“My hero!” She says all swoony as I pull the brown paper bag out of the microwave to start plating our food on separate plates.
“Don’t get your hopes up, Derek’s gone so my boss made them, so no promises that they’re any good,” I say and that makes her laugh.
God I missed that sound. How was I able to ever go time away from that sound? And worse, how will I do it again?
How can I keep it around forever?
Her.
She’s here. In my room. In my world. If this is all I get — a weekend, a couple nights — I’m going to make every second count. And maybe, just maybe, she’ll want to stay longer than that.
23
Genevieve
I’ve been back in Silver Lake for less than an hour, but already I feel lighter, like a weight has been lifted. I’m not sure if it’s the town itself or Aspen’s presence that’s making me feel this way, but either way I can’t imagine ever leaving. I’ve fallen in love with this place—and with him—and I don’t know how I’ll ever leave again. I love it here.
Aspen is so thoughtful—he got me a cheeseburger from the resort because he knew I’d be hungry when I arrived. He’s always so considerate. He tells me he picked them up a couple of hours ago, so before handing me mine, he warms it up in the microwave. He heats his up right after and I wait for him to finish, eager to eat together. Mine is still too hot to touch, even though all I want to do is dive into it. It looks so greasy and delicious, it's calling my name.
Once Aspen’s burger is ready, he leans over the laminate countertop while I sit on a bar stool facing him. We both raise our burgers in a cheers motion and take our first bite. I’m expecting that familiar burst of flavors from before, but instead, all I get is… well, let's just say it’s not what I was hoping for.
Look, I’m not usually the picky type. I know I come from money, but I could eat McDonald's any day of the week. But this? This is worse than McDonald's. I’m doing my best to keep my cool, trying to get through the bite that’s steadily sitting in my mouth when Aspen walks over to the trashcan and spits his bite out.
“This is horrible,” he says.
I’m taken off guard so bad I laugh and almost choke on my burger. I follow what he does and spit my chewed up bite out into the trash.
“So bad,” I agree.
“I can’t believe my boss is actually selling this to people. He needs to find someone else to cover for Derek. People aren’t going to come back to the resort if they eat this. The food is a key part to owning a resort, most people don’t know that,” he says.
“Shit. You need to tell him,” I say.
“Oh I will!” He says. “But first, I have an idea. Put your coat back on, we’re gonna go get some food.”
I’m relieved because I’m starving and I wasn’t about to eat that shit.
I do as he says and put my coat back on. We toss both our burgers in the trash and we’re off.
***
Twinkling lights are strung across the downtown area, connecting light pole to light pole. This place feels quaint and magical, like something out of a storybook. I can easily picture myself spending hours here—sipping coffee at a local café or browsing the little boutiques, even if they’re probably ridiculously overpriced.
This is the cutest downtown I’ve ever seen. It’s a charming ski town, with people strolling by in full riding gear and skis or snowboards strapped to their vehicles. Snow lines the edges of the road, and the sidewalks are made of cobblestone, giving everything a traditional feel. The streets are alive with energy and cheer, and every store and restaurant looks so inviting, like they’re waiting to welcome you in.
Aspen parks on the street, and we walk hand in hand, admiring the warm shimmer of the hanging lights around us. He leads me into a pizzeria called Dante’s, where the sight of the workers stretchingpizza dough in midair catches my attention. They toss it high, catching it with their thumbs, and twirl it in graceful circles. I’m completely mesmerized by the skill and rhythm of it all.
Aspen walks up to the hostess podium and smiles at the hostess.
“Hey Aspen,” the hostess says.
“Hey Cassie!” Aspen says.
“Table for two?” She asks.
“Yes please,” he replies.
“One second,” she says, looking around for a free table. Aspen stands in front of the podium waiting with his hands in his pockets.
