Page 18 of Fresh Tracks
On top of that, Josie always wants to be moving and going, constantly doing something. In hindsight, it shouldn’t have been a surprise that she fell in love with van life instantly. While I’m satisfied with spontaneous, short trips, her wanderlust is insatiable.
She looks down at her now empty drink and nods confidently. “Yep. It was definitely last April. Right before I headed South to Telluride, then to Cali for the music festival.” She points a finger at me across the table. “You know, you still need to make it out there with me one year.”
“I will try this year. Who knows, if I haven't found a full time gig by then, maybe I can join you for a change.”
Her eyes scan my face and she reaches across the table, grabbing my hand in hers. “Girl, you know you're going to find a new, even better job.” She smirks at me. “Now seriously, stop sweating it and let’s have some fun.”
I feel the corner of my mouth lift into a smile. “Well, nottoomuch fun. We still have to drive back to the gym to park tonight.”
Groaning, she rolls her eyes at me. “Are you seriously still worried about running into someone you know? You need to relax. They're going to find out eventually.”
I drop my head and sigh, taking a long drink of my margarita, the salted rim making my lips pucker. “I know, you’re right. I just don't want everyone to make a big deal about it, which I know they will.”
It’s been over ten years since the accident, but even now, if my family sensed something was wrong in my life, they'd drop everything to focus on me. I love them for that, but it’s the last thing I want.
The accident was just that; an accident, a fluke. That's not who I am and I don't enjoy feeling like it’s going to define the rest of my life.
Her hand tightens around mine. “It’s going to be fine, Grace.”
I let out a long breath and take a second to clear my head. I might not be ready to tell all of them just yet, but she’s right. I will get there.
I look down at my empty drink in my other hand, seeing Josie’s glass is empty too. I push back and stand up from our table. “I’ll go get another round.”
She starts to say something, but her eyes drift up over my shoulder and I see her tongue dart out over her lips. That's her telltale sign that she’s found something, or more likely someone, she’s interested in.
I turn and bump into what feels like a brick wall.
“Oh, I’m sor—” My words get stuck in my throat when I look up to see Collin Perry, Tanner’s best friend and now brother-in-law. Fuck. Me.
He looks down at me with that gentle, kind smile that reminds me of his twin sister. “Hey, Little Chapman. I thought that was you. Even from behind, this hair is a giveaway.” He ruffles my hair. “Didn’t realize you were back in town.”
That’s because I didn’t want anyone to know and I was doing just great at keeping it that way, until now. Leave it to Josie to get me out on the town and blow my cover.
Maybe I can tell a little bit of the truth. I’ve practically known Collin since I was born, and he’s always been cool. He even caught me sneaking out to see a boy, the summer before we moved to Park City, and I know he didn’t say a word to Tanner orhe would have freaked out. Tanner’s nine years older than me and definitely protective.
“Hi, Collin.” I shuffle awkwardly on my feet, a nervous hum working its way up my throat. Here goes nothing. “To bebackin town, that would have to mean I actually left.”
“Oh dang, I wish I knew you were in town. We could have hung out.” He shrugs and I notice he's holding two drinks.
Awesome, maybe he won’t push this any further if he’s here with someone. But then again, leave it to Collin to double fist drinks.
He squints, eyeing me for a second. “Wait a minute. Why am I just now hearing about this? I know you're not staying at Tanner’s or your grandparents’ place or I’d have seen your van.”
I fidget with the two empty glasses that I wish were full right now.
“That’s because I’m not staying at either of their places.”
This time his brow raises in surprise, but I see the moment it clicks.
“They don’t know you're in town, do they?”
“Um, rude,” Josie interrupts, eyeing Collin like a piece of meat. “Are you not going to introduce me to your friend?” I can’t blame her, Collin is a hottie. Six foot-something, part time personal trainer, part time property manager with Tanner.
I’m about to introduce Collin when another voice cuts me off.
“This would be my boyfriend, Collin.” I watch as the tall, handsome cowboy I’ve only met once, at my brother’s wedding, walks up. He extends his hand to Josie, taking hers and placing a kiss on the back of it. “And I’m Walker. Pleasure to meet you.”
Damn, Walker is smooth. I turn and my jaw drops. Josie is grinning and I swear, she actually blushes.
