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“I thought she was a housekeeper.” Lo immediately begins laughing.
“Why is this funny to you. We just disturbed herin the middle of the night like teenage hooligans. We will be lucky if he doesn't fire us both.”
“Relax.” Lo says, reaching across the console to squeeze my hand that is currently gripping the steering wheel. “I don't know why you are so worked up about this. We returned it. It's done. She was super sweet about it. I doubt she will even mention what time we were here.”
“You don't think it is totally invasive of his personal life that we came here?” I ask, gaping at her in disbelief.
“I think you are way closer to the situation than me and maybe thinking a little too much into the repercussions of a harmless act. You wanted to return the dress, you did. Tomorrow you will be on your way to Vermont and this whole situation will have blown over by the time you return.”
“You're right.” I take a deep breath, realizing just how much I am overreacting to the situation. “It's not like I plan to ever see the woman again, so if she thinks I am crazy, I guess that's okay.” I laugh to myself.
“I can't believe his mother would live there anyways.” She says, looking back to the townhouse. “You would think with as much money as that man has, she would live in a mansion somewhere.”
“Maybe she doesn't want his money or hell, maybe that's not even her.” I say on a shrug. Lo laughs, turning back towards me.
“Come on, let's get out of here. I will buy you a milkshake.” She smiles widely at me and I can't help but immediately laugh.
“Deal.” I say, pulling out into the street and heading in the direction of our favorite twenty-four hour diner.
****
By the time my flight lands in Vermont, I have done my best to push last night's little incident to the back of my mind. I need to use my four days away to cleanse myself of the entire situation and hopefully find some peace within my chaotic mind.
“Anna!” I hear a familiar voice squeal as I exit the terminal into the crowded airport. “Anna.” I hear again before I finally spot Andrea practically running towards me. “Oh my God, I am so glad you are here.” She sings, pulling me into a tight squeeze.
“Me too.” I say, stepping out of her embrace to get a good look at her. It's only been a month since she left and yet, it feels like it's been years since I have seen her. Her dark hair seems longer, if that's possible. And her olive skin has the perfect bronze from days of laying in the sun no doubt. Add on the white sundress and matching sandals and Andrea looks every bit of a man's wet dream. “You look incredible.” I say, slinging my carry on bag over my shoulder as Andrea leads me away from the terminal to collect my suitcase.
“Are you kidding? I have eaten more junk in the last four weeks then I think I did our entire Junior year. I am fairly certain that by the time I return to school I will have to buy a whole new wardrobe.” She groans.
“Life is just so hard for you.” I shake my head at her. “You poor thing. Whatever am I going to do with you?”
“Well, I could really use a wing man. Well, wing woman.” She laughs, giving me her best pretty please smile.
“As if you actually need my help.” I roll my eyes at her, grabbing my suitcase from the belt. “But for once, I'll bite.” I say, following her through the airport, weaving in and out of the various people coming and going.
“Just wait. There are so many hot guys everywhere, you will barely be able to contain yourself. It's far too much of a selection for just one person. I need help narrowing down my prospects.” She says, smiling widely when I burst into laughter.
“You drug me all the way to Vermont so that I could help you pick out a summer fling?” I ask, laughing through my disbelief.
“I classify that as a much needed reason for my best friend to be here, yes.” She says, faking offense. “Besides, maybe you can have a little fun while you're here. From the look of those bags under your eyes, you need it.” She says, giving me a wink as we step out into the warm Vermont sun.
Climbing into the back of Andrea's parent's town car, I power on my phone for the first time since leaving Chicago, honestly a bit surprised that I have no messages and no missed calls. I don't know why but I thought for sure Bentley would have called by now.
“What's wrong?” Andrea asks from the seat next to me, watching my face as I stare at my phone.
“Nothing.” I say, giving her smile as I lock my phone and drop it into my bag. “I am just ready to spend the next four days pool side with my bestie.” I say, throwing her a smile.
The ride is spent listening to Andrea go on and on about her parents and how horrible her summer has been up to this point. While I love this girl more than anything, she has a knack for the dramatics. Luckily, living with her for three years has given me a clear insight into how to handle this. Nod my head and pretend like I agree with every word she says. I laugh at the appropriate parts, gasp when necessary and then reassure her that life could be much worse than having rich parents that you think are crazy.
I am fairly certain most people probably think their parents are bonkers but then again, I wouldn't know that for sure. My grandma passed away before I had a chance to think she was anything other than the perfect sweet old woman I remember. And Patty, well I was just so thankful when she took me in, I could never feel anything but gratitude towards her.
By the time we arrive at the private beach resort just off of Lake Champlain, I have all but forgotten about my life in Chicago. Andrea has a way of pulling me out of my own mind and distracting me with all her nonsense. I think that's one of the reasons I love her so much.
“Here we are.” She sings, just as the driver puts the car in park. Peering out of the tinted window, I immediately gasp at the beautiful scenery in front of me. Stone paths lined with beautiful tree lights lead to various private homes scattered throughout the amazing green space. Fountains, flowers and beautifully kept trees fill in the area and give it the perfect elegant feel without being too overdone.
Climbing out of the backseat, I immediately see a club house directly to our right overseeing the lake and mountains which I bet is breathtaking at night. Behind the club house is a large underground pool surrounded by lounge chairs and from where I am standing, I can see at least three separate hot tubs and an outdoor bar.
“This place is incredible.” I say, turning back to face Andrea just as she steps out of the car and closes her door. “How could you not feel like you are in heaven here?”
