My morning coffee churns in my stomach. Why would he bid if he’s broke? “How much did he donate?”
“Thirty-one hundred. Certainly not the evening’s biggest donor, but enough that he caught Avery’s attention.” She pulls off the clip holding the bid sheets together.
Avery is our director of fundraising. A wealthy divorcée who got the ski house in her divorce settlement and decided to move here full time, she’s a master of getting money out of wealthy people, especially men. I don’t remember seeing her chatting with Aiden last night, but I was pretty busy doing my ninja maneuvers to avoid Landon.
“What did he win?” I stand on my toes so I can peer over her desk to read better.
Flapping the pages at me, she wards off my attempt. “Thought you said it was impossible for him to have bid and paid?”
This is worse than I imagined. “Did he pay by credit card or check?”
“Who carries checks around anymore? He paid by credit card, which was approved. I don’t know why you’re so concerned about this. Bid and bought. Done deal.” Casting a doubtful look at me, she slips the clip around the pages and hands them to me.
Silently, I ask what Aiden was thinking. Maybe he was trying to impress his brother or show him up. The two of them can be competitive, or at least they were growing up. Whatever Aiden could do, Landon had to do it better. The memory brings up a new theory.
“Did Landon win any items?” Perhaps Aiden bid to raise his brother’s bids and then got stuck as the top bidder. If he isn’t familiar with these kinds of events, he wouldn’t know that he could cancel before paying.
“No, I don’t see his name.” She closes the folder, patiently waiting for me to hand back the papers I’m holding.
“Hmm,” I hum out loud. “What have you done, Aiden?”
“Bought himself a balloon ride for two, four private yoga classes, and a night in a suite and a tasting menu dinner at the chef’s table at the Jerome. Not only is he hot in a feral way, he’s also a romantic and has a girlfriend. Lucky lady.” Carmen sighs.
I stare at the paper in my hand like some secret code or message in invisible ink will reveal the motivation behind Aiden’s actions. Girlfriend? Carmen has a point about him being handsome and he is the nicer of the two brothers, which isn’t saying a whole lot, but beyond those two points, he isn’t exactly a catch.
Are women so desperate these days that a nice ass, incredible abs—I assume based on the amount of muscles in his arms and shoulders— and a halfway decent personality are the best we can expect from men?
What happened to having a good job and a plan for the future? I’m not talking boring, conservative guys like Zoe’s ex who never want to get their heart rate elevated off of the slopes. There must be a happy zone between slacker and uptight overachiever.
Still confused, I hand back the papers and take the few steps to my desk. I specifically told him he didn’t have to feel pressured to bid. Now he’s out three grand for a balloon ride and some yoga classes.
“Hold on, those yoga sessions. Were they with Sage Blum?” I turn to face Carmen.
“She’s the only one who donated yoga, so yes.” Carmen gives me a funny look and then focuses on her computer. “None of my business, but you seem overly concerned about this man.”
“Trying to watch out for an old friend.” Not exactly the truth, but better than telling her about the gambling and hookers. Alleged gambling and hookers and rare rap albums.
A new theory about Aiden’s wasted millions crystalizes. What if he spent all of his money on random shit at charity auctions?
Needing to share this twist of events with the girls, I pull out my phone to send a group text. Another notification from Landon as well as a new text alert from Sage fill the home screen.
Landon’s text catches my eye because it’s a combination of eggplant, cherries, and a row of peaches.
“Okay. That’s weird,” I say to myself, clicking open the full message.
That’s when I see my last text to him.
Taco, thumbs-up, lipstick, and eggplant followed by three see no evil monkeys.
“No, fucking way,” I say softly, but not quietly enough.
“Language. This is a professional office,” Carmen chastises me like I’m a wild biker let loose in the pristine white, modern office with tasteful natural wood accents and succulents on every desk.
“Sorry. I just received shocking news.” If she only knew how shocking.
I think I just proposed sex with Landon using emojis.
Not sure what role the monkey plays in my bizarre scenario. Landon’s clearly open to the idea. Or he’s on a weird eggplant and fruit vegan diet.
