Page 30 of Staging Love
"How are you going to handle her?” Jade asked.
"There's nothing to handle, really. Theresa will take control of Cupid's Gifts, and that's that."
Jade looked concerned. "But... just like that? You're giving up? You’re not even going to take legal steps?"
"It’s in my father’s will so I’ll respect that," Camilla said. "I'm still a shareholder. That's not going to change. I just won't be in charge like I thought I was going to be. And you know what? I think I can make peace with that."
"But it's your father's company," Jade protested. "That doesn't seem fair."
"It is what it is. Let her have it. I'm going to take it one day at a time and focus on what really matters."
“Okay.” Jade smiled. "Look, I know it's Christmas day and your family probably has a full agenda, but it would be good to get some time alone."
“I’d like that,” Camilla said. How about a morning walk?”
“That sounds good. But first, I think we both could use some coffee.” Jade got up. “Stay here. I’ll bring it up.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
The crisp mountain air nipped at Camilla's cheeks as she and Jade set out from the Parkes family estate. Fresh snow had fallen overnight, and the morning sun peeked through gaps in the clouds, casting a shimmer over the landscape.
They walked hand in hand down a winding path that led away from the house and into a dense grove of aspen trees. The slender white trunks stood in stark contrast to the evergreens scattered among them, creating a dappled pattern of light and shadow on the snowy ground. In the distance, the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains loomed, their snow-capped summits disappearing into low-hanging clouds.
As they ventured deeper into the woods, the sounds of the estate faded away, replaced by the crunch of snow beneath their boots and the occasional rustle of branches in the breeze. Camilla felt a sense of peace wash over her, grateful for this moment of solitude with Jade after the emotional rollercoaster of the night.
"It's beautiful out here," Jade said, her breath forming small clouds in the cold air. "So different from LA."
"Yes. I've always loved it here. It’s –" Camilla stopped herself as she caught sight of movement in the trees ahead. She put a finger to her lips, signaling Jade to be quiet, and pointed.
A majestic elk stood in a small clearing, its impressive antlers silhouetted against the snowy backdrop. It raised its head, ears twitching as it sensed their presence. They stopped, holding their breath as they watched the magnificent creature. Then, with a graceful bound, it disappeared into the forest.
"Wow," Jade whispered. "I've never seen one that up close before."
Camilla smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind Jade's ear. "It never gets old, no matter how many times I see them. There's something magical about encountering wildlife like that."
They continued the path, gradually climbing uphill, and as they crested a small rise, they came upon a wooden bench overlooking a stunning vista of the valley below. By unspoken agreement, they sat down, huddling close for warmth.
"So," Camilla began, turning slightly to face Jade, "tell me something I don't know about you."
“Oh, there’s a lot.” Jade laughed. "What were you thinking?”
“Let’s start simple,” Camilla said. “What’s your favorite food?”
That's easy. My mom's homemade Marzetti. It's a family recipe, passed down for generations. What about you?"
"Hmm," Camilla mused. "I'd have to say sushi. But in winter, I’m also partial to a good stew."
"Favorite pastime?" Jade asked.
"Reading, definitely," Camilla replied without hesitation. "I love getting lost in a good book. You?"
"Acting, of course," Jade said with a grin. "But when I'm not on stage or auditioning, I love hiking. I go hiking in The Hills whenever I get a chance."
They continued trading questions back and forth, learning the small details that make up a person's life - favorite movies, childhood pets, dream vacations…
Meanwhile, Camilla gathered her courage to bring up something that had been on her mind. "Jade, can I ask you something? You don't have to answer if you don't want to."
“Ask away.”
