by Lynn Galli
“Zach promised a half day,” I said as she grabbed the kids’ helmets from the garage and loaded them into the back of their Highlander.
“Half hour is fine with me,” she exclaimed.
I couldn’t blame her. Once the kids were good at boarding, it would be much more fun to go up on the mountain on a Sunday. But until they got off the bunny slope, skiing wasn’t a lot of fun.
“How’d the birth go the other day?” I asked after the horse she was boarding for a celebrity. The woman had called Cass twice a day to check on the status of the birth. After three weeks of calls, it was enough to drive me crazy, and I wasn’t the one taking the calls.
“Out and fine, like I told the batty lady over and over.”
“Are you going to kick the horse off the island?” I joked of the four stall barn they had behind their house.
“If I didn’t love animals, I’d think about it. I truly do not know how you put up with some of those people. You must be a saint.”
Ha! Not even close. If she only knew the number of times I’d sewn little likeness dolls just to throw them around the room to vent my frustration, she’d be amazed.
“Move out, soldiers!” Zach barked to the boys, who instantly saluted and attempted to march in unison to the car.
Cass and I laughed and loaded in after the kids. It didn’t take long to get up to Snowmass and park. We found ourselves in a stream of tourists trying to manage their snowboards or skis and clomp their way up to the ticket lines. We always got our tickets in town, so we could bypass that extra step and basically step onto our boards and go.
Snow crunched under my boots, the sound comforting. Zach and I grew up on skis, even before we’d moved to Aspen. I couldn’t wait for the time the boys could handle intermediate runs. For now, I was happy to take it slow on family days.
“Practice run, guys,” Zach told the boys. We’d learned that it was best to let them get their balance on a short slope before taking them up on the pulls.
They looked up at the bunny hill. Teddy pointed to a cluster of trees and told his brother that they’d start from there. Mason looked happy to follow, like usual. He gave his brother the lead on everything. They waved and started up, dragging their boards at their sides.
“They’re so cute,” Cass said. “Is it obnoxious that I think my own kids are adorable?”
“They look just like me. How could you not think they’re adorable?” Zach kidded and received both a snort and a kiss from his wife. They had exactly the type of relationship I wanted. Respect, trust, consideration, and most of all, passionate love, they had it all.
“Did you see they moved the charity tournament up this year?” Cassie asked me.
“No, when?”
“Next month. Will you be able to play?” She looked concerned that I wouldn’t make it. She and the animal shelter’s director organized the pool tournament every year. It raised money to prevent animal cruelty.
My clients were easy targets for sponsorship. I always raised a lot of money no matter how many matches we won. “I should be able to rearrange my schedule. Just hope Molly’s not working.” Molly was my teammate every year. She was damn good. Had no sponsors, but she kept us in the tourney to very near the title match each year.
“Anyone else you know that’s good at pool?” Zach asked.
“How about someone you could date?” Cassie wiggled her eyebrows. “Good way to get to know someone with no pressure.”
“You think I should ask someone out by dragging them into a pool tournament that pretty much only locals who’ve known each for years attend?”
Cassie’s face fell. “I guess you’re right. It’s just too bad that you haven’t found someone special yet. All those romances you read don’t seem to be helping the matter.”
“You think I’m looking for someone with heaving bosoms and girded loins?”
They both laughed. Zach had been teasing me about the romances I read since I discovered the teen versions back in junior high. So I liked romances. I knew they weren’t entirely realistic. Hell, some were downright ridiculous, but it didn’t stop me from liking them. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying heartfelt prose from time to time. They weren’t all I read.
“I just wonder if maybe you aren’t waiting for someone who says only the right things, never has any faults, and finds every single thing about you delightful even at your worst.”
I considered that. Then I considered Cassie telling me all this. She never tried to set me up, never even encouraged me toward someone. Unlike the rest of my straight friends, she’d never think to set me up with the only other lesbian she knew. Cassie knew quite a few thanks to Glory and me, but she didn’t push. Zach took an interest in my dating life because he wanted me happy, but he didn’t try to set me up either.
