
I’d been dating him for about a month when he told me about it. Simon thought it would be perfect for me to bake for the cafe and make it successful with him. I thought I loved him and agreed, jumping in both as a baker and financially, which was stupid on my part.
When we closed, I had nothing and ended things with Simon immediately.
There were a lot of tears after that and nights with Beth, eating ice cream and watching movies or TV. She was happily engaged and still listened to me, letting me cry in her arms as I ruminated over all I’d lost.
I also called home and told my family what happened through tears of shame and embarrassment.
It was Mom’s idea for me to come home and help Jefferson out through the busy season while I figured out what my next move was. They could always use the help, and it might help clear my mind.
Mom reminded me I’d be home for the holidays to begin with, so why not just come early? I reluctantly agreed, knowing she was right.
Rather than give up the studio entirely, I chose to sublet it to a friend for a few months and just come back when things were better. I didn’t plan to stay in Lake Placid, after all. It was just a temporary solution to a big problem.
I took the exit that would get me there, seeing the snow piled thickly over the grass hidden underneath. There were fewer businesses here now, and I took in the gorgeous view with wonder.
I forgot how it looked since I’d been here last. Emotions washed over me as I thought about being a kid out here versus leaving for a new life in the city. The years blurred together, and I gripped the steering wheel as I slowed at a red stoplight.
What was wrong with me?
Was this over the breakup or the business?
Maybe both?
I drove forward as I took several deep breaths. Maybe returning home for any reason was just sentimental to me. That had to be normal for someone close to their family and the business that we all helped run for years.
I went through so many stages of my life on those mountains and told my secrets as a little girl to the trees and the animals in the forest.
I lost my virginity on that mountain in the summer with my first boyfriend in sophomore year. We took a blanket and picnic to our favorite spot among some trees, and one thing led to another. I’d admit now that it was a little clumsy and a lot fast, but it was still a special memory for me.
We lost touch after school, so I wondered if Chris ever thought about it again.
Before I got to the lodge, I looked at my dashboard. The gas tank was close to empty, and I figured I’d fill up and regain my composure for a few minutes before seeing my family.
I didn’t want them thinking I didn’t want to be with them, since it wasn’t the case at all. I just missed the people and the home I left behind.
I filled up the tank and wiped the tears from my cheeks as the cold air blew my loose strands of hair around my face. It felt good, and I breathed it in deeply, blinking when I thought I heard someone say my name.