Chapter 29
ASHLEY
es to o
The list of things I’d rather do than go on a weekend trip with my ex–husband was long–and it was not limited to feeding my hand through a woodchipper, eating a pound of raw maggots, or being forced to watch cartoons on repeat with my eyes taped open.
But–and this was big but–it was Violet’s birthday, and I couldn’t say no. Especially not after everything she’d been through. She was still recovering, and I couldn’t risk her feeling alone or unsupported. Besides, what if things went south and I wasn’t there? I’d never forgive myself for avoiding my ex just to protect my own damn pride.
“You’re late, Ryan’s voice cut through the air as he looked at Kyle, who was only just arriving at the airport. We had agreed to meet at 11 a.m., but Kyle had somehow managed to show up thirty minutes later,
“We haven’t boarded yet, so I’m not late,” Kyle retorted, his voice laid–back, as usual. His outfit was as casual as ever–sweatpants and a hoodie–but somehow, he still looked… charming.
Oh no. Not again.
I mentally shook myself. My plan was simple: steer clear of him, enjoy the weekend with Violet, and then leave for Germany on Tuesday without any drama. Easy enough, right?
Violet appeared
beside
me breaking my thoughts, her hand rested lightly on my shoulder. “This must be weird for you,” she said softly, her voice laced with concern. ‘Going on a trip with him.”
A tense silence stretched between us. I could feel her eyes on me, waiting for an answer. Finally, I exhaled, trying to push away the lump that had formed in my throat. “No, it’s fine,” I replied
“You didn’t have to agree, you know,” she said, her tone gentle but with that edge of concern I always recognized. “To the trip, I mean.”
I gave a half–smile, trying to mask the unease bubbling beneath the surface. “No, it was my decision,” I said, glancing toward the gate where the others were waiting. “I’ve always wanted to go to a ski resort, and Vermont? It’s supposed to be beautiful this time of year.”
Violet eyed me for a moment, but then her face softened, and she nodded. “I’m glad you’re here, Ash. Really. It means a lot.”
I smiled at her, squeezing her hand briefly. “Anything for you,” I said, squeezing her hand for a second before we all made our way to the jet.
The thought of being in the same confined space as Kyle for hours wasn’t exactly comforting, but I was here for Violet, and that had to be enough.
I tried to calm the butterflies in my stomach, trying not to think too much about how I’d end up spending the next two days in the same company as Kyle, of all people.
Finally, I squared my shoulders, meeting Violet’s gaze.
“Let’s do this,” I said, more to myself than anyone else, but she smiled, nodding in support.
By the time we landed in Vermont two hours later, I’d drowned my anxieties about the weekend with two mimosas, maybe more than I should’ve. The bubbly fizz was a temporary escape but at least I was feeling light–headed enough to convince myself I could get through this weekend without completely losing my cool.
A sleek black BMW was waiting for us outside the airport. The thirty–minute drive to the resort gave Violet ample time to fill us in on all the resort’s amenities, most of which I tuned out. A world–class spa, gourmet restaurants, a triple black diamond slope–she was on repeat, and honestly, I couldn’t blame her. The resort sounded perfect, and for her, this trip was a much–needed reprieve.
But as much as I tried to enjoy the moment, I was itching to get to the slopes. However, fate had other plans.
We hit our first snag before we even checked in.
“What do you mean, the lodge is occupied?” Ryan’s voice practically froze the air around us. The iciness in his tone made it clear that whoever was standing on the other side of the desk had better be ready for a fight.
The poor front desk assistant, Smith according to his name tag, flinched slightly under Ryan’s glare. “I’m terribly sorry, Mr. Jenkins, but it appears there was a mix–up in the system, and we double–booked this weekend. The other guests arrived last night and checked in.”
Ryan’s jaw tightened, his gaze never leaving the assistant’s face. “I see.” His voice dropped another ten degrees, colder than any chill Vermont could throw at
Chapter 29
- us. “So where, exactly, are we supposed to stay, considering I already shelled out a considerable sum of money for the Presidential Lodge?”
