New Year's morning Gabriella woke with the sun, a habit she wasn't proud of. Especially on this particular morning where the rest of the world was sleeping the day away, recovering from their long night. She grabbed her book off the nightstand and drug the floral comforter behind her out onto the icy balcony. She settled into the wooden chair and propped her feet up on the other one. The morning frost had gathered already and started to soak through her flannel pajamas. She sighed and wrapped the blanket tightly around her. She opened the book with frozen fingers and was swept into her historical romance as the sun rose.
Unfortunately, she spent a lot of her mornings this way. She was sure that hundreds of people would love the peace and solitude that had become her life. She never intended to be so alone all the time. Dating wasn't something that came easily to her. In the past seven years she had rarely gotten past the second date with anyone. She blamed herself for each and every prince charming that slipped through her fingers. Working was a priority, and school had been before that. She could never put in the time or effort that a relationship required.
But the past year, with her career more settled and her life pretty much figured out, she was finding herself lonely. She wasn't unhappy, just lonesome. When her mother had gotten married the summer before, she got a brother. Max was one of the best friends Gabi had ever had. But after more than a year of being the "fag hag" she needed something more.
A knock on her door interrupted the passionate love scene between Julio and Ramona. She slipped in her bookmark and shuffled toward the door, the blanket still tightly around her.
With a fabric-covered hand she turned the knob and opened the door to find Max in the hallway, fully dressed and ready to go.
"Good morning precious," he said kissing her forehead
"Why are you up so early?" she asked, her voice cracked. She had been sitting in silence so long, her voice was hard to use.
"I don't like instant coffee," he explained, entering her room. "So, I had to go down to the café in the lobby to get some real coffee."
Just as Gabi was going to start making fun of him the phone by her bed began to ring. Max leaned backward and grabbed the receiver, "Gabriella Montez's room," he answered formally, "Oh good morning Isabel," Gabi's mom, "yes, we would love that. See you at eleven" he smiled and hung up the phone. "Brunch with our parents at eleven. You better get in the shower. You have four hours and you'll need them all to get rid of that bed head."
He ripped off her blanket and playfully kicked her into the bathroom. "I'll be back at fifteen to eleven" he smiled wide and closed the door behind him.
Gabi turned toward the mirror. She really did look awful. Maybe last night was rougher than she thought.
0
0
Gabriella and Max sat in the lobby at ten-thirty drinking hot chocolate in the front lobby chairs. She was staring out at the white landscape and all the families loading into vans and taxis. Kids were running through the snow flinging snowballs at each other while their parents lugged suitcases through the ice.
She spotted a familiar blonde head dragging a small suitcase to the sidewalk in front of the lodge.
"That's the guy from last night," Max pointed out. Gabi nodded sadly, "didn't you say he was married? That's an awfully small suitcase for a couple to share, and she doesn't seem to be anywhere."
She rolled her eyes, "maybe she had to leave early, or maybe she's staying an extra day."
"Sure sign of trouble in paradise. You need to swoop in and rescue that boy"
"I've never really been the home wrecking type, sorry." Gabi laughed
Max turned serious a moment, "Go out there and tell him goodbye. If he and his wife are fine, then great, you reconnected with an old friend. But if they aren't fine, you may have a chance to get what you had back." He nudged her, "come on, it's a win-win situation."
She shook her head, completely embarrassed. But for some reason, she got up anyway.
0
0
Troy was standing on the edge of the frozen sidewalk, peering into the street. His gaze swept from side to side, trying to find an available taxi. He had originally planned to stay the whole week, but after last night he realized that he just wasn't ready for vacation.
He raised his arm to wave in the white cab that was pulling into the lot, but a tiny hand caught it.
Startled, he turned to see Gabriella, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. She wasn't dressed for standing out in the snow.
"Oh, hey" there weren't any more words that could come to his mind
"Listen," she started, "it was really great seeing you again. It makes me happy to see that you seem to be well." She shoved her shivering hands into her purse and pulled out a business card, "here's my number, in case you're ever in Phoenix. If you need a place to stay, or want to get together or-" she laughed a little, on the way out she was sure she'd have nothing to say.
Troy took the card that she was still holding out for him. "Thank you, I will." He smiled and walked around to the back of the cab and put his things in the trunk. He flashed another smile, "happy new year"
"Have a safe trip!" she called
He drove away and Gabi headed back inside feeling proud of her courage.
Inside the taxi Troy was trying to wrangle his thoughts. Seeing Gabi again made him feel confused, but happy at the same time. He looked over the business card, "Phoenix," he thought, "it is getting a little cold at home."
0
0
Thanks for all the reviews so far, I hope you all like it!
Reviews are always greatly appreciated