"Your dad finally dating?" Cindy asked as we walked through the dark parking lot.
"He's turned into a man whore, too." I shook my head and unlocked the car.
"That's not good," Cindy said as she moved around the SUV and got in. "You think he's just still hurt over your mom?"
"I guess. He and I don't speak much. I bitch at him about his diet, and he grunts at me and reminds me how unworthy I am for everything I have." I buckled up and lamented over the fact that I wouldn't be getting drunk. It seemed like the only way I might find relief. Seeing that I wasn't going to do it alone and yet had no friends, tonight had been my only chance.
"I'm sorry to hear that. He's always been a jerk like that, though. You know you’re beautiful, talented, and everything you should be." She reached over and squeezed my shoulder. "I'm proud of you, and I've missed you."
"I’ve missed you, too." I turned on the lights and pulled the car out into the road as the girls in the backseat started giggling.
The stories they shared left me wondering where my friends from school where. The hookers in the car with me and Cindy were a hoot to watch sober. I was almost scared to see them drunk.
* * * *
"I love this place!" Kinsey danced around, throwing her hands up in the air and sloshing her beer all over her sister.
"Hey, bitch. Watch your drink," Janet laughed and turned to the bartender. "Another round, please."
&n
bsp; He looked over at me and I nodded before shaking my head and smiling.
"You want another Coke, pretty girl?" He leaned over and tapped the bar between us. He was handsome and looked like he belonged with me in California.
"Nope. I'm going to float out of here if I'm not careful."
"One beer won't hurt, unless you're a lightweight." He lifted his eyebrow and I chuckled.
"I had a glass of wine at dinner; besides, I'm not used to driving in the snow. I'm from Los Angeles."
"What? Me, too." He chuckled and extended his hand. "Caleb. Nice to meet you."
"I'm Chloe. What are you doing here in Aspen?"
"Taking a break for the winter. I love the sun and the snow, so half a year there, half here." He shrugged. "Living the life, I guess."
"Sounds like it." I turned as Kinsey to wrap her arms around my neck.
"Oh my God, Chloe. The finest boy in the whole universe is here. He's so fucking dreamy."
I untangled her arms from around me and brushed her hair from her face. She was sloppy drunk and the fun was about to begin. Being designated driver sucked ass, but these next few moments would make it all worthwhile.
"Where? I want to see the best looking thing in Aspen." I got up and walked to the edge of the dance floor before Janet pulled me back.
"No, silly. He just walked in. Look at that group of guys. Hot. So hot!" Janet fanned herself and I looked around for Cindy.
She was against the bar, leaning in closely to Caleb.
"Figures." I let out a soft growl and resigned myself to helping my friends have a good time. I didn't need anything more than a good laugh and a break from the house. Falling in love with some guy wasn't at the top of my list, and even if it was, it was a horrible idea. I was heading home in ta few weeks and the last thing I planned to leave behind in Colorado was my heart.
"There. With the blue shirt. Tell me you see him."
I narrowed my gaze and scanned the faces, finally finding a group of handsome guys. "Blue shirt...blue shirt..."
A gasp left me as I spotted him. The twins were right. He was the finest thing in the bar, if not the city.
Too bad he was off limits.