Page 21 of Two Weeks in Tahoe

“We’re getting tattoos,” I announced.

“I mean, I already have a bunch,” Dex said with a shrug. “But cool. Happy to go with you to pop that cherry.”

“Let’s do it. Maybe I’ll even get a full sleeve started,” I joked.

“I’m out,” Lace interjected. “I have a date later. And what’s up with you guys getting sad-boy tattoos? First Dex after Marny ditched him, and now you, Liam, since you’re moping about not finding your mystery girl again?”

“I didn’t get my tattoos because of that!” Dex protested.

“Whatever. Stay out of trouble. Love ya,” Lace says, getting up to leave.

“Love ya,” I called back.

Dex and I parted ways with her at the restaurant and drove almost an hour to the nearest tattoo shop, spending half the night there.

The next morning, I left for school early. As I drove through Sacramento, I thought of Layla again. I’d tried searching for her online when she first left but gave up after a while. I had almost nothing to go on and couldn’t find a trace of her.

I was starting to think it just wasn’t meant to be, that maybe I should give up looking. I’d thought she’d been just as into me as I was into her, but maybe I was mistaken. Maybe she didn’t want to find me. At least she knew where I lived. If she’d really wanted to, she could’ve come back to find me. The idea that she possibly didn’t want to fucking hurt, so I tried not to think about it. I preferred to believe that something kept her from coming back.

Either way, I’d probably never see that girl again. But I felt like maybe I’d always remember her anyway.

15

Layla

I got dropped off at my cabin a few hours ago. After an amazing morning of skating and hanging out with Liam and Jackson, Liam drove me back to my cabin in his pick-up truck and walked me to my door. We said our goodbyes, and he made sure to get my number this time. He lingered for a few extra moments, looking like he wanted to say or do more. I’ll admit, I wanted him to. But Jackson was watching us from the truck, so we ended it at that. It left my mind reeling all afternoon.

I try to curl up on the couch with a good book and a plush blanket, but I spent all day yesterday doing that, and I’m feeling a little burnt out today. Plus, my mind keeps wandering to Liam and that damn handsome face of his. Tomorrow can’t come soon enough. He didn’t specify if Jackson would be joining us this time, but I have a feeling this is going to be a kid-free date. The anticipation sends all kinds of flutters through my stomach.

Instead of reading, I decide to video call my best friend, Daniela. I need to talk about this with someone. Normally, my mom would be my first choice when I really need to talk, but it’s not like Daniela is a last resort either. We’ve been friends since we were in junior high school. Plus, she knows the empty pit that my parents left in me and has always been more than eager to step in and be there. She’s always been the most supportive, loyal friend.

Daniela picks up on the second ring with an excited, wide-mouthed grin on her face. I had texted her earlier to catch her up before ice skating, so I’m sure she’s been waiting for an update.

“Girrrl! Tell me everything,” she half-yells with excitement. It’s been over a year since I broke up with my last boyfriend, which happened right after my parents passed, and Daniela has really been encouraging me to get back out there.

“It was fun,” I say, blushing a little. Where do I start?

“It was fun? I know the kid went with you, but, like…did anything happen? Did you get any moments alone?”

“It was a very G-rated date—or whatever it was. And honestly, I loved it. I thought I came here to do some reflecting alone and remember my parents, but spending time with Jackson and Liam has been just what I needed. Seeing this place through the eyes of a joyful child has been so healing for me. It reminds me of how I fell in love with the place when I was younger. I love hanging out with them.” I leave out that I had many thoughts about Liam throughout the date that weren’t so G-rated.

She makes a face like it’s the sweetest thing she’s ever heard, and I blush as I continue.

“Plus, I don’t know if I would have spent half this time with Liam if it weren’t for Big J making it happen. He’s like, the best wingman ever.” I joke.

“Big J? Who the heck…?”

“Jackson,” I laugh. “That’s how he introduced himself the first time I met him. I kind of go back and forth between calling him that and Jackson, depending on the moment.”

“Oh my gosh,” my best friend gushes. “You’re totally getting a soft spot for the kid. That is so precious. Did you find out any more about that situation, by the way?”

“Not yet…Liam and I have only had small chunks of time here and there to talk alone. There’s definitely a story there, because he acted weird when I brought it up last time. But I don’t want to keep pushing…but maybe he’ll tell me tomorrow.”

“Oh my gosh are you seeing him tomorrow too? Did the kid ask you out again?” Daniela jokes.

“Actually, it was Liam this time. When he got me alone for a minute, he said he wanted to take me somewhere…but it’s a surprise. I get the feeling Jackson might be sitting this one out.” I guess I can’t hide the excitement on my face, because my friend gives me a knowing smirk.

“Okay this is a real date. I’m so excited for you! I wonder where he’s taking you…I’m sure there are only so many places you can go there…” she trails off.

---