Page 13 of Fall Apart

The massages this morning were amazing, but these pedicures are otherworldly after wearing ski boots the last few days. And there’s even a mimosa cart, which I willnevercomplain about. Plus the snowy views from the second floor spa on Main Street only make it that much more relaxing and cozy.

I’m glad I’m here with Veronica and Grace today. The last few days on the mountain and out in Park City have been just what I needed. Having friends out on the mountain has been a welcome change, unlike skiing solo or with ski school when I was a kid. I never get to play tour guide, so it’s been surprisingly fun showing Tanner, Collin, and Veronica around the mountain. Grace knows it well enough, having lived here since she was in high school.

“Seriously, V,” Grace says with a laugh, sitting back in the massage chair on the other side of Veronica while I enjoy watching the tourists walking around on the snow lined street below us. “I don’t know how you never knew he was in love with you. I swear Clay andI were taking bets on if he’d ever man up.” She takes a sip of her mimosa before turning back to V.

I watch my best friend, admiring her reaction. She turns a bit pink, but she hasn’t stopped beaming this entire trip. I just can’t get over how happy Veronica is. If anyone deserves it, it’s her.

I remember it wasn’t that long ago that I thought I had my shit together. I thought I was in love with Johnathan. We were living together, making plans for the future. A house, maybe a family. I don’t know why I wasn’t enough for that cheating asshole.

“I’m just happy we’re together now.” She air tips her mimosa at mine and then Grace’s. “Even work has been great too.” She sets her glass down for a second, pulling out her phone.

“Please tell me your new boss isn’t messaging you on another vacation.” I look at her, remembering how shitty her last boss, Jeff, was.

She laughs and shakes her head while scrolling on her phone. “Actually no, quite the opposite. Cindy is literally the best. Like Jessica level amazing. That’s what I wanted to bring up. What are you ladies doing the first week of May?”

Grace shrugs. “Nothing I can’t cancel or rearrange.”

“Same. Why, what’s up?” I ask, leaning out of my chair to top off my drink.

“I have to go to the Earth SnaX headquarters for a couple days. Meet with my new team again, get some face time with Cindy, and meet a couple vendors. But Tanner and I were going to make a week of it, rent an Airbnb or something, and get some spring skiing in at Mount Bachelor since Jackson will be closed for the season by then.” She looks back and forth between Grace and me grinning. “Would you want to stay with us? We should have extra room.”

“Sounds perfect. I’m in.” I pull my phone out, immediately marking my calendar.

“V, you have no idea. I’ve literally been looking for excuses to get out of my apartment and the office. After everything with Johnathan and then you not being at the office, everything at home is a drag. Even if working for Jessica is awesome.” I sigh, sinking back into my comfy chair. Lately, I’ve dreaded being alone at my apartment. It just reminds me of my ex. I know I could move, but my lease isn’t up yet and it just feels like a lot to handle.

So this trip could be another good thing to look forward to that might help me get out of the rut that I’ve been in. Things are looking up.

I relax into my chair and start thinking about a ski trip with my friends. I think about what I’ve learned about Grace. The first being that she’s cool as shit. Not that I need another ride or die with Veronica and Collin as friends, but I could see her joining that club. The second, is that she is anything butGrace. This girl is intense. She is energetic and talkative, always wanting to be on the move. She doesn’t take shit from her brothers or Collin from what I’ve seen. But just like her brothers, she also seems so calm and steady.

And the more I relax, the more Clay starts to drift back into my mind. The thought of that massage earlier and what it would have felt like if those were his rough, strong hands.

“Really, Grace, your brothers area lot,” I find myself saying. What the hell is wrong with me? Why did I bring that up. I’m tryingnotto think about Clay. Clearly my subconscious hates me today. I try to think of the best, least awkward thing to say. “It had to be insane growing up with them.”

She laughs and it is infectious as ever. Veronica just shakes her head.

“Girl, you have no idea.” Grace looks at me before palming her face. “Always trying to keep up with them on the mountain. You get a thick skin real fast around those two. And don’t even ask about dating. Boys were terrified of dating me because of them.”

“Oh my god. They were terrified of you too.” Veronica almost shouts, sitting up in her chair, startling the nail tech. “I still remember when I heard that you punched that one boy in high school because he made fun of the tie-dye shirt you made.”

“Holy shit,” I blurt out. “You really are a badass. And maybe even a little terrifying.”

She looks down at her hands in her lap, going quiet for a second like she’s deep in thought. “Yeah. I’ve been told that. But it wasn’t Tanner and Clay that taught me that. It was our mom. She always wanted us to be happy and free spirited.”

I sip my drink, not really knowing what to say. I remember that their mom was killed in a car accident while Grace and Clay were still in high school after they moved from Wyoming. That had to be so hard. My mom and I aren’t super close, but I still couldn’t imagine losing her at that age.

“Why am I not surprised? Lilly was amazing. I definitely can see where Tanner gets the free spirited side from,” Veronica says with a muted chuckle.

“Yeah she was.” Grace smiles warmly back at her. “If she could see you and Tanner finally together, she’d be so happy for you two. Seriously. So happy for you guys.”

V raises her glass and we bring ours to meet hers. “To family and new beginnings.”

New beginnings. Now that is something I can relate to.

“Cheers,” we say in unison.

CHAPTER 7

CLAY

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