“Are eggplants fruit?” I ask Carmen.
She sighs. “In fact, they are. You’re having a very Monday Monday, aren’t you? I don’t know if you need more caffeine or less.”
“Thanks. More coffee is always the answer.” I notice we’re the only two people in the office this morning. “Where is everyone?”
“It’s Monday. Staff meeting.” She throws some major shade in my direction. “You might want to get that second cup of coffee before you begin working.”
I’m off my game because of some random eggplant. This isn’t a big deal.
Picking up my phone, I walk over to the small kitchen to make myself a coffee. I forward a screenshot of my text and Landon’s response to the group, explaining the first text was for Sage.
Me: *Did I sext Landon by mistake?!!!*
Sage responds with ten horrified faces. Mara sends five laughing-crying emojis. Zoe must not be by her phone because I don’t receive an immediate response.
Mara: *At least you didn’t send that text to your mother.*
Me: *Like Margaret knows eggplant equals dick. She’d think it was a pictogram of my grocery list.*
Sage: *I wonder what he thinks the monkey means.*
Zoe: *Kinky, blindfolded monkey. And wow, he jumped from blowjobs to butt stuff in one text.*
I groan because she’s right. All those peaches. So disappointing. We’d been having a nice chat using words before I turned the conversation pervy.
Sage responds with more horrified scream faces.
Zoe: *Sorry, Sage. I keep forgetting you dated him.*
Me: *What should I do?* I pour some milk into my coffee, changing the black liquid to a light caramel.
Sage: *Burn your phone and get a new number?*
Mara: *Block him?*
Zoe: *See how far you can push him?* Zoe adds a banana, a shark, and a grinning face.
Sage: *Gross.*
Mara: *I don’t get it.*
Zoe: *Period sex.*
Mara: *That escalated quickly.*
Me: *Exactly my point.*
Zoe: *Fine. Text him back and say you sent it to the wrong person.*
Sage: *Genius. Will make him think you already have a man so he’ll back off.*
Me: *If I had a man, I wouldn’t need a wedding date.*
Zoe: *Want me to find you a cowboy on the ranch? I can’t promise he won’t smell like horses.*
I laugh at her suggestion. *Wouldn’t hurt to look.*
Zoe: *Done and done.*
Voices carry from the hall, indicating the staff meeting is over.
Me: *Gotta go*
Mara: *Me too. These cat testicles won’t remove themselves. :-)*
Sage: *So gross.*
I love my friends, but this morning has been a strange one.
Thankfully, there are no more sexts from Landon for the rest of the morning. Maybe my silence is response enough to keep him from responding.
Chapter 8
Mae
Taco Tuesday is more than adequate this week. The deck at the Cantina will close in a few weeks with the official end of the summer season, but for now, we bask in the late afternoon sun like fat house cats sprawled on the comfy outdoor chairs and sofas. Our lovely waiter has dragged over not one but two heat lamps so we can stay out here forever, or at least unt
il they kick us out.
“Don’t look, but I think Twyla is here.” Sage nudges my foot with hers.
Ignoring her command, I glance over my shoulder. Sure enough, my cousin is perched on a bar stool. “Who’s she with? I can’t see around the pillar for a clear view without moving.”
Zoe leans to the right. “Topher. I think.”
“I should go over and say hello. The spirit of my mother is poking me in the ribs to be polite,” I grumble, lamely attempting to hoist myself out of my chair. “Too many tacos. Can’t do it.”
“You don’t have to get up. They’re coming our way.” Mara straightens in her seat like the queen is approaching. Her perfect posture would make my mother proud.
I won’t tell her she has a tiny fragment of tortilla chip stuck in one of her curls until after my cousin leaves.
“Hi, Mae,” Twyla chirps like a happy little bird. “It’s so nice to run into you.”
Giving her the courtesy of my full attention, I twist in my chair to face her. I seriously don’t think I could stand right now.
“Hi, and hi to Topher, too.” I stumble over the to-Topher-too combination. “Excited for the big day?”
