Winter's Eve Then, Now, & Always: A Three Kings Novel (Three Kings Billionaire Series Book 2) by A.E. Valdez

Author:A.E. Valdez [Valdez, A.E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-08-24T22:00:00+00:00

Instead of using the fireplace at my house, I take the forty-five minute drive to Garnet Falls. I have a secluded, small one bedroom cabin that I bought shortly after getting out of rehab. Initially, I spent a lot of time alone because I was disassociating when I was around others. I was learning to cope without the high of drugs and the rush of gambling.

It was difficult. When I was in rehab, I felt as though I was in this safe bubble with the perfect environment. After I completed the program, it felt like I was being thrust back into the world, and all coping mechanisms I learned in theory went out the window. It felt like another form of rehabilitation minus the perfect environment. I tried the support groups, therapists, counselors, meditation, sound baths… whatever it was – I tried it. It all worked in some way. The problem was, at the end of the day, I was still alone. Instead of facing that, I filled the void with acceptable vices.

Alcohol and women. Heavy on the women.

As with most bandages, they work for so long before you have to tend to the festering wound beneath. I’m learning to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, which means facing myself.

I considered doing this ‘symbolic release’ with Snow and North, but decided it’s best to do it alone. It’s for me after all.

Pulling into the graveled driveway, I cut the engine, climb out, and grab the leather duffle bag along with the cooler from the backseat. I went back and forth about spending the night since I have an event for work tomorrow, but I felt solitude and fresh air would do me some good.

Stepping into the cabin, I take a deep, relaxing breath and set the duffel bag down on the deep seated, overstuffed gray couch. The whole cabin is smaller than my living room and kitchen at my house. For all the excess I have in other spaces, there’s none of that here. Where a TV would sit is a bookcase filled with worn books, board games, puzzles, and framed pictures. This space is a sanctuary for me.

Ten steps later, I’m standing in the kitchen, equipped with a stove, microwave, fridge, and minimal counter space. I set the cooler filled with shrimp, baby potatoes, smoked sausage, garlic, corn on the cob, butter, lemon, and an onion on the counter. Grilled shrimp sounded good tonight. Heading through the backdoor, I light the grill, letting it heat up while I get everything ready. Once everything is prepared and seasoned, I put the shrimp on skewers, setting them aside on a plate. I dump the potatoes and corn onto some tinfoil, fold it shut, and toss it onto the grill. This meal reminds me of Dad. When we’d go camping, or to our family cabin, it was something he’d make.

While it cooks, I grab my duffel bag and head to the room. It has a king size bed, fitted with deep teal linen sheets, taking up most the space.

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