“This is beautiful, Mom,” I told her appreciatively as she smiled. The open living room beyond that was fitted with an enormous fireplace and TV, and that was new as well.
She gave the house a modern flair while keeping the cozy feeling I loved.
As I stepped into the dining room, I realized I missed this place.
“I cleaned up your room for you, Avery. I’m so glad you’ll be staying with me,” Mom told me as I offered her a bright smile. My emotions were mixed right now, and I made my way up the grand staircase to my room in the back, chuckling as I looked around.
She’d tidied up for me, but I also saw a lot of reminders of when I was still in school. There were the boy band posters hung near my bed, making me remember all the old songs. I noted the photo collage of my friends also hung above the desk, walking over to look.
I made a note to see Luna soon as I gazed at her smiling face. She’d been my best friend here in school and still lived here, working as an artist and a yoga teacher. Luna had always been the creative one artistically between us and I couldn’t wait to see her farmhouse that she converted into her home and an expansive art studio.
I opened my suitcases and worked to unpack them, finding room for my clothes in the closet and dresser. It felt odd to be here doing this for more than a week or two for the holidays.
I took my bathroom stuff and added things to the counter and shower in the bathroom next to my room without messing up the looks of things too much. I knew Mom was particular about her home and needed the peace while I was there.
I hoped a cabin opened soon, but skiers were coming from all over to enjoy the slopes at Peaks. It might take some time and by that time, I might already be packed and leaving. I felt happy to be here for the holidays to spend time with my family, but forever was never part of the plan.
I enjoyed a cup of herbal tea with Mom by the roaring fireplace after a shower, curling up in the warmth from the flames. She spoke of the following day and how I’d be meeting my brother in his office to go over my duties for the upcoming months.
He’d left tonight to go home to his pregnant wife Polly after a long day and looked forward to my help.
His protectiveness extended from me to his wife, and he treated Polly like a queen during her pregnancy. I knew he probably wanted her doing less than she did, but Polly loved working with her students, and I suspected she might go into labor teaching her class.
I couldn’t wait to know if the baby was a girl or boy and what to buy for them. Being an aunt had been something I looked forward to, and I planned to spoil that baby rotten and be the cool aunt. I had always planned that I’d do it from further away, but that remained to be seen.
After I finished my tea, I told Mom good night and headed upstairs. Everything about this felt strange to me and I missed my little apartment. Where were the sounds of traffic and people?
I sent Beth a message to tell her I missed her, and she sent me a sad emoji. I knew she’d be fine with her fiancé. Reuben took amazing care of her, and Beth had a brilliant future with him. Simon failed me miserably, but I’d figure my life out again.
Once we ended the conversation, I pulled on an oversized tee shirt and slipped under the covers in the Queen-sized bed. I knew I had plans to meet Jefferson at eight o’clock tomorrow morning to talk about my job and didn’t think being late would be a good idea.
Even if I was the sister, I needed to work as much as anyone else at Peaks Lodge.
I woke up to the alarm, much to my dismay. After my restless night, I could’ve used a lot more sleep than I got. It was so quiet here, apart from the sounds of the wind outside last night.
Sighing, I rose and changed into some black slacks and a long-sleeved green shirt that boasted the name of the lodge. Gazing into the mirror in the bathroom, I braided my hair into two plaits down my back and applied a little makeup to even out my skin tone.
In a perfect world, I’d get some yoga in before work, but I’d work on that. I knew Luna taught it in the morning at Peaks, but I’d have to look into one of her classes.
That was my favorite form of relaxation and exercise since I accepted I wasn’t meant to me a tiny woman. I had curves I loved and the amount of yoga that I did maintained that with the amount of pastries I tasted while baking.
I wished that I could have one of my homemade fritters I used to make for Simon, but I’d settle for oatmeal. I went downstairs for a hot cup of coffee and filled a bowl with oatmeal and blueberries, sitting at the breakfast bar to eat.
It was beautiful outside with fresh snow, and I stirred my cream into my coffee as I smiled at the view. This place was incredible, and I glanced at my mom as she bustled around the kitchen.
“Do you know what Jefferson has in mind for me?” I asked her as she poured herself more coffee.
“I think he’ll give you a choice. Jefferson has a good staff that handles a lot for him. What would you like to do?” Mom asked, as I thought about the restaurant. “You used to enjoy working in the rental store.”
“That’s true. I suppose we’ll figure it out today.”
I scooped some oatmeal into my mouth and chewed it thoughtfully. “It was always fun helping to plan events for the holidays, too. I’d like to help with that.”
“I am sure your brother is open to ideas, Avery. We’re both so happy to have you back. He’s been under a lot of pressure worrying about the lodge and Polly.”
I saw Mom’s knowing smile and laughed. “Polly will probably work until the day she delivers that baby. He’s got nothing to worry about. She’s going to take care of herself, and she’ll step back when she feels like she needs to. Polly is a strong woman.”
I knew Mom was worried about Polly. My sister-in-law was aware of any minor risks related to this pregnancy and that she needed to be careful. I’d spoken to her a few times, and she made that clear.