He’d been doing that more and more, talking about things they’d do together in the future. Renie hadn’t planned to continue their fling past September. It was apparent Jace had other plans.
That night he took her to the White House Tavern. It was a casual place, and Jace knew everyone there. He introduced her as his summer wrangling partner, and winked at her every time he did. He wasn’t shy about putting his arm around her, or nuzzling her hair, even kissing her. It was so different for them, not having to hide that they were together from people. It made it feel more like a relationship.
“I don’t suppose you’d want to go to Spain with me?” he asked sheepishly the next morning.
“Wait. What? Spain?”
He laughed. “Remember I told you Tucker is in Spain?”
“Yes.”
“My whole family is. They’re expecting me.”
“I’ll have to draw the line at Spain.”
“I figured you would, but thought I’d give it a try anyway.”
She walked to the window and looked out at the mountain. “I’ve never skied here. I’d like to sometime.”
“Is that your way of asking when I’ll be back?”
She turned around, and he was smiling. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but that wasn’t what she’d been thinking at all. “Sure,” she answered instead.
“Okay, sourface. That wasn’t your way of asking, but I’ll tell you anyway. I’ll be back for Thanksgiving.”
Sourface? She was beginning to think it was time for a Jace-break. He was becoming all too familiar, and Renie wasn’t sure she was ready to go in the direction Jace seemed headed in.
“When are you leaving?”
“Friday.”
Today was Wednesday. Maybe she should leave today, to give him time to get ready for his trip.
“Stay with me another night?” he asked, as though he read her mind.
“Sure,” she answered.
“I’m beginning to dislike that word,” he said, but he was still smiling.
They stayed in that night, and the next morning they said goodbye as though they’d be seeing each other in a few days.
It was a long drive from Aspen to Crested Butte, but a beautiful one. The aspens were changing on Kebler Pass, so Renie stopped to take photos of their brilliant yellows and gold.
The further she got away from Aspen, and Jace, the more her chest hurt. She tried to push it away, but nothing worked. As she drove down the mountain road and into Crested Butte, all she could think about was Billy.
12
Her mom and Ben still weren’t home. She didn’t even know what state they were in. Trying to keep up with rodeo schedules was hard enough, for all Renie knew, Ben could be out on tour by now.
She checked the refrigerator to see whether she needed to run to the store for milk or any other essentials. It appeared as though it were well-stocked.
She texted her mom. When will you be home?
Half hour, Liv answered.
They must not be traveling, they must’ve gone to town for something.
The boys?