“You can make your point without it being disgusting,” she explains.
I shake my head. “Sometimes you’re so uptight.”
“How is not wanting to think about sweaty balls being uptight?”
“You must’ve felt up some sweaty balls at some point in your life.”
Vi’s head falls back with an exaggerated groan. “Oh my God. Can we please not do this?”
“Do what?” I pretend I don’t know what she’s about to say.
Vi’s narrowed eyes study my expression of feigned innocence. “Turn this into a discussion about all the ways I need to loosen up.”
“What makes you think that’s what’ll happen?”
“History,” she scoffs.
“I don’t need to tell you to loosen up. You’re well aware of the need already.”
She holds her hand up in front of me. “Whatever.”
The waitress stops by to take our food and drinks order, momentarily putting an end to our discussion.
“Are you looking forward to our trip to New Hampshire?” I ask.
“Yes and no.”
“Do I even want to know why you’re having reservations?”
“Who said anything about reservations?” Vi questions.
“You did, in not so many words.”
“I’m a little nervous about spending time with Rex and his brothers. What if it’s really awkward?”
“What if it’s really awesome?” I counter. “Shouldn’t you hope for the best, instead of worrying about something you can’t control?”
She shrugs. “I guess so.”
A confident smile twists my lips. “You know I’m right.”
“Fine. But I’m still going to worry. If I’m having a miserable time, do you promise to leave with me?”
“You’re going to enjoy yourself,” I state.
“I know I probably will, but on the off chance that I’m not, will you take me home?”
“Fine. If it’ll make you feel better to have my promise, then consider it given.”
Vi smiles. “It does help. As long as I know I have an out, I can relax.”
“I’m guessing you’re not going to want to leave when it’s time to.”
“You could be right. I haven’t had a vacation in over a year. And if I’m having a good time, I’m sure it’ll fly by.”
“You should come to work for me. How many times have I asked you?”
“I know. I know. But I don’t want work coming between us. And if we saw each other at work all the time it might negatively impact our friendship.”
“Come on. You love me. You could never get sick of me.”
One of Vi’s brows leaps upward. “Are you sure about that?”
“I’d pay you well enough that you wouldn’t care.”
“I know you would, but it feels wrong to me. Let me see if I get the promotion I applied for. If I don’t, I may take you up on the job offer.”
“Good.” Rifling through one of the plastic bags, I grab the bikinis I purchased for Violet. “These are for you.” I hand them over.
“Rox, you shouldn’t have.”
“Oh, stop. I wanted to. You looked amazing in both of them, and they better be packed in your suitcase for our trip.”
“Yes, ma’am,” she jokes. “Thank you so much. You’re so good to me.”
“I know I am.” I smile. “I’m really excited about getting away with you and Danika for a girl’s weekend. Forget about the guys being there. The three of us will have a fantastic time, no matter what.”
“You’re right. It’ll be terrific to have a change of pace and scenery with my best friends.”
The drive to the cabin in New Hampshire passes quicker than I anticipated. Violet naps while I drive, my new dark blue BMW smoothly eating up the highway miles like Pac-Man vigorously gobbling dots.
I turn onto the final road that will lead us directly to the cabin. “Violet, wake up.” Reaching over, I shake her arm.
“What’s up?” she mutters, sitting up straight.
“We’re almost there.”
“Oh, shit. I need to brush my hair.” She frantically searches through her purse before pulling out a brush.
My eyes scan the heavily wooded area running on both sides of the road, expecting a deer or Bigfoot to jump out at any moment. Vi is busy neatening her appearance when the forest in front of me opens up, revealing a stunning view of the White Mountains.
Gasping when the cabin comes into sight, Violet’s eyes dart from the mirror to the place we’ll be staying for the weekend.
“Holy moly,” Vi whispers in awe of the large structure in front of us. “Calling this a cabin is kind of misleading.”
“Ya think?” I retort. The two-story log cabin stretches out, taking up way more square footage than a “cabin” has a right to. The number of windows is mind boggling, and I can’t wait to see the view from the second story balcony that runs the length of the home.
Parking to the right side of the house behind Rex’s truck, I place my sandal covered feet onto the pavement, slipping from the leather seat with a relieved sigh. Drawing a deep breath of the fresh mountain air into my lungs, I close my eyes, savoring the cleansing feeling.
“Are you sure we’re at the correct address?” Vi interrupts.
My eyelids snap open, my zen moment now ruined. “I’m positive. I used my GPS. Come on. Let’s unload the trunk.”
We grab our bags and ring the doorbell. Danika yanks the door open with an excited squeal, ushering us inside. We both drop our bags onto the tiled floor in the foyer to exchange hugs with our dear friend.
“Jesus, Dani. You didn’t tell us we were staying in a freaking log mansion,” I say.
“I didn’t know it was like this. When Rex said they had a cabin, I had a different picture in my head.”
“It’s gorgeous,” Violet states.
“It really is,” I agree, glancing around at the impressive interior.
“Come say hi to Rex,” Dani directs, leading us to the large, open living room.
He rises from a deep leather couch and hugs Violet and me. “I want you both to meet my brothers. This is Larsen, my youngest brother.” He gestures to a handsome guy who greets us with a wide smile. “And this is Adam, who also happens to be my business partner.”
My eyeballs bulge from their sockets when I gaze at his gorgeous face. “You,” I croak. Oh my freaking God. It’s the frequent flyer Manfax guy—in the flesh.
Adam smirks. “I see you've heard of me, darlin’.”
I narrow my eyes, shooting daggers at him. Clamping my lips together, I don’t utter a single syllable. And I probably couldn’t even if I wanted to. I’m too shocked and frazzled to think straight. This is the first time I’ve met someone that we’ve investigated, and to say it’s thrown me is an understatement. Or maybe seeing his gorgeous face in person is what has me so off balance. Regardless of the cause, I don’t like this feeling at all.
Danika, sensing my distress, hooks her arm through one of mine and then one of Vi’s, escorting us back to the foyer.