Page 12 of Two Weeks in Tahoe

“Hello?” I answer.

“Layla. How are you dear?” She sounds in good spirits today. She was surprisingly still quite healthy after her stroke years ago, but a few years back she was diagnosed with dementia. She doesn’t call me as much anymore, and when she does, she usually doesn’t even remember that her daughter is gone. I’m ashamed to admit that I avoided her for a while after the accident. I couldn’t take having conversations with her where she thought my mom was still alive. It was too painful.

“I’m doing great, Grandma. How are you? I’m actually back visiting Lake Tahoe right now,” I reply.

“Oh, that’s lovely dear. I’ve never been there. Is it beautiful?”

“Yeah, Grandma. It is.” I sigh.

“That’s lovely, Sandra.” It’s not the first time she’s called me by my mom’s name. It doesn’t bother me so much anymore.

“Yep. I’m staying for a whole two weeks. I’m going to do all sorts of fun things. Wish you were here.”

“Oh, that’s nice sweetie, but I have a date later with Larry from my hall. Wish me luck!” She hangs up without waiting for a response, and I let out a controlled breath. It wasn’t the worst call we’ve had this year. At least she seems to be having a good time down there. I wonder if there really is a Larry from her hall or not.

I put my feet up on the couch, rubbing my temples, then decide to take a nap.

9

Layla

The sound of my friend Daniela’s laugh echoes through my phone. We’re on a video call, and I’m filling her in on everything that’s gone on the last couple of days. I give her an in-depth description of my adorable, cozy cabin, tell her about the shopping I did and the kind old lady I met, and, of course, mention Liam. That’s the part she’s most interested in. She makes a crude joke about what I should be doing with him right now and then laughs at the expression on my face. I’m not a prude by any means, but the things that come out of her mouth sometimes are up there with my grandma’s unfiltered statements—only much dirtier.

“I’m telling you the man does not even remember me. I pined after him for how long? And yet he doesn’t even remember my face. I recognized him almost immediately.”

“I mean, you have gotten hotter with age,” Daniela says encouragingly. “You’re not that tiny little sixteen-year-old girl anymore. Like, you’re an actual badass with all that lifting and running you got into this year. I’d kill for that ass.”

I sigh. I had gotten deep into working out this past year, but it was just because I needed an outlet for all my anger and frustrations. After I slowed down on therapy, it became the best thing for my mental health. When I need to get some aggression out, I punch some bags or lift some heavy weights, and it helps. And then I eat more than enough sugar to cancel it all out. It’s all about balance.

“My ass is alright. Yours is way better.”

“Oh please,” she says, and I laugh. “Speaking of asses, how is his?”

“I couldn’t tell you. Haven’t noticed.” I lie. It’s perfect. I looked at it more than a handful of times at the gym.

“Oh, come on, you’re lying!” She calls my bluff immediately.

“Okay, I’m lying!” I admit, feeling my cheeks flush as I think about it now. “It’s strong and perfect, just like the rest of him. Are you happy?”

“Yes. Yes, I am,” my obnoxious friend laughs. “You know, just because he doesn’t remember you doesn’t mean there still can’t be something there. I mean, it was ten years ago. You can’t be too mad.”

“I’m not mad. I’m just…surprised. And anyway, that is not what I came here for. I came for me. And I came for my family.” My tone turns glum.

“I know. But you’ve been doing so well these past few months. They’d want you to be happy…”

“Yeah. I know they would. Maybe you’re right, if I run into him again…maybe a little vacation hookup could be exactly what I need. He’s insanely hot. And did I mention he has tattoos?”

My friend throws her head back in a dramatic fashion. “Oh my lord. You’re a goner,” she laughs. “Are you still on the pill?”

“Yes, Mommy,” I reply.

“Ooh, Mommy…I like that,” she says with a devilish grin.

I laugh, shaking my head. “Anyway, I’ve got to go. I have a skiing lesson to catch.”

**

I spend the rest of the day falling on my butt on the slopes. I’ve never been very good at skiing. Given our favorite vacation spot, you’d think my parents were avid skiers, since people come from all over the world to ski and snowboard here, but we only tried it on occasion. Last week when I was feeling more adventurous, I’d booked this lesson, but driving back to my cabin now, sore and exhausted, I’m full of regret. I will not be returning for a second lesson.

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