I went home, feeling restless. I could pick up some assistant jobs at the Wilde Ski Resort. That was usually what I did when I was bored. But I didn't want to work.
I decided to text Cooper.
Aspen: You didn't have to come today to prove anything to me.
Cooper: Why would I do that?
Aspen: I don't know. You tell me.
It seemed like I was right back where I used to be with him. Angry and resentful. I knew what I was doing, but I couldn't seem to stop myself.
Cooper: I don't have to come again if you don't want me there.
Aspen: I didn't say that.
And now I was feeling guilty for lashing out at him because I was upset about my parents.
Cooper: How was brunch?
Aspen: Uneventful.
Which meant that no one had grilled me during the meal. My parents were disappointed in me. I hated it, but it seemed to be a default state of being when it came to me.
Why was I texting Cooper? We were enemies working together for a cause. I shouldn't be reaching out to him when I was upset.
The town's shop owners had formed their own friend group a while ago, and I wasn't really a part of it. Sometimes I felt like I was moving too fast to make real friends. People enjoyed my company, but it was rare for me to make plans with anyone.
My schedule made social time impossible. But maybe it was time to broaden my horizons. Because I couldn't be leaning on Cooper when my parents got to me. Besides, he thought my parents were great, presumably better than his.
Irritation burned in my gut, familiar and comforting. Being annoyed with Cooper was my default setting, and I wouldn't be changing that anytime soon.
Chapter 6
Cooper
Aspen had lashed out in text messages last night, and I wondered if it was just familiar for her to do that with me or if she was upset about something that happened with her family.
I didn't need to be involved in family events outside of Sunday dinners. Especially if it upset Aspen. We needed to get along in order to keep our jobs.
It was probably better for me to handle the inspection of the dance hall's bathroom on my own, but Aspen sent a professional sounding email this morning, requesting a meeting, and I couldn't put her off. I'd promised everyone we could work together.
I grabbed coffee from Coffee Dreams and pastries from Sweet Dreams Bakery, hoping the caffeine and sugar would soften Aspen's mood this morning.
Natasha was at the front counter of the inn when I walked in, frowning at something on her screen. When she glanced up, she said, "Aspen's in the ballroom already."
I lifted the tray. "I grabbed an extra coffee."
She smiled. "You're a lifesaver."
My heart did a weird flutter motion when she smiled. "I try."
"I hope you can handle the renovations to the bathrooms and leave Eve out of the process this time. She's stressed out. I don't know if it's the pregnancy hormones or what."
I frowned. "Is it affecting her pregnancy?"
"Her blood pressure is a little high. The doctor wants her to take a step back at work."
"I'll handle everything here so she doesn't have to worry."
