When the Snow Settles: A Lodge Affair Novella (The Emerald Canopy Lodge) by Rachel LaBerge

Author:Rachel LaBerge [LaBerge, Rachel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2024-10-18T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

Ivy

4 DAYS UNTIL RED CARPET EVENT

If it wasn’t for the panic and anxiety running through my body, I’d be freezing. When I made the split-second decision to walk to the lodge and confront Holland, I didn’t account for the weather—ironic considering that's a key part of my anxiety. In hindsight, I needed more layers and a hat that would stay on, no matter the wind.

Now, I’m on the couch, my hair soaking wet. I pull the brunette strands into a bun, not wanting to drip all over this leather couch, which I’ve always loved. I wipe my hands dry on my shirt, before setting them in my lap. Slate ran over to me the second I walked in the door. I pick him up and he sits down next to me, touching the side of my thigh.

The cold in my fingers makes them almost numb, something I didn’t notice until now.

Holland pauses in the doorway, the door slammed shut by the wind. I don’t look up because I’m afraid I’ll just keep talking. Questioning. It’s Holland’s turn. I focus on my fingers, rubbing them together, keeping my eyes down.

Holland takes a blanket out of the basket on the side of the couch and wraps it around my shoulders before he sits in the chair across from me.

“Ivy, I’m sorry. I kept trying to bring it up and it never felt right,” Holland says as I keep my eyes down, even though I know that’s now how people effectively communicate. Sometimes, I want to be a little childish and stomp my feet. This is one of those times.

“No decisions have been made, honestly. This is an offer and I’ve envisioned saying yes but also saying no. But the more I thought about it, the more I knew this wasn’t a decision just for me. It’s for the both of us.”

I look up to see his dark eyes fixed on me.

“Hard to contribute when I didn’t even know this was something you were considering.” Again, I know it’s not super productive but I’m being honest.

“I know that. And it’s not like I searched for these people. They stayed at the lodge and approached me. I’ve had three meetings and nothing is set in stone.”

“Why are you even entertaining the idea of selling?” I ask, trying to give no information on my own insecurity.

“This company has success in making places like this thrive, not just for now, but forever. It’s something that would help make sure the lodge can be viable for a long time.”

“Is the business in financial trouble?” I ask, trying to understand. Holland and I rarely talk about business specifics but maybe that's because he's embarrassed. Maybe it's going under? Maybe it's sell the lodge or close it? My thoughts jump from one disaster to the next in the brief span between my question and Holland's answer.

“No, we’re making money. Everything is okay. But it’s not because I necessarily know what I’m doing. I feel like I’ve been lucky up to this point.

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