Page 13 of Fresh Tracks
She leaves her hand in mine while her eyes stay fixed on me. She swallows hard and nods. “I get that.”
Fuck. I’m a jackass. As soon as she says that, I remember if anyone would know about old wounds, it’s the Chapman siblings.
I need to dig myself out of this hole. The entire reason I even came over here was to try and distract her and cheer her up, not be a downer. So I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind to fix what was bothering her in the first place.
“Work for me?”
That’s my next question? Why did I ask that? Why can’t I think straight around her?
I watch as her face scrunches. The look she gives me is part shock, part disbelief, and a whole lot of what-the-hell.
“Did you really just ask me to work for you?”
This could go bad quickly. I raise a shoulder in a half shrug, doing my best to play it off casually. I could hire her, maybe she could work with Jake for me.
“Yeah, work for me. I could use someone to help with my charitable giving.”
I do give a small fortune to non-profits each year, albeit anonymously for a list of reasons. Jake always picked the causeshe thinks I’d like and handles all the paperwork and finances. Maybe I could unload some of that to her?
She’s still looking at me like I have two heads and I don't like the feeling.
“Is this some kind of a messed up joke or are you being serious?”
Shaking my head, I stretch my arm around the back of her chair and lean in closer. I already opened this can of worms, so I might as well go all the way. It’s hardly the worst idea I've had and she’s the kind of person I like to have in my circle, personally and professionally.
“No joke. I’m serious.” Her shoulders relax when she sighs. She looks down, tracing a finger over the rim of her empty glass. Maybe this will work? She’s actually thinking about it, until I fill the silence. “Come on, what do you have to lose?”
Her head whips up, her green eyes filled determined fire again.
"No pun intended, but I'm not some charity case, TJ. Thanks though.” I can see the resolve in her expression.
I want to push back, but I’m caught off guard by an excited shriek from the back door of the bar. Clay strides out of the back hallway with Lizzy clung to him like a koala bear, draping her arms over his shoulders. Lizzy catches the attention of Veronica and Grace, pointing at the sizable ring on her finger.
Oh, damn. Clay did it. He proposed.
Grace jumps from her seat so fast, leaving me at the table alone. I know they're my friends, but this is a huge moment for them. I decide to cut my losses, lick my wounds, and call it an early night.
They should get to celebrate this together as a family.
CHAPTER 5
GRACE
TWENTY-FOUR HOUR
I don’t knowwhat karmic good graces I’ve finally conjured up, but the twenty-four hour gym in Jackson has turned into my safe haven. One thing I learned from all my van trips over the years is that the two S’s — sleep and showers — can’t be overvalued. Jackson has limited campgrounds, especially in the winter, and they are so dang expensive.
Even after I bought my van while I was in college, I still had savings left over from my settlement after the accident. I’ve done a good job of keeping that nest egg for emergencies and I don’t want to burn it on campgrounds. I want that money to be there for when I really need it.
Normally, when I’m in town, I just stay with my grandparents. If I want my own space, I’ll park my van behind Tanner’s barn. It’s the ideal spot, close to his cabin, where I can get a shower, and have access to electric to recharge the van batteries.
Of course, doing that now would mean having to explain why I’ve still been in town for the last week, and not back in Utah. Clay and Lizzy have been so busy with their own post-engagement celebrating they haven’t noticed yet. Tanner’s gone with Veronica on their ski road trip honeymoon. He loved my vanenough that he eventually built his own, so he could take trips and bring his dog, Rex. Which means V’s brother, Collin, is housesitting for them and would know I’m around.
Enter my new home away from home: the twenty-four hour gym.
On days like this, where I know I can get a hot shower after my run on the treadmill, I’m glad that Josie shared that little life hack. Even in a pinch, I can sometimes get away with parking overnight and sleeping in their lot. If anyone asks why I’m here in the middle of the night, I just say I was here for a workout. Obviously, it helps me stay in shape too.
Taking care of my body was something that became a priority after spending weeks in a hospital bed, and then months in physical therapy. It was so easy to take my health for granted before, but I will always prioritize it now. It’s not for looks, it’s not for vanity, it’s because I never want to feel like a prisoner to my own body again. I love being able to go on a long hike or backcountry ski just because. My mind will always be that free and I owe it to myself to make sure my body will keep pace.
