“Thank you, Luna.” She took a bite of her taco and chewed thoughtfully for a moment. When Luna finished, she offered me a beautiful smile.
“I am also staying in Lake Placid, so there’s that. We could have fun like the old days, though that shouldn’t be your reason any more than your partners should. It’s all important, but what’s in your heart matters. Does life here appeal to you more than New York now?”
“I have great memories of living in the city. I’ll never forget those, but I can also remember how I made it paycheck to paycheck despite making great money. Everything is so expensive there and I worked long hours to pay my rent and put some food on my table. There were some nights I’d come home to an empty apartment and not even have the energy to take a shower to wash the sugar from my body.” I shrugged as I played back those hard moments where I missed Lake Placid. “I had my roommate, Beth, and we had fun together, but when we talk now, I feel so different than she is. She’s also getting married, and things would never be the same to begin with.”
“Everyone changes,” Luna agreed as I sighed. “That’s part of life.”
“I know. I’ve just always wanted what I had in the city, and I feel like I’m afraid to admit that it didn’t always work for me. I feel like I failed.”
“You did not fail. The ex that lost the restaurant failed you this last time while you gave it your all. Don’t take the blame for that. He might have done you a favor and brought you back here to see what you want at this point in your life. Fate works in funny ways sometimes.”
“I never thought of it that way, Luna. I came here and met three amazing guys when I couldn’t get one there that had anyone’s needs in mind but his own.” As I smiled at her, I replied. “Not that I’m making this choice for anyone but myself. I know that. I still can’t see how things with the guys can work out in the end sometimes.”
“It’s a unique situation. I’ll give you that. If it makes you happy, then it’s the best thing for you and others need to see that,” Luna assured me as I nodded. “You look happy.”
“I am. I just have trouble letting go of my dream. What will I do if I stay here?” I asked, facing the unknown, if I gave up the job. “The hustle is all I know as far as my career.”
“Lake Placid needs the best pastry chef as much as New York, Avery. That passion will never die in you, and you could do so much with it.” Luna took another bite of her taco, swallowing before speaking again. “Things will fall into place. They did for me, and they will for you.”
“I sure hope so,” I sighed as I smiled at her. My stomach growled, and I ate some of my food as I thought about what she said. Staying here would make some of my life decisions difficult, but I needed to decide if I’d be happier here.
I had a lot of options to weigh in a few weeks.
We moved the conversation to her studio that she was cleaning up, making half her space to work on her paintings while creating room for a paint class. That could be a great little business for Luna and get her name out there even more as an artist. Between that and yoga classes, she’d do well and be a success at what she loved.
Luna had always been a great example for me growing up. She went for her dreams without caring what others thought and that caused waves sometimes with people. She was compassionate while she lived her life and was never out to hurt anybody with her choices. It was no wonder that she had a lot of people that loved her in life.
Beth was also an amazing person and she’d always be one of my best friends no matter where I lived. Like Luna pointed out, New York wasn’t that far away, and we could visit each other. I still planned to stand by her side at her wedding and watch as she married the man she was so in love with.
I knew that friendship wouldn’t die if I stayed here. The two of us were just headed in different directions and there was nothing wrong with that. I knew things were changing when she moved in with Reuben and stopped being my roommate.
I thought back to the party at Charlie’s house for his birthday when I met up with old friends from the area. It was fun catching up, and I knew those people meant something to me as much as my family or the guys. It was a lot of those people that came to the restaurant and ordered my desserts, supporting me fully in my dream. Maybe I didn’t need a review in The New York Times, after all.
We lingered over lunch, just talking about life. Something about Luna offered me peace and joy and I enjoyed talking to her.
When we paid the bill and walked out of the restaurant, I looked around at the snowy mountains and trees in a new light. I could take a chance here and see what fate had in store for me. Even if my decision shocked my family, they would still be here.
I drove Luna back to her car and hugged her, thanking her for the advice before she headed home to work in her studio. I felt much lighter now, though I still hadn’t made the final decision. Thanks to my friend, I had a clearer picture.
I popped into the restaurant to see if they needed anything, feeling inspired by how well everything seemed to do there. I helped for a few hours to make enough to be ready for dinner since we’d prepared well for lunch the day before. The staff picked up well on my techniques, and with help, they’d manage everything.
I knew that if I left, they’d be fine, but if I stayed, then I could increase the desserts on the menu or even change things up. Perhaps I could open a little shop in or near the lodge to run myself and build up some savings so I could have my little piece of property here in Lake Placid. I didn’t need to live with Mom forever.
I prepared enough for dinner and left with plans to wrap some Christmas gifts since the holiday would be here soon. Spending time with Charlie, Ben, and Jack cut into my free time to get other things done with my work schedule, but it was well worth it.
I knew Mom went all in for the holidays and she’d need my help in the upcoming days. We’d have family back over for dinner and I smiled, thinking about the family traditions.
I wondered if I’d make my own traditions down the line, whether here or in New York. I knew that both were possible, but I felt a lot more at peace about making my decision. Nothing would be perfect in either place, and I just needed to make the best choice for myself.
CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX
CHARLIE
I grabbed another cider from the cooler, watching as people gathered by the bonfire. It was a Christmas tradition here at Peaks and with the holiday right around the corner, it felt good to celebrate.
The staff attended, and some brought friends to drink, make s’mores, dance to the music playing through the outdoor speakers, or just sit by the fire and catch up. I had plenty of cider, beer, and wine on hand, with the promise that nobody would drive home wasted. I knew that many people booked rooms for this night for that reason.
My eyes landed on Avery as she danced with Jack off to the side to something faster, shaking her hips as she smiled and laughed. Avery looked beautiful tonight in her red leggings and a Christmas sweater with boots, wearing a red stain on her full lips. The fire highlighted her face perfectly, along with the colored string lights outside.