Page 41 of Pine Creek Lodge
Sofia laughed and shook her head. "I can't wait. Though I have to admit, your dad's jokes are actually pretty funny."
"Don't encourage him!" Zoe said, rolling her eyes. "And don't worry about Moxie - she's finally asleep in my room. The fireworks don't seem to bother her as much up there. Is it okay if I keep her in my room tonight?"
“Of course. But if you’re not up in time, I’m coming in to wake you up. I want to say goodbye to her.”
As they followed Zoe back inside, Nat felt a surge of happiness watching Sofia interact with her sister. Over the pastweek, Sofia had really gotten on with her family. It wasn't forced or performative - Sofia genuinely enjoyed their company, found comfort in their warmth, and Nat could see how much that meant to her family in return.
They hugged each other, wished each other a happy new year, and toasted with their Champagne before her mother served the chocolate lava cake.
Sofia’s eyes lit up at the first bite. "Martha, this is incredible," she said. "You have to teach me how to make this."
"Next time you visit," her mother promised, beaming. "We'll have proper baking lessons."
Nat watched the exchange, her heart full. A week ago, she'd been worried about their different backgrounds, about not fitting into Sofia's world. But sitting here, watching Sofia laugh at one of her father's terrible puns while wearing her old sweater, Nat realized Sofia was right. The distance between their lives or between New York and Aspen seemed small compared to the way Sofia's eyes lit up when she talked about her next visit, or how perfectly their hands fit together. Some things just worked, even if you couldn't explain why, and this - whatever this was becoming - felt like one of those things.
Chapter Thirty-One
Nat's heart raced as she emerged from the security area into the arrivals hall at JFK. Eighteen days had felt like an eternity, and despite their daily video calls, she'd been nervous about this moment. Would things feel different in person? Had the magic of their holiday connection somehow dissolved in the face of reality?
But then she saw Sofia standing there, elegant as ever in a tailored coat, holding an enormous bouquet of deep red roses. Their eyes met across the crowded hall, and all of Nat's doubts melted away. Sofia's face lit up with that radiant smile that had been haunting her dreams, and suddenly she was moving forward, drawn like a magnet.
They collided in a tight embrace, the roses crushed between them. Sofia's familiar scent enveloped her, and Nat buried her face in her neck, overwhelmed by how right it felt to be back in her arms.
"I've missed you," Sofia whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I've really, really missed you."
"I’ve missed you too," Nat managed, pulling back just enough to see Sofia's face. "So much." She smiled as she looked down at the roses. “Are those for me?”
“Yeah. I know it's cheesy, but I couldn't help myself."
"They're beautiful," Nat said, breathing in their sweet fragrance. She adjusted her small carry-on bag on her shoulder – she was only staying for two days before starting her new job at The Copper Kettle with Amy, but even that felt precious.
"You must be hungry," Sofia said, taking Nat's free hand in hers. "I thought we could eat at my place? I've been cooking."
Nat's eyebrows shot up. "You cook?"
"Sure I do," Sofia admitted with a laugh. "Not often but I can whip up a few dishes. I thought it would be a bit more intimate than going to a restaurant. Everything's prepped and ready to go – I’ll finish it off when we get home."
Sofia's driver was waiting for them outside. He smiled warmly, taking Nat's small bag and opening the car door for them.
As they settled into the back seat of the sleek black car, Nat leaned into Sofia, their fingers still intertwined. The city sprawled before them, and Nat stared out the window, taking in every detail of her first glimpse of New York.
The highway stretched ahead, the Manhattan skyline rising in the distance like something from a movie. The winter sun was setting early, casting long shadows between the buildings and making the windows glitter like diamonds. Nat had traveled a bit throughout her life, but this was different – this was Sofia's world, and everything felt new and exciting through that lens.
"Look," Sofia said, pointing when they crossed a bridge. "That's the Empire State Building straight ahead. And over there, that's One World Trade Center."
Nat watched in awe as they drew closer to Manhattan, the buildings growing taller, the streets becoming more crowded. Yellow taxis wove between cars, and people hurried along the sidewalks despite the cold. The energy was palpable, so different from the peaceful streets of Aspen.
They turned onto a quieter street lined with elegant townhouses, their facades adorned with wrought-iron details and small trees wrapped in twinkling lights. The car pulled up to one of those buildings, and Nat realized this must be Sofia's home.
"We’re here." There was a hint of nervousness in Sofia’s voice.
Nat took her bag from the driver, thanked him, and followed Sofia up the steps to the front door. “Wow. This is so charming. I imagined you living in a penthouse in one of those high-rise buildings.” Nat looked up at the beautiful brownstone. “You own the whole house?”
“Yes, it’s mine. I bought it four years ago and renovated everything.” Sofia held open the door for her.
The entryway was warm and inviting, with dark hardwood floors and cream-colored walls adorned with abstract art. A crystal chandelier cast a soft light over everything, and the air smelled of whatever Sofia had been cooking – something rich and savory that made Nat's mouth water.
“Mmm… it smells great. What are you cooking?”