“Not everyone can be married to me, hon,” Zach teased her.
She snorted loudly, making us laugh again. “I want you to be happy. I hope those romances aren’t warping you into an unrealistic view of potential partners.”
I really should agree to more dates. I just didn’t see a future with people who lived here part-time or tourists who asked me out. I’d tried a long-distance relationship with a part-timer a while ago, and it didn’t work out. It made being in a relationship exponentially harder.
“She’s a romantic, hon. You know that,” Zach told Cassie.
“Yeah, but some of the greatest romantics didn’t have a happy love life.”
She was right about that. What if I turned out like Jane Austen? Successful professionally but no recordable love life? Still, I couldn’t give up hope. I wouldn’t settle. I’d rather be alone than settle.
“I don’t think wanting to feel my heart race when I’m with someone is too much to ask. I know it won’t last a lifetime, but just once, in the beginning, I want to feel that. It’s always just been someone who’s compatible, someone who’s funny, someone who’s interesting. It’s never been all that and the passion I want to feel.” I looked at my brother and his wife, compassion in their eyes. Maybe I was asking for too much. “Is that unrealistic? You guys had that. I know a lot of people settle, and at my age, maybe I should.”
“No,” Zach said.
“No,” Cassie agreed.
Both looked like they were remembering their courtship when Zach would forget even the simplest tasks because he couldn’t stop thinking about Cassie. I wanted that, if only for a little while at first, but I was holding out for that.
“I’ll find it, right?”
“It’s harder in this small of a town, but yes, you’ll find it,” Cassie assured me, or maybe she was assuring herself. But it felt good either way.
12 Natalie
It was freezing and my truck wouldn’t start. Again. Damn this thing. It always started during the summer. Why did it have to wait till the winter to get spotty? Perhaps the subzero weather had something to do with it.
I waited two minutes in the freezing cab of my truck, rubbing my gloves together, convincing myself that it was helping to keep my hands and arms warm. It wasn’t. I reached down and said a small prayer then turned the key again. Nothing but a click.
I jumped out of the truck and ran back into the apartment. At least I could be warm for the next ten minutes while I got Miguel to head over with a jump. After I placed the call, I sat on the couch and waited. Load moaning began as if on cue. Jeez. Didn’t Bambi ever quit? Her dog, Binky, was yapping his little head off, probably freaked that Mama was being smothered by a big dude while she was screeching her head off. Poor confused doggie accessory.
Miguel called just as Bambi was getting into her high pitched yips. I tore outside not bothering to put back on my coat first. I’d rather freeze then listen to more of that.
He was already out of his truck, hood open, attaching the cables to his battery. “Third time this month, amiga. Is it time to let the truck die peacefully?”
I chuckled but knew he was right. The last time this happened, I swore to mys
elf I’d get rid of it if the battery didn’t turn over again. It was one more non-start away from never starting again.
Miguel got the engine running. I tried the same and after the third crank, it turned over and started running. I couldn’t let this keep happening. Now that I owned my own business, I had to be more reliable.
“What are you smiling about?” Vivian sat next to me at the morning break and plucked a grape from the container in my hand. Her eyes held a teasing question before she lifted it to her mouth. Every time she dared me to tell her to stop, but damn if it didn’t make her look more enticing when she was teasing.
“I just texted my nephew that I’d pick him up from school. He wasn’t thrilled, but he will be once he knows where we’re going.” I didn’t need to explain Seth’s reaction to her. She’d met him last weekend when Glory invited a bunch of us to go snowmobiling. Vivian came with her nephews, who took one look at Seth and decided he was their hero. The adoration and snowmobile rides managed to lift Seth’s spirits for the day.
“Where are you going?” she asked, popping another grape into her mouth.
“Truck shopping.”
“Cool.”