He nods, completely emotionless.
“We’re both excited about our weekend trips. I hope you can all make my bachelorette weekend.” She grins at our group. “Even if you originally RSVP’d no, you can still join. We have open spots for the rafting trip on Saturday and the spa day on Sunday, too. A few girls had to cancel last minute.”
“That’s so sweet of you.” Sage flashes her a bright smile. “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make it because it’s the last rugby game of the season and Lee will be playing. Thank you.”
Mara has a horrified expression on her face. “I, I won’t be free on Saturday either. We’re expecting an arrival of new dogs from a shelter in Denver. I have to be there to, ah… check them in. Can I still join the spa day?”
Twyla nods. “Of course. Zoe and Mae? Still joining us?”
My cousin’s smile wavers for a second before she slips it back into place. I know I can’t skip the weekend or I’ll never hear the end of it at every family gathering about how I didn’t support and celebrate her wedding enough.
I give her a half-hearted thumbs-up. “I’ll be there. What time?”
“We’re meeting at 7:30 a.m. in Aspen. You can stumble out of bed. No need to do your hair or makeup because we plan on getting wet and wild!” Her enthusiasm reminds me of a bubbly, blond cheerleader.
Seems early for day drinking by the pool while having spa treatments, but I don’t question it further. Nor do I challenge her idea of wild. She probably means mismatching the colors of her manicure and pedicure. Going with the flow and being delightful are my two goals for surviving this weekend.
“Sounds like fun!” I flash my teeth at her in a hopefully friendly and excited grin.
“Fewer teeth and less hungry looking,” Sage whispers behind her hand.
Her warning makes me laugh, which is genuine.
“We’re going to have the best time.” Zoe nods and lifts her glass in a toast. “Can’t wait.”
Topher curves his lips into a closed mouth smile. In combination with his vaguely pained expression, he could be getting a prostate exam inside of his expensive plaid shorts. “Sounds more fun than what we’re doing.”
I believe him.
“What are the guys doing? Strippers and weed in Denver?”
If I were drinking something, I’d do a spit take at Zoe’s question.
“We are going to Denver for a baseball game and a couple rounds of golf,” he answers her like she asked a normal question. Have to give it to him, he’s unflappable. Too rich to care about silly jokes.
Twyla’s smile widens and she tucks her head against his shoulder. “I love that they’re not doing a Vegas bachelor weekend. So cliché.”
My eyes meet Sage’s.
“Right. Of course. Smart.” Mara nods in approval. “Who needs all that fake glamor and temptation for debauchery in their lives? Not me.”
Thankfully, Topher and Twyla say their goodbyes, and then leave.
“I can’t with him.” Zoe finishes her margarita and then licks the salted sugar rim. “Reminds me way too much of the life I almost led.”
“He’s from a very good family,” I offer in defense. “They’re a perfect match. Except for their names. My tongue gets all twisted trying to say Topher and Twyla Tierney.”
We all try saying it as fast as we can, ending up in a pile of giggles. Laughing so hard I almost slip out of my chair, I wipe the gathering tears in the corners of my eyes.
Once she regains her ability to breathe, Zoe asks, “Are you excited to go white water rafting?”
“No. Why would I go rafting in ice-cold snow run-off? That’s for tourists and river rats.” I frown at her like she’s gone full crazy-pants. “Are you going rafting?”
My friends go quiet and stare at me.
“Were you paying attention to Twyla?” Mara asks.
“Did you read the invitation for the bachelorette weekend or the weekly email updates?” Sage dips her chin so she can give me her serious face.
“I only ever half listen to her. If she isn’t talking about her wedding, she’s reliving her glory days in the athletes’ village at Sochi. I could repeat multiple stories on both subjects from memory. My mother said yes on my behalf to any and all events surrounding this circus.”
“There are no new animals arriving at the ranch this weekend.” Mara gives me a sharp look. “I made that up to avoid going whitewater rafting with Twyla and her friends. Even with a helmet and the appropriate safety gear, me in a kayak is a disaster waiting to happen.”
