Page 15 of Fall Apart

They look at each other and both shrug. “Sure, why not? Been forever since we’ve seen her. The more the merrier.”

“She’ll be excited to see everyone. See you tomorrow.” I nod and grab my jacket before heading to the door.

This should be fun.

I’m looking downat my phone to check where my Uber is when a familiar voice gets my attention.

“Hello, Clay.” I look up to see Mr. Jensen. My boss, the founder of JSC Construction, and also Kayleigh’s dad. “What are you up to tonight?”

I’ve known Mr. Jensen since I was in high school. I still remember meeting him when I trained and skied with Kayleigh. He’s practically been like a second father to me. He helped me at my lowest point. He hired me, and trained me to practically run part of his company over the last eight years. But he’s alsovery old schooland traditional and has given me a bit of an uneasy feeling that I can’t place. Drinking is on his long list of things he does not approve of. So it would be just my luck that I run into him outside of a distillery waiting for my ride. Ever since he promoted me to be his lead project manager, it seems like he’s been extra focused on everything I’m up to, both at work and outside.

“Oh. I was hanging out with Tanner and one of our friends that’s in town.” I offer a smile, but I really just want this conversation to end so I can get home to meet Kayleigh.

“That must be nice. I know you don’t see them too often. You can never spend enough time with family. That’s just so important.” He looks at me with his usual casual, but always somewhat judgmental look I’ve become accustomed to over the years. “Calling it an early night though?”

“Yeah. I’m actually heading out to meet Kayleigh. Just waiting on my Uber.” I look down at my phone again, seeing that my ride is about a minute away.

That answer gets an immediate smile and the judgmental look is gone. “Oh good. I’m glad you two are still spending time together. I still don’t know how it never worked out between you two. You were such a great couple.” He nods at me before he looks down at his watch. I’ll always be grateful for how he took me under his wing, but this is one of those things about him that has always rubbed me the wrong way. I know he’s wanted to take on a partner for the company so hecan take a step back and eventually retire - and that day can’t come soon enough.

He’s always had this delusional dream that Kayleigh and I would end up being a thing, ever since we were teenagers on ski teams together. But we onlydatedfor months, a silly high school thing, holding hands and watching movies with parental supervision. Neither of us want to tell him why it’s never going to happen for a long list of reasons. She’s my best friend though and nothing will ever change that.

“Well, don’t let me keep you. Tell Kayleigh I said hello. I’ll see you at the Aspen Grove Club next Thursday to get your update on that and the Grand Lodge project.”

He pats me on the shoulder before continuing down the sidewalk. It would be just my luck that I would run into him tonight.

CHAPTER 8

LIZZY

CLAYTON

The last twodays on the slopes with everyone have been perfect. Friday was a bluebird day with crystal clear skies. Then a storm rolled in Friday night and we got to ski fresh powder Saturday morning.

Watching Tanner and V ski after each other like lovesick puppies has been adorable, if not nauseatingly cute. Grace is a wild child, dropping off into trees and popping back on the slopes out of nowhere. And I can’t get enough of catching up with Collin and talking about his dates with the hot cowboy, Walker.

We’ve had dinner out on the town the last two days, but it’s Sunday night now and President’s Day is tomorrow. Tanner, V, and Collin are heading back to Jackson tomorrow night after we squeeze in another day of skiing. Then I’ll fly home Tuesday afternoon. All good things eventually come to an end.

So to cap off the trip, I thought it would be nice to play host and do dinner at the condo. I sayhost,but onlyin the loosest of terms.I told V she has to cook because I’m terrible at it. Thanks again, Mother, for the lack of cooking lessons growing up. Whatever though, V loves to cook, and her food is incredible. She’s obsessed with gourmet kitchens like the one in our renovated condo, and probably would have insisted on it anyways. So, this is really a win-win for everyone.

I’ve also managed to avoid seeing Clay the last two days. I know I sort of brought this on myself by panicking and running out of the bar.

I think I was embarrassed about the whole thing. I usually own it, so this is a new one for me.

On our last ski trip, Veronica caught Walker sneaking out of my room after her brother and I shared that cowboy for a night. That was one way to ring in the New Year and I didn’t bat an eye about that.

Or maybe it’s the idea of lusting after someone I’m so attracted to. Someone I can’t easily walk away from, even without really knowing them was absolutely terrifying. We didn’t even hook up and I can’t stop thinking about him.

He was so damn cold that night out in the hot tub. I get it though - I’d be a bit annoyed at me too.

But now, the scowl that I’m met with from across the table is so harsh. I’m sitting face to face with him at the end of the dinner table. No more hiding from him or the way his intense stare makes me feel. Another thing that’s coming to an end I guess.

Oh. And he brought a date. Tanner asked if Clay could bring a family friend to dinner. But when he showed up with a date, that wasn’t something I was expecting. Apparently she’s also friends with Tanner and Grace, and Tanner hasn’t seen her in a long time. So they’ve all been excited to catch up.

But there’s something familiar about her, like I’ve seen her before. Maybe it’s her smile? The way her perfect white teeth stand out against her red lipstick, and long, wavy black hair. I swear I’ve seen her before.

And why am I fixated on her? I should be glad someone is getting Clay’s glowering eyes off of me. I really didn’t think much of it when Tanner asked, but now I’m unusually curious about her.

But I’m also tormented by the idea that he could be just like my ex. Some dirtbag looking to cheat with someone from out of town.

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