I slid a suspicious look her way. What about dealing with car salespeople was fun? It was why I needed my nephew as reinforcement. It was also one of the reasons I held onto my cars for so long.
“Uh-oh. Somebody doesn’t like car shopping?” Vivian’s blue-green eyes twinkled at me. “I can fix that. My buddy, Mitch, owns a dealership. Whenever any of my family or friends needs a car, I call him to get the best price. No dickering.”
“Must be nice.”
Her eyes widened as she smiled again. “You’re my friend, too, Nat. I’ll call him if you’re okay with a Chevy or a Toyota.”
I couldn’t believe she’d extend herself like that for me. She was intent on burning a favor with this guy for someone she didn’t know all that well. “That would be wonderful, but I don’t want you to strain that relationship for me.”
“He’s always happy when he doesn’t have to pay out a sales commission to his staff. It’s enough of a profit for him, believe me.”
“That’s really nice. Thanks, Vivian.”
“Sure thing.” She fluttered her brow then bent to pull up my pant leg to inspect my sock for the design. She did this almost every day, and each time I grinned. “Giraffes. Nice.”
She hopped up and squeezed my shoulder before heading into the project room. Her easy nonchalance was a complete turn on. I shouldn’t be thinking that about the woman responsible for keeping my business afloat, but I couldn’t help it. She was beautiful, confident, intelligent, and sneaky fun. I was enjoying my time getting better acquainted and didn’t feel guilty that it made my work days so much better.
After school, I spotted Seth walking toward the parking lot, head down, feet dragging. Despite having fun snowmobiling, he still didn’t seem to be having any fun at school. I felt bad for him and hoped that the anger he was feeling in general about his life didn’t make it so that he’d never make friends at his new school.
“At least you didn’t get out of the car and start waving like a loser,” he grumbled when he climbed in beside me. Clearly his mother had embarrassed him when she’d picked him up. “Where are we going anyway? I can still catch the bus if it blows.”
“I need your help.”
He sighed and looked bothered by my request. “With what?”
“Getting a new truck.”
“Seriously?” His head snapped around, eyes wide. “What are you waiting for?”
I laughed and headed out of the parking lot carefully. Even in this old truck, I didn’t want to get in an accident with all these new drivers. It was only a fifteen minute drive to the car lot that Vivian had suggested.
“Are you Natalie?” A tall, blond man appeared as we walked through the doors of the showroom. At my nod, he stuck out his hand. “I’m Mitch. Vivian told me to look for you about now.”
“Nice to meet you. This is my nephew, Seth.”
Mitch nodded at him. “What are you looking for?”
“I’m in construction, so a truck.”
His eyes widened a bit before he smiled and nodded. He looked out front and took note of my old pickup. “You drive them to death, huh?”
“Bought it used, and it’s done me well.”
“Sounds good. What are you looking for in a truck.”
“Go full size this time, Aunt Nat. It’ll haul everything you need and tow trailers. Plus you’re the boss, so you got to show up serious.”
Mitch and I both looked at Seth in surprise. That was probably the most he’d said to any adult in more than a year. I tipped my head at him and told Mitch, “He’s the expert.”
Seth beamed and sprinted out the doors over to where the trucks were lined up. When we caught up, he went through the features on all the models as if he worked on the car lot. As much as I didn’t like car shopping, seeing Seth this excited made my day. I didn’t know what all the features he was talking about did, but I did know I needed a four-wheel drive this time. We test drove two models. I didn’t see much difference, both had driven like a dream compared to my pickup. I ended up choosing the one Seth liked best.
“You probably have to get boring white, right?” Seth asked.
“Why?”
“Because all contractors drive white trucks.”
“What would you get?” I asked, genuinely interested. Seth didn’t share his opinions freely anymore.
“Something not white.”
“Pick a color.”
He gave me a teasing grin. “What if I said pink?”
“I’d say that you should remember that I’ll be picking you up from school occasionally and will honk really loudly when I do.”
