Page 6 of Two Weeks in Tahoe

Layla

Ten years ago

Back at the cabin later that afternoon, I tore my suitcase apart, complaining that I had nothing to wear. It wasn’t exactly true—I always packed way more than I needed—but I was nervous and wanted to look good. I ended up in a lot of layers, since it would be freezing come nightfall and he’d said we’d be outside. Under my coat and scarf, I wore a cute scoop-necked red top, just in case. Mom watched, entertained by my freak-out, offering advice only when asked, but never more. She was always like that, and I loved her for it.

Liam hadn’t specified a time for the gathering, so, not wanting to seem too eager, I ate dinner with my family first, then waited around a little longer until it was pitch dark out. Only then did I decide I was finally safe to go. Dad and grandma were busy arguing with my mom about letting me walk several hundred yards in the dark alone, but Mom insisted I’d be fine with a cell phone and pepper spray. I was starting to worry Dad wouldn’t let it go and would walk me there himself when a knock came at the door. We all paused, looking around at each other, shrugging. No one was expecting anyone.

“Did he say he was picking you up?” Mom asked as she moved to the door.

“No…” I replied, then jumped up in front of her, shooing her back to the kitchen. If it was him, I didn’t want any of them to answer.

I opened the door, and there was Liam, looking possibly even better than earlier. His dark hair was tousled like he’d tried to make it look that way, and his cheeks were touched with rosy color from the cold. He wore a thick, plaid flannel that was lined with something fluffy and soft-looking, blue jeans, and dark boots. He looked freezing, standing there with his hands jammed in his pockets, his body stiff.

“Hey…” I said quietly. “I didn’t know you were coming to pick me up.” Or that he knew where I lived. He must have watched me walk all the way home, which really wasn’t far at all from where we met. Still, the thought filled me with warmth.

“Well, it was getting late, and I realized I didn’t tell you a time or anything. And then I figured you’d probably be walking alone in the dark, so I thought I’d come by and keep you company. Plus, there are black bears around here.” He explained confidently, a tight-lipped grin on his face.

“That’s very thoughtful of you,” Mom chimed in from behind me. I turned to see her standing at the edge of the kitchen, listening.

Liam gave a polite smile and a curt nod.

“Alright, let’s go then.” I said quickly, before any of my family tried to invite him in. It wasn’t that I was embarrassed by my parents. I loved spending time with them. But I wanted Liam to myself that night, so I could get to know him without their looming presence.

He gave a wave to them as I grabbed his arm to turn him around, nudging him away while I shut the door behind us. I was sure my entire family was watching from the window.

It had gotten incredibly dark outside, and I realized I couldn’t see the way to Liam’s place. But he started strolling casually into the darkness, so I followed his lead, falling in step beside him. With the night so dark and cold, I was thankful he’d come to walk with me. I felt safer with him. It also meant I got a few moments alone with him before meeting however many friends he had over.

“It’s just up here. My parents are inside probably sleeping already, so we’re hanging out in the back,” he pointed, and I saw the large cabin about fifty yards ahead. Lights strung across the yard and a firepit glowing beneath them made the scene look like an idyllic cabin getaway ad.

We climbed the last hill, heading toward the side yard of his house. As we neared, I heard voices and then saw faces—only one guy and one girl, both around our age.

Both of Liam’s friends looked over as we approached the fire. They sat snuggled under a blanket in a double-seated swing, looking very much like a couple. A thrill shot through me. I’d been worried it might be a big party with other girls vying for Liam’s attention, but clearly, that wasn’t the case.

Several more chairs were arranged around the fire, and Liam gestured for me to pick a spot. I picked a seat a few spaces away from the couple, feeling it might be awkward to sit too close. I settled in and found myself almost directly across from them, and they both watched me with smiles plastered on their faces.

“Can I get you anything to drink? Hot chocolate, water, Something stronger?” Liam asked, towering over me.

“Umm…how about coffee?”

“How do you take it?” His attentiveness surprised me.

“Just black, please.” He made an adorable scrunchy face, and I laughed.

He disappeared into the house, leaving me with his friends, still without introductions.

“Hi,” I said, breaking the ice.

“Hey,” they replied in unison.

The guy got up, walked over, and shook my hand. “Sorry, where are my manners? I’m Dex, and this is the old ball and chain, Marny,” he gestured to the girl who was laughing.

“Hi,” she called from across the blazing fire, smiling warmly. Judging by her body language, it seemed like she may have simply been too cold to get out of the blankets that she had pulled up to her chin.

“Nice to meet you guys. I’m Layla.”

Dex returned to their swing, put his arm around Marny, and kissed her head. They were one of those mushy couples that made you want to barf a little, but they were also endearing.

“Sorry we’re such duds over here,” Dex said. “We hadn’t planned on spending the night in this freezing cold until Liam called last minute.”

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