“Right. You can stay in Big Bear Lake and become an artist.”
“I’d love to. I gotta admit, I’m falling in love with this place more and more every day,” I said, though I knew the guy rollerblading next to me had much to do with that. “It sure is beautiful and peaceful out here.”
“Your dog thinks so too,” he said, nodding toward Max, who looked to be having the time of his life.
I laughed. “He loves it out here. How long have you lived here?” I asked.
“I was born here, and there’s no way my mom would ever leave.”
“And your dad? I mean…if you don’t mind my asking,” I said, realizing it was a touchy subject for some people.
“He left before I was born,” he said.
“Oh. I’m sorry.”
“We’ve all gotten along without him,” he said.
“Is there someone besides you and your mom?”
“Yeah. I’ve got a brother and a sister.”
“Who is the oldest?” I asked.
“No one really.”
“Huh?” I asked, confused.”
He laughed. “We’re triplets, all seventeen. Technically, Sam is the oldest, then Kierra, then me.”
“What’s it like growing up as one-third of a set of triplets?”
“We’re pretty close, and my brother and sister are awesome, even if they can be annoying sometimes. Kierra is really bossy at times, and I swear Sam lives to embarrass me.”
I laughed. “Yeah, siblings can be like that.”
“Oh? I thought you were an only child.”
“No. I have two brothers and one sister, but they’re all grown and are out on their own. I’m the baby, the last one to leave the nest.”
“Another thing we have in common. We’re both the youngest.”
I laughed. “I guess so!”
“Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to get out there and tackle the world head on. I dream of traveling around the globe. I’ve been stuck here my whole life, and now that I’m almost eighteen, I want to see what lies beyond Big Bear Lake.”
“Any particular places you want to visit?”
“So many!”
“Name one.”
He started gliding, skating backward so he could face me while he talked. “I want to surf in Teahupoo, Tahiti. There are these unbelievable swells that roll over a shallow coral reef. I’ve read and heard that catching a wave is just like flying. Most people who see waves as tall as Mount Everest would run in the other direction but not me. I’d love to ride them.”
“I had no idea you’re so adventurous. What are some other things you’d love to do?”
His eyes lit up, as if he’d been waiting for someone to ask him that for years. “I also want to heli-ski down the Chugach Range in Alaska.”
When Max spent too much time sniffing a flower, I gave him a gentle tug. “Helicopter ski?” I asked.
“Yeah. You ski down this huge mountain, and if you wipe out, you cartwheel. It’s like falling in space, except you reconnect with the snow every fifty feet or so. I also want to paraglide over the Grand Tetons and swim with sharks in Florida, without a cage, of course.”
“Maybe you could wrestle a gator in the Everglades,” I said.
“Yeah! I’ll definitely add that to my list. I’d love to drive crazy speeds across frozen lakes in Arjeplog, Sweden and do a ninety-MPH donut!”
“Wow. Those are some risky goals you’ve got there, but they sound like a blast.”
“There are some places in California I’d like to check out too, like Laguna Beach, for body-surfing, body-boarding, diving, and tide-pooling.”
“A thrill-seeker, huh?”
He grinned. “That I am.”
I pointed to his tattoo, solid black, with curves that ended in points and interlocked in complex patterns and abstract designs. “Tell me more about that. I noticed it the first day at work, but I was too embarrassed to ask.”
He lifted his short sleeve. “Oh. Well, this is the symbol of strength, power and bravery.” He pointed to the swirls in his design. “These represent the past, present, and future.”
I pointed to the ankh in his design. “I recognize this one. I have a cross like it.”
“Cool. I thought long and hard before I settled on this design. It has a lot of symbolism in it. If I was going to have something on my arm forever, I wanted it to mean something.”
“So every single line and shape has meaning?”
“Yes. I wanted something special and unique to me.”
I traced the lines on his arm. “I love it. When did you get it done?”
“Last year.”
“It’s really cool, Jesse.”
“Thanks.”
“Tell me, is Big Bear Lake this pretty in the winter?”
“Believe it or not, it’s even more incredible. The skiing is amazing.”
“I wouldn’t know. I’ve never skied before.”
“You will…and I will teach you. You’ll be off the bunny hill in no time.”
I was taken aback that he was talking as if we might actually have a future as friends or even something more. “Wow. I never thought I’d have such a handsome ski instructor—or any ski instructor, for that matter.”
We gradually picked up the pace, taking long, smooth strides, then cruised effortlessly down the trail. I enjoyed the thrill and speed, and I was glad Max’s four furry legs enabled him to keep up with my eight wheels. I glanced up briefly and caught sight of an eagle flying majestically overhead, only to be followed by a pelican a few minutes later. The lake was amazing, and it looked like an oil painting with the beautiful mountains for a backdrop. Max barked at the wildlife on the lake, and I couldn’t help but smile when I saw a mama duck with all her little chicks paddling along behind her.
