Page 3 of The Long Way Found

He couldn't wait to tell Mara about this at her parents’ house tonight. The weather had changed all right, and it wasn’t just a snowstorm.

CHAPTER 2

JACK

Jack had left Denver that morning at four, unable to sleep any longer. On the drive, he struggled to keep Luke out of his mind by focusing on the job he was likely to be offered: teaching history and political science at Calder Ridge University and coaching the wrestling team, which was always in danger of being cut from the budget.

He let his mind wander, telling himself this was good: forge ahead with an open mind and a clear head, then simply assess the situation's potential. That’s all for now. No decisions required.

At sunrise, the drive turned glorious: blinding light, invigorating mountain air, and the sharp scent of pine on his first trip back.

His dog tags swayed, hanging from the rearview mirror. He’d taken them off just this morning, a symbolic step that felt right today.

He reflected on nice memories of his family’s two years here. Then his father had retired, and his parents settled back East, so there was never any reason to return.

Except the one.

And now his attention was yanked into focus by the first sign announcing his distance from Calder Ridge: 127 miles.

Even the town’s name reminded him of Luke.

For the first time in his life, Jack Garrison was free to chart whatever course he chose. Teaching? Maybe. Politics? Perhaps, and the state party was already talking with him about a congressional seat coming open.

Luke had factored into his journey back more than Jack was ready to admit. He’d never forgotten Luke, his first love. He’d have to see Luke at some point, but he wasn’t sure Luke would want to talk to him. Maybe that uncertainty explained why Jack hadn’t written or called ahead. After all, he knew he’d left Luke with more than a broken teenage heart; Jack had ghosted him completely in his first year away. Needless cruelty and teenage recklessness then.

Midlife longing now, a hollow ache in his gut that kept him up some nights, playing the “what-if” game.

Or was it something more that Jack had been feeling?

After crossing the creek bridge and winding along the valley road, he saw the old sign: Welcome to Calder Ridge.

He checked into the lodge—the quaint yet grand log cabin hotel on the town square, where he'd stay until he found his own place. Inside, the lobby smelled of wood smoke and sourdough.

He recognized the woman behind the counter. Fit, about seventy, wearing athleisure and a Patagonia vest.

"Welcome to Calder Ridge!" she said. "First time in town?"

Jack took off his Ray-Bans and smiled. "Don't you recognize me, Mrs. Ellis?"

She studied him, then her face lit up. "Those eyes give you away! Lord, Jack Garrison. I can't believe it."

They caught up briefly before other guests arrived. "Mara runs the café now," Mrs. Ellis said. "You go see her, and we'll all catch up over dinner tonight, yeah?"

Jack climbed to his room and fell onto the four-poster bed, hoping a short snooze would clear his mind.

His "tactical nap" lasted almost three hours.

When he awoke, disoriented and cursing his usually infallible internal clock, he looked outside and saw heavy snow falling.

He needed a workout to clear his head. He'd passed The Ridge on his way in. He'd heard Luke worked there. Would it be weird just to walk in?

Maybe Luke didn't work there after all.

Maybe Luke was off today.

Maybe Jack wasn't even thinking about Luke.

Maybe.