Play Hard, Love Harder

6

As Jake and I drive up the winding road to his family's cabin at Lake Tahoe, the breathtaking panorama unfolds before us. The sun has already set, leaving a twilight glow over the serene lake. The water reflects the last hints of daylight, shimmering under the emerging stars. The majestic Sierra Nevada mountains stand silhouetted against the darkening sky. Tall pine trees line the road, their needles whispering in the gentle breeze. The air is crisp and fresh, carrying the scent of pine and earth.

We finally reach the cabin, a charming wooden structure nestled among the trees with a perfect view of the lake. The cabin's rustic charm is accentuated by the stone chimney and the wraparound porch, inviting us to relax and take in the stunning scenery.

Jake parks the car, and we both step out, stretching our legs after the long drive. I take a deep breath, savoring the fresh mountain air. "Here we go," Jake says as he walks around to my side, taking my hand and leading me towards the cabin.

The guys are already there, lounging around and chatting on the porch. Jake quickly takes charge, directing everyone to help with setting up.

Inside, the warmth of the wooden interior and the cozy furnishings make me feel instantly at home. Jake heads to the kitchen to unpack the cooler bag his mom prepared, while the guys explore the living room, admiring the family photos and the view of the lake through the large windows.

"Dinner's almost ready," Jake calls from the kitchen. "Nate, why don't you light the fireplace?" He finds the matches and soon has a fire crackling in the stone hearth. The room fills with a warm, golden glow, and I settle onto the couch, feeling the stress of the week melt away.

Jake joins us after a few minutes with a casserole dish of eggplant parmigiana. The aroma fills the room, making my mouth water.

We dig in, savoring the delicious meal.

"My goodness, Jake, did you make this?" Lily says, scooping a bigger forkful of parmigiana.

"Nah, he wishes. Clearly, this is Anna's work. She isn't a Michelin star chef for nothing," Nate says, not even giving Jake time to answer.

"Clearly," responds Jake.

Aiden immediately starts defending his captain. "I bet the parmigiana you make lives up to the comparison. I still dream about that pasta dish you made at the last team reunion. What was it called?"

"You mean the Genovese?"

"Yup, dude, that was extraordinary." In case you were wondering who the other guy Jake invited was, well, it's Aiden. Jake insists he's great company, and I fully believe him as I am enjoying working with Aiden. He's full of surprises and very funny.

"Thanks, pal, but to be honest, my mom also helped. That is quite hard to make."

Nate immediately interjects, "Oh yeah, that is chef's kiss, probably my favorite, only tying up with the carbonara."

"Guys, please, my list is much longer. I am going to add Bolognese, tortellini with meat and broth, and one of my faves, pasta with chickpeas. So good. Also, let's talk about the best pizza I ate. I am hungry again just at the thought." I had to give my piece; Anna's cooking deserves a standing ovation.

"We could try to make some pizza, although it won't be as good because we don't have a wood oven to bake it here."

"Oh, absolutely!" Amelia finally speaks since we sat down at the dinner table. "You should invite us to your house more often so we can taste your mom's and your cooking." I share a look with Lily, meant to say, 'What is she on about?' She sends me a 'no idea, but wait' look in response. Now, not to sound like the crazy jealous girlfriend, but what the heck? That sounds like flirting to me. If she's sucking up to him trying only to befriend him, she's going about it the wrong way. Jake had never talked to her before tonight, so I'm sure he thinks she's overstepping a little, which is confirmed when he puts his arm around my shoulder. He scans my face before smiling. "You have to earn it before I slave in the kitchen for you, right?" he says, kissing my shoulder.