It's a Wonderful Lie

Chapter Two

Emery

If I didn’t know any better, I’d say this flight is the deepest level of hell, but unfortunately I’ve already been hanging out there for the last few weeks.

After Merrick dumped me the days became a whirlwind of “what is my life?”

I never thought I’d have to pack up a life I’d built in a city I never wanted to live in, but somehow I spent an entire afternoon filling boxes with crap I didn’t care about just because I’d bought it and I didn’t want Merrick to have it.

All of the boxes went straight into a storage unit until I have a chance to figure out where I’m going to go, so, like, did I need to take all the dishes and utensils? No, especially considering I’ve always hated them and we only got them because Merrick liked that they were plain gray even though they were ugly and hard to clean. But I’m a bitter and vindictive person, apparently, and he should have to deal with the repercussions of his decision, too. Keeping life easy for him by leaving him all the essentials was the last thing I was about to do.

I found a furnished sublet that would get me through the next couple of months while I figure out what I want to do. I’d built a life in Indiana, but was it one I wanted? I only moved there because that’s where Merrick was going. I always dreamed of living in New York. Was this my chance to make that dream happen?

The s**t storm flying around me feels like a sign that now is probably not the time to make a drastic change. I keep thinking things can’t get any worse, but somehow they continue to.

Like how I’m now on my second airplane of the day because of course there are no direct flights from Indianapolis to Reno and my sister just had to get married in Tahoe. And of course my first flight was so delayed that I missed my original second flight, so after a four layover in Dallas Fort Worth where not a single restaurant would serve me alcohol because its Sunday, I am finally back in the air and counting down the minutes until we land.

Because of course when they had to book me on a new flight they stuck me on where I’d be crammed between two man-spreaders, with no spacial awareness or common decency, in a plane that doesn’t seem to have functioning air conditioning.

Oh, and I’m still dateless to my little sister’s wedding. So just all the cherries on top for me. I’m doing great, if you can’t tell.

Thankfully, the sky does not have the same drinking laws as Texas, so I’m sucking down a vodka tonic to try and dull the aches of the day. I can’t tell if the looks from my seat mates are those of pity or fascination, but I’m pretty sure the irritated expression on my own face is safeguarding me from any attempts at them trying to start a conversation.

Nearly four hours, three severe rounds of turbulence, two vodkas, and one vomit bag later we’ve landed and I don’t think I’m being over dramatic by saying I thought about dropping to my knees and kissing that disgusting floor of the airport. After the day I’ve had, being this close to the finish line feels like a win itself.

Baggage claim actually goes smoothly and I wonder if my luck is turning around. There’s a well dressed man with a sign that has my name on it as Ava promised me there’d be. Micah’s dad is going all in for this wedding as a way to make up for not being around as much when he was growing up, I guess. He owns the resort and is footing the bill on practically everything. I paid to get here, but the room, the event meals, and apparently my ride from the airport…all covered.

“Hi, I’m Emery Neworth,” I inform the man and he smile widely at me, tucking the board under his arm.

“Welcome to Tahoe, Miss Neworth. I’m Robert, Mr. Calloway’s driver, and I’ll be escorting you to the lodge this evening.” He reaches out for my large checked bag and I feel rude handing it off to him, but I’m not used to fancy things like this so maybe it’s rude not to. “I know you’ve had a long day of travel with some flight delays. It’s about an hour’s drive, so please let me know if there’s anything you need before we take off.”

“No, I’m all set. I’m just exhausted and ready to get there, honestly,” I follow him out to the curb where there’s a very shiny black Sedan waiting. “Even though I want to say it’s been the worst day, it’s just been a generally terrible month, if I’m being honest, Robert.”

“Well then, why don’t I put the partition up and you can get some rest. It’s been a long of day dealing with people. You deserve some time on your own.”

“Robert,” I don’t know why I keep using his name, but I think it’s a sign that I need more friends, “I think you’re my new favorite person.”

“Thank you, Miss Neworth.”

—————

My biggest takeaway from today is that an hour of silence can really do a girl some good.

Robert, the gem that he is, kept true to his word and just let me zen out in the back seat while we cruised down the highway. As soon as the lake came into view, all my worries from the day became out of sight, out of mind as I took in the beautiful image on my right and hoped that maybe I could enjoy this week. It was supposed to be about my sister, after all. I could set my own issues aside for a few days and focus on her happiness.

As soon as we pull up to the lodge, I can’t help but marvel at its grandeur. Calloway Luxury Cabins & Resort is unlike anything I could have imagined. The way Ava had been describing it made it sound like a cozy family estate, but the place that towers in front of me is anything but. Like a log cabin on steroids, tens of stories stand in front of me with modern wooden detailing that give it a rich quality while still feeling outdoorsy and remote. It’s remarkable.

“Emery,” a shriek sounds off in front of me as I step out of the car and am practically tackled by my sister, “I’m so happy you’re finally here!”

“Hey,” I return the hug as enthusiastically as I can, though I’ve never matched Ava’s level of excitement, “me too.”

She pulls away, but keeps hold of my arms, trapping me in her gaze while Robert unloads my luggage from the trunk.

“How are you?” She asks, sadness lacing her bright eyes. “Really.”

“Don’t worry about me,” I smile and squeeze her hands lovingly as I gently remove myself from her embrace, “it was just a long day of travel. Whatever. I can’t wait to get started on all the fun, tomorrow!”

“Yes, I’m so sorry you missed the family welcome dinner,” she sighs, “everyone was asking about you. But at least you’ll be able to join us all for the wedding party brunch in the morning and tomorrow night all the wedding guests that are in town already are invited for a celebratory cocktail hour and, oh—I don’t need to tell you all this. It’s in your welcome packet in your room. I already got you all checked in since it’s been such a crazy day.”

She slips me a sleeve with a keycard and room number in it and for once I’m grateful for her intense need to be in charge of everything.

“Thanks,” a genuine smile crests my lips and I pull her in for one more hug, “I’m just gonna go settle in and keep things low key tonight, if that’s alright?”

“Oh, absolutely,” she pulls back, “you deserve an easy night.”