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“How was your flight, Rachel?” asks Lucas while pulling out from his spot next to the curb.
“Ugh, it was terrible,” I say as I buckle my belt. “I really thought I was going to throw up all over the plane.”
Hunter chuckles, still facing towards me. His belt is all twisted around his broad shoulders. “The fresh air will definitely help.”
“Family wasn’t upset about you leaving early?” asks Seth.
I wince and give him a shrug. “What can they do? I’m eighteen.”
Hunter chuckles, his tone a bit awkward to my ears. “You got that right.” He turns back around before I can look at him. Something is off, I can feel it, but I don’t know how to broach the subject.
And sadly, I can’t stop thinking about it.
I try to focus on the mountains in the distance, appearing ever closer as Lucas continues driving. Lucas puts on the radio, blasting rock music which I bob my head to, enjoying the 90s alternatives and cringing at each metal song assaulting my ears, which the bros continue screaming to. I laugh, feeling at peace, feeling like I had finally returned home.
Snow begins falling as Lucas approaches his parents’ cottage, which is more like a mansion. Lucas calls this place a cottage? I think as he parks the SUV, my eyes growing wider while I take in the brick path leading to the huge home with large extravagant windows.
It’s at least two stories, if not three, with a balcony overlooking where we just drove from. The lights are on, illuminating the massive place. I open the door, my eyes still glued to the windows, trying to take in as much as I can. Trees surround the area with more mountains, higher up, peeking behind the cottage.
Is that a chandelier? I wonder while stepping out of the SUV.
“Jesus, Lucas,” says Seth while opening the back door and grabbing the suitcases. “This isn’t a cottage. It’s a freaking mansion.”
Exactly what I thought.
Lucas chuckles while rubbing the back of his head. “I guess it’s a bit over the top.”
“I’d say,” says Hunter while grabbing his backpack and throwing it over his shoulder. I see him still, yet I don’t see his face. I suppose he’s wincing. Did he ever see a physical therapist about that shoulder? I wonder while taking my suitcase and dragging it towards him.
I touch his arm lightly and try not to frown when I see his forced smile again. “I’m fine,” he says quickly, already knowing what I’m about to ask. “I just moved too quickly. Still need to be careful and all.”
I nod, taking his word, yet I still can’t help but worry. Last semester he was taking painkillers from his coach. Even though he messed up his shoulder and broke his hand, he was still playing regardless of the pain and the detriment to his body. Not to mention his mother was suffering from cancer and his father was absent.
I really want to speak with him and see how he’s doing.
Maybe when the others are skiing we can have some personal time.
Lucas walks ahead, leading the way down the brick path towards the home. Snow is stacked on either side of the path and icicles hanging from the roof, threatening to fall. We walk onto the porch, waiting for Lucas to unlock the door before striding in through the massive foyer.
Yep, there’s a chandelier.
I look around, expecting a butler or a maid to pop out from nowhere, carrying a tray of martinis or a platter of escargot. I’m actually a bit miffed when I see none of that.
“Is it just us?” I ask, dropping my suitcase down and striding towards one of the large windows. I plant my hands on the glass, finding a steaming infinity pool in the back overlooking a beautiful view of snow-covered peaks. I pinch myself, wondering if I’m still asleep on the plane, but I don’t seem to be waking up.
I hear Lucas chuckle behind me and turn around, finding him shaking his head while staring at me, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Yep, just us,” he says while crossing his arms. “I had Mom send the attendees home. I wanted some… personal time.”
My cheeks heat and I feel my stomach twisting for an entirely different reason. “Oh,” I say simply while tucking a stray blonde curl behind my ear.
“I can give you a tour of the place if you want,” says Lucas while looking between Seth and Hunter, who both shrug in response.
“I’d rather get in the pool,” says Seth while striding towards me, placing his forehead against the glass and looking at the pristine blue waters.
“Is it really warm?” I ask, not sure if I can trust my eyes.
Lucas nods while dumping his bag on the kitchen counter. “Yep. The whole thing is heated during the winter.” I still when I feel his hand brushing my hair away from my neck, his knuckles caressing my nape.
My anxiety heightens immediately and I walk around him, striding towards Hunter and grabbing his arm, leading him through the foyer. “Let’s have that tour, shall we?” I call, forcing a smile while looking around the large place.
