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“That was a weird reaction, Leo. What was that about?”
He huffed with annoyance. “Avery used to date a guy on the squad. He moved away, but…it always bothered me when we saw him around town because he was big and buff and I’m…you know…not.”
Unable to help himself, he laughed.
And immediately apologized.
“Sorry, that was rude of me. But you obviously know that even with him being all…that, she’s marrying you. So, who’s really the better man?”
“Ugh…stop being all sunshine and unicorns. It’s annoying.”
“Can’t help it. Life is good and I’m hoping it’s about to get even better.” Leaning back on his sofa, he let out a contented sigh. “Sweetbriar’s the only place that ever really felt like home to me. I hated when we had to move, so this would be a truly amazing thing if I had the chance to move back.”
“Reid, you’re an adult. You could have moved back at any time,” his friend reminded him.
“And if there had been any openings in the fire department before now, I would have done it.”
“So do you think this is a shoo-in for you?”
“I honestly don’t know. I’m hoping it is because how many people are looking to move to a tiny town, right?”
“Well, if things keep going the way they’re looking, we’re not going to be tiny for long. There’s talk of all kinds of new businesses and restaurants coming. It feels like it’s going to turn into a resort town.”
“A resort town? All because they’re going to renovate the old ski lodge?”
“It’s supposed to be a huge deal. They’re not just renovating it. They’re expanding it and building a bunch of condos and maybe one of those boutique hotels. The whole town is really psyched about it.”
“I can’t believe someone’s actually going to rehab that place and re-open it. I can’t believe it’s still standing!”
“I am freaking psyched about it. It’s going to be nice to have somewhere to ski right in our backyard.”
“Isn’t the place you normally go only thirty minutes away?”
“Yeah, but…now I can spend those thirty minutes on the slopes rather than in my car. Keep up, Reid.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever gone skiing. In my head, I imagine I wouldn’t be very good at it.”
“Finally! We found something that the great Reid Baylor isn’t good at!” Laughing, Leo added, “I was beginning to think we’d never find something.”
“Okay, but to be fair, we don’t know that for sure. I’m just guessing…”
“When the resort opens, you and I will be there opening day,” he challenged. “For once, I’ll be better than you at something.”
“Knock it off. You’re better than me at a lot of things. You always got better grades than I did.”
“Right. I can’t tell you how many girls threw themselves at me when they heard I aced geometry.” He snorted. “Don’t try to throw some pity skill at me. You were the jock and I wasn’t and everyone knew it.”
He let out a long, irritated breath. “And since we’re not in high school anymore, no one cares. Can we please focus? I really wish I knew someone who knew someone who was currently on the fire and rescue squad. Do you think Avery could introduce me to someone?”
“I’ll ask her when I see her tonight, and I’ll text you and let you know.”
“Thanks, Leo, I appreciate it.”
“No problem. What are friends for?”
“You’re the best. And you’re sure you’re okay with me crashing on your couch this weekend? I could stay at a hotel…”
“No way. We don’t get to hang out that much anymore, so it’s no problem.”
