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I refilled my glass and returned to my seat on the sofa, heart gradually slowing.
Of course Jake wasn’t expecting anything. He was very clear, even with Olivia, that he had no expectations. We could definitely take this slow. There was no need for rushing things. We weren’t even dating, officially, for crying out loud. At the very least, we needed to keep it cool until he was moved over to Jame’s supervision, and then we could see where things went. I had plenty of time before any sort of clock started ticking.
Besides, I still wasn’t sure I even wanted kids of my own. I loved being an auntie to every child I met, but my first focus had always been Aspen Ridge… I always figured the rest would come later, or not. But the employees always needed me, and the town. That was more than enough for any one person to take care of. If I wasn’t sure I wanted kids of my own, what did that mean for step kids?
Jake had to know how important it was to show Dad I was focused on the business. He already thought I was flaky and getting tangled up with a guy with two kids was especially messy. It wasn’t as if I could run off for PTA meetings in the middle of the day, or choir practice.
Jesus, why was my brain traveling so far down this road?
We. Aren’t. Even. Dating.
Perhaps the best plan was to cool things off with Jake, just a little, so I didn’t feel so much pressure. Focus on the business, on meeting Dad’s expectations, keep having fun with Jake, but keep it light. Surely Jake would understand.
Except I had no idea how to do that.
* * *
“Izzy,don’t forget that you have the Rocky Mountain Boys and Girls’ Club Gala tonight.” Dad popped his head into my office. He was clearly on his way out the door, and from the looks of it, heading for the golf club.
“Wait, what do you mean‘I’have the gala? I thought we were going together?”
“Eh, something came up.” I didn’t miss the way his blue eyes shifted guiltily. “Besides, this is more of a young people thing, anyway. And you should get used to attending these things on your own. It’s your opportunity to appear as the head of Aspen Ridge.”
“I’m not, really, you know that. There’re several ‘heads’, including James, Dad.”
“Yes, well, Mountain Ops just doesn’t present as well as Lodging, honey. Everyone knows where the money is made in this business, and it’s on feeding and housing our guests.”
“But the mountain is the reason we have guests in the first place,” I argued back. “If anything, James should attend with me. And Robert. Is he going?”
“Robert and I have an important meeting with a member of the board. He’s got a potential investor that he wants to bring in, so we’re going to hear him out.”
“You mean you’re going golfing with your cronies.”
“Don’t act so offended, Izzy. You do things your way, I do them mine. It’s worked for my entire career. I hardly see the point in changing now.”
“Yeah, well, I don’t recall you blowing off big, newsworthy events for the golf club a decade ago.”
A huge grin spread across his face. “That, my darling, is the benefit of having such an able-bodied Assistant CEO. You go, have fun, enjoy the party in the gymnasium or whatever. Take a friend! I’ll see you tomorrow. Let me know how the food is!” He tapped twice on my doorframe and departed, whistling on his way out.
Great. Not only an event I had to get dressed up for, which I really didn’t feel like after a long week of work, but now I had to attend alone.
For the drive home and the entire time I spent getting ready, I debated calling Jake. We’d paid for two plates, and I knew Jake had a suit or two at the ready. He could probably take Ethan and Olivia to Malcom and Violet’s, and escort me to this party.
But even though it seemed like something a dating couple should do, I couldn’t bring myself to make the call. For one, it would definitely bring our little tryst to light. I could probably explain it away to Dad, since he told me to take a friend, but how would it look to other people?
More importantly, how would it look to Jake? I knew without a doubt if I asked him, he would go as long as it was within his power. There was never a doubt in my mind about that. But would he enjoy it, or would he be uncomfortable the entire time?
The more I thought about it, the more my resolve hardened. I didn’t need to bring him into this. It was too soon. He had so much going on in his life, and I didn’t want to throw him to the wolves.
Especially considering that I knew who our tablemates would be.
I drove to the venue in my UGGs. Dad wasn’t wrong. The event was in the community center, and while they usually decorated it beautifully, there was no need to be uncomfortable for the drive. I liked to dress up as much as the next girl, but there was a time-limit to how long one could wear elegant heels.
Almost as if he was watching for me, Zach materialized out of thin air when I slammed the door shut and headed for the entrance. “Hi, Ellie. You look gorgeous, as always.”
A pleased flush spread across my cheeks, and I leaned into his hug. “You too, Zach. Nice tux.”
“What, this old thing?” He joked, then offered me his arm. “May I escort you inside?”