When we stopped skating for a moment to take in all the panoramic beauty, I turned to meet Jesse’s gaze. His thumb brushed across my skin, sending ripples of excitement through me where he’d touched. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him, and in that moment, I truly imagined what it would be like to kiss him, to be held lovingly in those strong arms of his. I could tell by the longing in his sky-blue eyes that he was looking for a sign that I wanted more, and that made the moment all the more thrilling. He cradled my hand ever so gently in his as our eyes locked. I was fixated on his piecing stare; even the sky behind him paled in comparison to the glory of his gaze, and the heat from his hand felt like a thousand suns. I could have sworn my heart almost stopped.
His gaze sizzled with challenge, as if he was just daring me to go ahead and kiss him. I desperately wanted to, as red-hot flames of arousal burned through me like a raging forest fire. How can I resist such temptation? How could any girl resist him? I thought. But then I tore my gaze away and stared at the water trying desperately to regain my composure. Everything was silent other than the blood gushing through my temples from the excited and hopeful beat of my heart. I wondered what he would do if I got up and pulled him into my loving arms and engaged him in a deep kiss.
However, it was our first date, and I didn’t want him to think poorly of me in any way. As badly as I wanted to kiss him right then and there, in that place that looked like a postcard, I knew it was better to wait. I wanted to be different than the girls he’d met before, and I wanted him to see that I was.
* * *
Over the next week, I hung out with Jesse every chance I got. When we weren’t together, he still lingered in my head. We went for walks, long hikes, kayaking, and even jet-skiing. We chatted on my porch for hours and talked about everything.
One day, I was painting in our back yard, which was its own little paradise, thanks to Fred’s hard work. The sun was shining high in the sky like a bright yellow beach ball, and the birds were chirping in perfect harmony, with the crickets singing backup. I set up my easel and paints by the pond, where I could see all the ducks and ducklings gliding across the water. I was eager to paint a beautiful natural landscape, and,
inspired by the breathtaking view around me, my hand with the paintbrush in it just glided over the paper, pouring all my creative energy into a work of art.
My mom approached from behind. “It’s stunning, Taylor,” she said.
I smiled. “Thanks, Mom, but it’s not done yet.”
“Are you coming inside for lunch?”
“Sure. Just give me ten more minutes.”
“I know very well that your ten minutes is an hour to anyone else,” she said, crossing her arms.
I smiled at the woman who knew me so well. “I know. You’re right. I’ll come now.”
“I haven’t seen you this happy in a long time, Taylor.”
“I just love it out here,” I said. “The sky is a deeper shade of blue, the grass is greener, the sun is brighter, the—”
“And the boys are cuter?” she asked, then winked. A big smile grew across her face.
It was evident all over again that I couldn’t hide anything from my mother, and I blushed. “Mom! I’m seventeen. I don’t meet boys. I meet guys.”
“You don’t have to tell me who he is, but I know you’ve met a nice young man—guy, boy, or otherwise. It’s written all over your face as clearly as that paint on your easel.”
I sighed in defeat. “You’re right. I have met someone, and he has shown me just how beautiful it can be out here. I don’t ever wanna leave.”
“You have no idea how happy I am to hear that. Pulling you out of your old school like that…well, I know it had to be hard to start over in your senior year.”
I grinned. “I don’t mind.”
“You’ve really adjusted well, honey, and I’m sure meeting new friends has helped.”
“Mom, this place is amazing. I love the forest. There’s fresh air to breathe. The birds sing beautiful songs. All this nature…and great people too! Who could ask for more?”
“Good! I wanted a fresh start for us, and I think we’ve found it. Your father and I love this place just as much as you do.”
“I’m finally over Sean. He’s nothing but a figment of my imagination.”
“I think that has to do with a certain boy…er, uh…guy you work with at the zoo.”
“Mom, Jesse is amazing. He loves animals and wants to be a veterinarian when he graduates. He’s so charming and friendly, not to mention so smart. We just have this fantastic connection. We get lost in each other’s eyes. I’ve never met a guy who has made me feel like that.”
“So…are you guys going steady?”
“What?” I shook my head at her. “Gee, Mom, nobody says that anymore.”
She laughed, embarrassed. “I suppose you’re right, but you know what I mean.”
“We’re just friends. I’d like there to be more, for him to be my boyfriend though. He looks like a Gap model, Mom! Can you imagine a guy like that on my arm?”
“I’m sure he’s adorable, dear, but don’t rush into a relationship. For now, just have fun and date.”
“You’re right, and that’s what I plan to do. We’ll take it slow and become good friends, then maybe move it to the next level and—”
“Taylor!”
“Dating, Mom! I mean I want to date him.” I let out a sigh. “I can’t explain it, but I’ve never felt anything like this.”
“I remember how I felt about your father. My head was spinning from all the red roses and heart-shaped boxes of chocolates he sent me. He was so handsome, and I was just smitten.”
“Jesse is too handsome. I think he’s out of my league.”
She shook her head and pushed a strand of hair behind my ear. “Oh, my darling daughter, don’t you even realize how beautiful you are?”
I smiled. “You have to say that. You’re my mom.”
She wrapped her arm around me. “You are a work of art all your own, Taylor—inside and out. I’d say that whether I was your mother or not.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“I’d love to meet his parents.”
“It’s just him and his mother, his brother, and his sister.”
She furrowed a brow. “Where do they live?”
