That could isolate all of us from Jefferson and anyone else that didn’t accept it. I didn’t want that for Avery.
This got complicated quickly, and I slipped under my sheets once I was ready for bed. I tried to think of the next day at Ciderworks, but all I could think about was how Avery felt in my arms tonight.
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE
AVERY
I took a walk along the lighted path around the lodge, breathing is the crisp, clean air. It was just approaching evening, and the sky was a soft pink and orange color on the horizon.
It looked so beautiful.
I played back the interview in my head that was, by all accounts, successful. The owners were kind and enthusiastic and everything I’d wanted when I lived in New York.
Tonight, I felt more doubt about it than excitement. I needed to clear my head after having the interview and working in the restaurant to prepare desserts for the Friday dinner rush.
At least those seemed to go well, and the customers raved about them. It only proved that I was good at being a pastry chef and at how well I’d do in New York. This could be my second chance to get that review that could put my name on the map. The possibilities for success were endless.
I could turn everything around that happened with Simon and make things right again. I just didn’t know if that’s what I wanted now.
Damn it. I’d wanted to make it big in New York since I was a little girl. My family supported me in my dream and now I had doubts?
Taking in the stunning scenery, I paused and looked over the winding path and icy trees. I turned my head slowly around, seeing the building and the land I’d spent so much time exploring as a kid. I could play back so many holidays I spent here, celebrating the love we had as a family.
Looking back, I knew Jefferson always aspired to take over the family business. While he played hard, he also learned the ropes from a young age and stepped in effortlessly when we lost Dad.
That memory brought tears to my eyes. I’d been so busy when it happened and while I made it back for the funeral, I didn’t have a lot of time to spend here afterward. He’d been my biggest supporter, encouraging me to follow my dreams. Dad loved everything I baked and joked that he ate more than anybody else, gaining weight from it.
It wasn’t that I felt like I didn’t get my time with Dad. We had a wonderful relationship with each other, and I knew he loved me. His death happened when I was still young and barely off at school. It was so sudden, and we all thought we’d have more time with Dad.
Losing my biggest cheerleader made me falter a bit in the beginning, but it was my dream and Dad’s voice that kept me going. I knew he’d want me to succeed and joked about visiting the place I worked after I made it big and ended up famous. Dad also joked I’d be on a food network show someday.
Did I owe it to him to keep moving towards that goal? Better yet, did I owe it to my family that made it possible for me to do that?
I tried to decide what Dad would think of my current situation. He liked Charlie a lot through the years, but dating his daughter might not be what he’d wanted for us. I didn’t even want to think about what he’d tell me about dating three men, but I was a big girl and could make my own decisions.
That’s what it came down to in my mind. I had three men to think about. Were they my boyfriends or was that too strong of a word to describe what we shared? I didn’t know what to call it.
Charlie confessed he loved me last night, and I knew I felt the same way. He told me we’d make it long distance if we had to through visits and a lot of phone calls.
Would Ben and Jack feel the same way? How complicated would that be while I worked to build my pastry team and work with other chefs as described in the interview?
I tugged my gray hat lower on my head to warm my ears and sighed. My phone vibrated, and I reached into my pocket to see that I had a message from Beth. I could just respond, but I wanted to hear my best friend’s voice and called her to hear her voice and possibly her advice.
Beth knew I was dating here though I hadn’t told her the details. They were a lot, and I kept it vague, telling her I was just enjoying myself.
“Avery! Hi!” Beth greeted me as I pictured her bright smile. There were voices in the background, and I immediately pictured one of her famous dinner parties. “How are you?”
“I’m good. Are you having company for dinner?” I asked as she giggled, responding to someone else before confirming to me she had some friends over.
“Do you know anything about coming home?” Beth asked me as I pictured her small apartment full of people like ours once was.
“I had an interview today, and it went great. It’s a great place that has a location in Brooklyn Heights and Manhattan and I’ll be able to build my team and work with different chefs. This could be such an amazing opportunity for me.” I told her, trying to be as excited as I sounded for her sake.
“I’m so happy. Do you know when you’re going to hear anything?” Beth asked as someone laughed again in the background.
“Not yet. I should hear something within the week.” I tried to remember the parties in our apartment and if I even enjoyed them. Compared to the peace I felt here, it sounded loud and invasive.
Was New York even my home anymore?