That got both Mitch and Seth laughing. He walked down the line, carefully inspecting the colors available. He pointed at a silver truck. “This one. It’s light enough that you can put a sign on it, but different from the other contractors. Bonus: it’s icy cool.”
“Sold.” Everyone smiled when I said that.
We headed inside for the paperwork. I tried not to think about the fact that even with my down payment, the truck payments for the next three years were still pretty daunting. It would be worth it, though. I’d never owned a new car. Never. It was about time I started spending some of my hard earned money.
When we got to Mitch’s office, I was shocked to see Vivian in one of the seats. She was talking to a boy about Seth’s age and smiled when we headed inside.
“Hey, Dad,” the boy said to Mitch. “Mom dropped me here while she goes to Pam’s ballet lesson.”
Mitch nodded at him. “Do you know Seth from school, Luke?”
“Yo, Seth.” Luke tipped his head. “Your mom getting a car?”
“My aunt. Getting a truck.”
“Rad, which one?”
They started speaking in specifics about the truck as I still stood beside the unoccupied chair, startled by Vivian’s appearance. Last weekend had been the first time I’d seen her away from the jobsite. She’d turned out to be even more engaging away from work. Just as I’d suspected she would be. What was she doing here?
“I’m not going to scam her, Yeats. Can’t you trust me even a little?” Mitch joked, dropping into his chair and sending a challenging look at Vivian.
“Of course, just wanted to see what she chose and make sure everything goes smoothly. Sounds like you picked a nice one.” She indicated the boys still yammering about the truck.
“Oooh, yeah,” I heard Seth say. He turned to me and said, “You should get a lift kit.”
I turned my startled stare to him. “Bud, unlike you, I’m stuck at 5-5 for the rest of my life. I’d be dangling off that thing with a lift kit.” It was already half a foot higher off the ground than my current pickup.
Luke smacked Seth’s arm and laughed. “Dude, your aunt’s funny.”
Seth’s lips quirked, a glimpse of the sweet kid coming ba
ck. “You gotta get the step rail, and don’t forget the toolbox.”
“Got it.” I imagined the price ratcheting up and up, but he was right.
“Dad, I’m going to take him back to the detail shop while you finish the boring stuff,” Luke announced.
Mitch flicked his wrist and nodded. The boys headed toward the back of the showroom. This had turned into a good trip all around. I would get a new truck, Seth hadn’t thrown attitude in an hour, and now it looked like he might actually have a friend.
“Any other accessories?” Mitch asked, pulling out the paperwork.
I shook my head, but Vivian spoke up. “She needs a bed liner, tow package, navigation, winter floor mats, a set of snow tires, and anything else you think a contractor needs on her truck. Set her up, Mitch.” She smiled at my shocked look. “I had a talk with Miguel before I left Lena’s today.”
That figures. Miguel wanted to make sure I wouldn’t pull my usual and get the base model just to make do. I should feel happy that Miguel and Vivian were making sure I was covered on this major purchase, but dollar signs were dancing in front of my eyes.
“Do you still have those cargo trailers over on your other lot?” Vivian continued. “She’ll need one of those.”
I gulped loudly. I would need one of those to transport all the tools I’d eventually get, but it wasn’t necessary right now. It didn’t matter that I could write off the expense. I turned to Vivian, trying to start the awkward conversation of admitting that I couldn’t afford that right now. Her twinkling eyes stopped me before I said anything.
“And you’re going to throw all that in for free,” she finished.
Sweat broke out on Mitch’s forehead. “Come on, Yeats. That’s like ten grand worth of extras.”
“At retail, not that it matters. You’re throwing it in because you’ve been trying to sell your house, and Tessa tells me she’s had no bites. You know you need it staged, and the boys’ rooms need skim coats and a repaint. Natalie and I will take care of that for you.”
He sat back, bouncing his eyes from the cool, negotiating machine named Vivian to the silent, gawping me. There was no way he had ten grand worth of repairs to get his house ready to sell, but I was more than happy to let Vivian take the lead on this.
