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I let it go, but I made a mental note to keep an eye on her.
The bouncer waved us into the club. We wound our way through the throngs of people dancing. I slid onto an open barstool, and we ordered drinks from the bartender before I asked, “Do you know what you’re going to do?”
Kylie sighed. “No idea. I like being home, but at the same time, I feel like I’m bursting out of my skin.”
Even in high school, Kylie was desperate to see what else was out there. She’d gone to college, then studied abroad, fell in love with Europe, and gotten a job in Paris after graduation.
“You don’t want to help run the resort?” I asked her, accepting the glass from the bartender.
Kylie thanked him and fiddled with the napkin. “There’s nothing for me here. Oliver and Eli run the business and hotel side of things. You heard Xander say he’s in charge of the outdoor activities, and he expects Killian to join him when he retires from snowboarding. Although, I hate to break it to Xander, but that’s not happening anytime soon.
“You could help with the hotel management since that’s your expertise.”
Kylie rolled her eyes as she swirled her drink with the tiny straw. “My brothers don’t take me seriously. They think I was partying my way through France all this time. Not working hard to learn a business.”
“Why don’t you tell them then?”
She sipped her drink. “Trust me. I’ve tried. I’ll always be their irresponsible little sister who runs headfirst into trouble.”
“You’ve never been that though.”
“I was the one chasing after them, getting hurt, and in trouble with Mom and Dad. Then I left Telluride. I didn’t help out with the family business, so now they see me as unreliable.”
“Are you interested in the business?”
“Maybe. I don’t know if there’s a place for me here.”
“That’s too bad.” Did her brothers realize Kylie would leave again if she didn’t have a reason to stay? I’d just returned home, and she was my best friend. I wanted her to stay, but it would be selfish of me to influence her decision. “I just want you to be happy.”
“I will be. Don’t worry about me.” Kylie smiled as she finished her drink. Then she grabbed my hand. “Come on. Let’s dance.”
I looked back at my glass, and Kylie said, “The bartender will get us fresh ones when we’re done. That’s the advantage of clubbing at your family’s resort.”
It was nice to know we were being looked out for and could let go a bit.
People parted for us as Kylie led the way through the crowd to the middle of the dance floor. Men eyed us appreciatively. I think it had something to do with two women holding hands—and also Kylie. She had this energy about her that drew others to her. Plus, she’d lived abroad for so many years that her style and her mannerisms appeared worldly. Next to her, I felt a little frumpy.
We danced and took frequent breaks to grab drinks. As the night went on, I felt lighter and freer. My body had this floaty feeling to it, and I felt good. More than good. Great even. Some part of me recognized that I’d be hurting tomorrow, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. I hadn’t let go in forever. Probably since before Delaney was born. I needed this.
Not even Mac’s grumpy concern about me going out could bring me down.
Occasionally, a man would sidle close to Kylie and ask for a dance, but she always shook her head no and said she was there with her friend. It felt great that she put me first.
“You know you can dance with someone if you want. I don’t mind.” I was getting tired and probably needed to head home anyway.
Kylie linked her arm with mine. “I’m here with you.”
Eventually, we switched to water before calling it a night. Kylie waited with me until the driver pulled up in front of the lodge and hugged me. I’d have to call a car service to pick mine up tomorrow, but it was worth it. “Let’s do this again soon.”
“Absolutely.” I thought of myself as a mother first. Ever since Carter walked away, I needed a way to support myself. I couldn’t rely on his income anymore or even the child support. I wanted to be independent. Then Kylie saw the old Victorian for sale and suggested I buy it and open a B&B. It sounded crazy but amazing at the same time.
When the driver pulled up to the house, it was dark. It was late. I was sure Mac had gone home. I walked around to the rear of the house where the private entrance to the owner’s suite was located.
Inside, Miranda was watching TV on the couch.
“How was she?” I asked her when I’d closed the door and put my purse on the table by the door.
Miranda stood, gathering her things. “She was great. We baked cookies, and she played some games with Mac.”