“Bear Lane.”
My mother’s eyes widened. “Really? Some of the most expensive homes in the area are out there. His mother must be wealthy.”
“I’ve never asked because I don’t care. Rich or poor, I like Jesse for who the amazing person he is.”
“Well, that settles it. You’ve been shot with Cupid’s arrow for sure.”
My face beamed. “Every time he looks at me, I feel this burst of energy.”
“I remember that feeling. Believe it or not, your father still gives it to me sometimes.”
“Gross, Mom,” I said, smiling at her. “Anyway, when I talk to Julie about him, I just babble and babble, go on and on, like I’m on a caffeine rush. I just can’t stop thinking about him.”
“Honey, you’ve got it bad, but remember that these heightened emotions and euphoria will eventually fade.”
“I don’t want them to—not ever. I’ve never felt this wonderful before. I don’t even know how to explain it. I just…I wish we could be together all the time. He makes me feel so calm, so serene, so…safe.”
“I’m sure you’re feeling physical attraction and some infatuation, but love has to be based on more than just that. It evolves in time. You’re in the beginning stages, but it has yet to blossom and grow before it will get stronger and deeper.”
“I’m not saying I love him, Mom. He just…”
“He’s swept you off your feet?”
“Yeah. Definitely that.”
“It sounds like a pretty severe crush to me, but whatever it is that has made you so happy, I’m just glad to see it. Your father and I are just as happy as you. I wasn’t so sure at first, but now I know it was a great idea to move here.”
“Mostly, I can’t believe how well I seem to fit in here, better than I ever did in New York. Maybe I was never a city girl after all.”
My mom motioned toward the house. “Let’s go get lunch.”
I smiled. “Thanks for listening, Mom.”
Chapter 10
It was Monday morning, time to go to work. As I ate pancakes with my parents, my dad smiled.
“What?” I asked.
“I’ve never seen anyone so happy to go to work.”
“I love working with the animals.”
“I’m sure the animals aren’t the only perks,” he said.
“Dad!” I said.
“Don’t embarrass the poor girl,” my mom admonished.
My dad set his newspaper down, folded it up, and looked at me. “She has to have met somebody pretty special, because I haven’t seen her eyes sparkle like this since…”
“Sean,” I finished for him since he didn’t have the nerve to say it.
“I’m glad you’re over him. He wasn’t right for you.”
“Sean’s a jerk,” I said. “I’m so over him.” I quickly guzzled down my orange juice as fast as I could. I didn’t want to talk to him about Jesse or my love life, at least not yet. “I’ve gotta go,” I said.
“You never used to keep secrets from me,” he complained.
“Dad, it’s no big deal. It’s just someone who—”
He smirked. “Is he cute?”
I laughed and rolled my eyes. “I’m gonna be late.” I kissed his cheek, then gave my mom a huge hug and kiss. “See you guys later.”
“Have a great day at work,” Dad said with a grin.
I smiled back at him. “I will.”
“Only one thing could put a look like that on a girl’s face,” I heard my father say as I walked out and shut the door behind me.
Like most seventeen-year-olds, I found my dad so embarrassing. I was almost grown, perfectly capable of handling my relationship without giving him a blow-by-blow description. Shaking my head, I started my car and screeched out of the driveway. I drove a candy metallic blue Ford Focus and loved it. I rolled down the windows and the music blasted.
* * *
Jesse rushed over to greet me when I clocked in at the zoo. “Hey, you!”
“Hi,” I answered, smiling up at him.
He smiled back. “I’ve been dying to see you.”
Before I could respond, Ms. Aikers walked straight toward me. Her hair was pinned up, and she was barely wearing any makeup, if any at all. She always looked nice but in a much more natural way than my New York bosses, who were always elaborately made up, with their hair perfect, wearing only the latest fashions. The people in Big Bear Lake dressed nice but nothing over the top like the people in the Big Apple.
The truth was, my parents had never liked New York. They’d only moved there when their books had taken off, at the demands of their publishers, but they’d never really been happy among all those skyscrapers. Big Bear Lake was different. My parents were more relaxed, happier, and loving it, and I felt the same. Of course it was more relaxing and scenic, but there was also a hot guy with light blue eyes that I just couldn’t stop staring at. Because of Jesse, I wanted to stay there forever.
“Taylor, I’d like you to work with Jesse today to move the ducklings to a larger enclosure,” Ms. Aikers instructed.
I nodded. “Sure. I’ll get right on it.”
She wrote something on her clipboard, then handed Jesse a summary of what we had to do.
At first, we worked together on the items on the list, but then we decided we could get things faster if we did our own thing for a while.
“Where should I set this?” I asked when I dragged the kiddie pool inside.
“In the corner,” Jesse said, “but let me help you.”
“I can handle it. I’m not some dainty daffodil. Besides, it doesn’t weigh much.”
“Wow. I’m impressed. I love a girl who can handle her own.”
I smiled. “You have no idea what I can handle,” I teased.
Jesse picked up the water hose and adjusted it to fill the pool. “These little guys and gals are gonna love their new swimming hole.”
“It’s so much bigger,” I said. “They’ll all have plenty of room now.”
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