“Okay, you stressed me out that I missed the memo.” Sage sighs with relief. She’s on the board and volunteers at Hawks’ Ranch where Mara’s the veterinarian. “That was clever.”
“Thanks. Good thing you had the rugby match to fall back on. Lucky that.” Mara holds her fist out for a bump.
Sage bumps her hand. “Not sure if Lee’s going to play. He’s being weird about playing since he broke his leg last year. In any case, we’ll go to the match to cheer on the club.”
“Hold the front door.” I point at each of them in turn. “My stuffy cousin is forcing us to go rafting together. And you let me agree to this while you all had outs? You’re leaving me on my own with the bride and her merry band of boring bridesmaids?”
“Hey, what about me?” Zoe asks. “I’m excited to go. Never been and I’ve lived here for years.”
I ignore her because she isn’t helping my cause, which at the moment is outrage. “Why didn’t anyone warn me? I could’ve made up an excuse about work. Or getting a root canal.” Oh, I should save that one for the wedding. Emergency root canal would be a solid reason to miss the blessed event.
“Do you ever check your emails?” Mara asks.
“On my phone. But if they’re too long, I skim and tell myself I’ll read them later, which of course I never do.” This turn of events has ruined my happy taco night.
“You have no one to blame but yourself,” Sage tells me bluntly. “Like the Landon date. I think this is the universe telling you to stand up for yourself and to stop being a people pleaser with your family.”
I scowl at her. “Way to harsh my buzz.”
“Hold on, I think I’ve found a silver lining,” Mara pipes up.
“Does it involve a note from a questionable doctor? You’re a doctor, can you write me an excuse? Say I have kennel cough or an ear infection. I trust you to come up with something believable.”
Zoe snorts from across the table. “It’s going to be fun. We’re not going in the big rafts. Everyone will get their own kayak. You can paddle away from anyone who annoys you. Bonus, there could be cute guides.”
I like her points, except individual kayaks. Sounds like a lot of work.
“That was my silver lining,” Mara exclaims, her curls bouncing as she claps her hand
s. “Doesn’t Aiden work as a rafting guide?”
“He does,” I say warily. “However, there’s more than one rafting operation in the valley. I don’t know which one he works for or which company Twyla hired for her shindig.”
“Trust the universe,” Sage tells me, sounding all namaste, zen, earth goddess.
“My luck isn’t that good. Or bad.” I’m not sure spending time with Aiden is a good idea.
“We’ll find out bright and early Saturday morning. The weather’s supposed to be gorgeous and warm. I think it’s going to be a great adventure.” Zoe’s undeterred by my disinterest.
Easy for her to say.
I try to find a bright spot. Carmen’s words about Aiden’s abs float back through my head.
If his shirt gets wet, he’ll probably take it off at some point. Getting a glimpse of his fine body would be a nice side bonus of the day. And I could report back to Carmen with confirmation. If I’m sneaky I could even snap a pic for her.
Zoe lives a few blocks from me in Sage’s old condo, so we decide to meet on the corner of Main Street halfway between our apartments at the too early hour of seven in the morning. We’re both dressed in leggings and sweatshirts given the cool morning. The day will warm up once the sun is higher, so I have my swimsuit on underneath as instructed. Yes, I finally read my emails about this trip.
“I need more coffee.” I sip from the stainless-steel travel mug in my hand.
“You’re drinking coffee right now. Or did you put something else in there today?” She leans closer to sniff my mug.
“I worked last night and got up at six-thirty. Let’s stop at the bakery for snacks and more coffee.” I sling my backpack higher on my shoulder. “We have time if we don’t dawdle on the corner.”
Zoe laughs. “Remember earlier this summer when you went all Julie Andrews on me and made me climb all the mountains?”
“I do. You should be grateful I didn’t make you sing.” I pick up my pace as the bakery comes into view.
“That was one of the best days of my life.” She catches up and walks beside me. “Thank you.”
Up to You (Love with Altitude Book 4) Page 7
