Leave it to Fate (Fate Series - Book #1)

Chapter Twenty Three - Galentine's Day Getaway

With permission from Leslie, I blocked out my Friday afternoon, so we could get a head start into our weekend. Janice overhearing my plans, encouraged me to enjoy the time off. She graced me with leniency, because I had recently picked up some extra shifts to cover my fellow co-worker when she needed time off last minute. 

The girls all met at my place so we could drive up together. Each of us kept it to one overnight bag so there was room for the cooler that held bottles of champagne and the chocolate covered strawberries I made. Our plan was to stop along the way to a local grocery store for further supplies.

GPS said it was a four-hour drive so I was anxious to get going. The sooner I was in the mountains, the sooner the fresh air could clear my mind over my worries of Colson.

"Are we ready to go?" I asked, closing the door of my trunk. My Chevrolet Equinox had the most trunk space so I offered my car.

Kira, her Fendi tote in hand, called, "Ready!" 

She extended her arms to show the matching Fendi ski suit she wore in a black, sleek silhouette with a belt with the brand's iconic logo around her. Always the fashionista.

"You realize we're not skiing on this trip right?" Adelina asked with a laugh.

I laughed with her but Kira looking at me accusingly, "Don't you judge! We all see that Gucci patch on your cherry puffer, Luna."

I blushed, slightly embarrassed. I wasn't used to high-end labels like she was; born into money Kira style was simple and modern but a clever eye knew the price tag could reach into the thousands. My jacket, that would surely be priced the same, was another Christmas gift from Colson.

"Can we just get in the car?" I begged. I didn't need any more reminders of Colson.

"Hell, yeah!" Lorelei cheered, slapping the roof excitedly as everyone climbed into the car.

"Should we listen to Luna's boyfriend on the ride up?" Adelina teased, suggesting music for the ride.

"Please no." I cried from the driver seat. 

I had offered to drive to keep my myself busy.

The girls laughed and Lorelei put on the newest Post Malone album: 'Underneath the Hollywood Lights' instead, and regaled us with the night she spent with him.

"He is a very sweet lover!" she boated, and we giggled.

Three and a half hours into the ride, I pulled into a grocery store parking lot. It was good to stretch my legs, and just another short drive to go and we'd be at our treehouse cabin.

"What do we feel like for dinner?" I asked, grabbing a shopping cart.

"Well, will we be sober enough to cook, is the real question," Adelina added.

I laughed, "True. Frozen pizzas then?"

"Perfect," she agreed. 

We grabbed snacks and gallons of water as suggested by our Airbnb host. The cart full, we moved to check out.

"How are you doing?" Lorelei asked quietly, helping me put the items on the belt.

"Better already," I answered honestly. It felt good to be with the girls, laugh, and feel carefree.

"That mountain air right? I told ya!" she gushed. 

She had always secretly wanted to move north and hide away in the snow-covered mountains. Something you wouldn't expect from someone so lavish and sociable. But underneath all that, was just a girl who loved the crisp air, and feeling of freedom the country could bring you.