I wasn’t known as a guy to stay in one place for long. Competitions were all over the world and my sponsors helped to pay for me to take part in them, so I went where needed. That aspect of my life covered a lot of expenses, but the content creation gave me extra money in whatever place I was living at that moment.
“I’ll be training here for a while.” As her smile faded, I assured her. “I enjoy living in Lake Placid and might even keep it as a home base.”
Did her expression mean she might consider the job? Avery went to New York to school and made a life for herself there that got destroyed by someone else. She probably wouldn’t be here otherwise.
I didn’t get into this with Avery expecting marriage and a family. I just enjoyed being with her and knew I’d miss her if she left Lake Placid. A part of me wanted to spend more time with her, although we needed to keep it a secret from Jefferson.
I just didn’t know what might happen now that she might have a choice to make. Neither did Ben nor Charlie, but Jefferson thought she should take the job and go back to what she loved. He wanted Avery to set up the restaurant staff to copy her desserts before that happened, like a true business owner.
He’d support none of us being involved with his baby sister. That was pointless to think about, but it didn’t mean I wanted to stop seeing her completely. I enjoyed the idea of her being there for my competitions in the future.
I just needed to support her through whatever decision Avery made with this. I knew it was tough.
I finished my work, and we went to grab an early dinner away from the lodge. I took her to a little Mexican place I enjoyed and found some of my old footage to show here while we ate.
“You were an adrenaline junkie even then.” She laughed, reaching for her water. “I can see that you always had a talent doing this, though. It’s cool that it worked out for you, and you get to live your dream life.”
“I’m blessed. I’ve had some good times and made great memories. That won’t stop soon.” I grinned, catching her eyes. “You’re a big part of those lately.”
“Yeah. Today and the bar will always stick in my head, you wild man!” Avery teased me, dipping a chip in salsa. “This is so good.”
“Do you have to go back to the restaurant tonight?” I asked, hoping to get her back to my place to finish what I started.
“Yeah. I was just taking a break earlier and I’ll need to head back after we finish. Thanks for feeding me first. I didn’t want to eat at the lodge. Are you just loading content tonight?” Avery asked me, looking into my eyes.
“That I am. Just a peaceful night at home so I can rest before more training tomorrow. I’m taking yoga with your friend Luna a few times a week now to get ready for competition. I like it,” I told her, watching as Avery nodded.
“I haven’t been as much as I want, but her classes are great. She’s another person I know living her dream.” Avery mentioned as she pushed some food around her plate. “She has the cutest little farmhouse just down the road with an art studio she’s going to clean up for lessons. Luna is so creative.”
“She never wanted to leave Lake Placid?” I asked curiously, picturing the yoga teacher.
“No. Luna is close to her family and loved growing up here. I knew she’d stay when we graduated and she’s doing well for herself.” Avery explained, pushing her half-eaten plate away from her. “I can’t eat another bite.”
“You always wanted to end up in the city?” I asked, as she took another long sip of water.
“Yeah. I got obsessed with it watching the cooking shows with my family.” Avery shrugged. “It seemed like the place to make it.”
“I can see that it would be, but to me, any town could use a skilled pastry chef. You have the schooling and resume no matter where you live,” I told her.
Avery’s eyes darkened and she checked her watch. “I should get back. The dinner rush is coming soon, and I need to make sure there’s enough for everyone.”
I paid the bill and drove her back to Peaks in the dim evening light that always made the sky look gorgeous. I’d taken several shots of it, both to sell and for the lodge website.
I sensed Avery went back to her thoughts along the way, glancing at her as I pulled into the parking lot. She’d been doing that throughout the day.
“Good luck in there, Avery.” I told her with a smile.
“Have a good night, Jack. Thanks for everything,” she told me as I chuckled. As she walked into the lodge, I watched as she stared forward with her shoulders slumped forward.
I pulled out onto the street to head home, editing everything for the website. I added it to the website and social media sites a couple of hours later and enjoyed a call with my parents as I relaxed on the couch with my dog.
I’d been gone more than usual the last couple of weeks and tried to focus on Kiska when I spent time at home. Luckily, I had an excellent dog walker that came by a few times a day to get her outside and exercising as she needed it.
She followed me upstairs when it was time for bed, curling up on her dog bed right beside me. I couldn’t help but wonder what Avery would choose if they offered her the job as I stared at my ceiling.
Kiska was the first real thing in my life I’d committed to as far as taking care of someone else. I knew a year ago that I needed her with me. Before that, I traveled all over the place and made casual friends everywhere I ended up.
Sure, there were women here and there. In my lifestyle, they were easy to meet and hook up with. I just didn’t think much when things ended and moved along to the next chapter in my life.