Page 2 of Fate In Fiction

JOSIE

The clean mountain air does nothing but fog my mind. Open skies tease me as I’m anchored at the bottom of these breathtaking peaks. Desperation to soar around the world courses through me as gondolas chauffeur my clients back down the mountain.

Between my online university classes, and now, for the summer, I’ve been doing private tours around Aspen and teaching morning mountaintop yoga. It gives me a sense of independence, and I wish it was something I had started sooner.

My tourist group departs the lift as we make our way through the few blocks toward Aspen’s adorable downtown. They trail behind me as my ears tune in to hear them raving about the beauty of Aspen in comparison to other destinations they’ve explored.

I force a smile as I repeat my lifetime of days in this mountain town. Aspen is beautiful, but only recently have I been able to tuck away money for a chance at freedom. The chance to have my own stories from exploring the world the way these tourists do. Given my family’s elite political status, chance and choice have been removed from my life. I glance around the lush greenery, wishing I was elsewhere.

My eyes spot the professionally dressed figure I’ve known for a lifetime. Our public routine doesn’t show any promise of change when I’m with a work group. Of course, my father walks past me without acknowledging my existence. My fitness attire isn’t the reason he avoids me. No, not because the leggings are tight and my shoes are *gasp* not designer heels, but because of my trophy wife neglections, and working a non-prestigious job. As the mayor’s daughter with a family tree filled with politicians, I shouldn’t be acting as ‘the help’ for this town. Embarrassment fills him, so he pretends we don’t know each other when I’m around normal people.

The group continues chattering with giddiness behind me, but keep close, wanting me to show them the destination. The clouds dissipate over the Colorado mountains, offering the glint to being one step closer to my goal.

“You ladies did an amazing job on the mountain this morning.” I turn around, clapping my hands to grab the attention of the middle-aged women. “I’d say you’re one of the most fit groups I’ve done this adventure with.” Smiles break across their aged, Botox faces as they wave their hands like it was no big deal.

“When you stop moving, that’s when your body shuts down. I won’t be caught needing one of those walkers.” The arrogance in her voice causes my teeth to clamp down as a small smile forms in spite of that.

“You ladies enjoy the rest of your morning.” I’m not much of a breakfast person, but my stomach has been screaming for a bagel from my favorite café. “I will be back after lunch to lead you to the best photo ops.”

“Where do you recommend we go to enjoy lunch?” the tallest lady, decked out in designer fitness clothing, asks. This town is small enough for anyone to explore on their own, but I’ve learned a bunch of wealthy tourists here prefer to pay me to offer advice on how they spend their time.

“I’ve devoured all of these restaurants through the years and keep going back. Aspen is known for quality, as you know,” I chime. “The bistro across the street is very popular with the celebrities when they visit.” They smile and look amongst each other when a cool breeze floats off the mountains and sends a shiver down my spine. “Maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of someone special.” I’ve lived here a lifetime, and summer doesn’t promise the warmth of the sun all hours of the day.

After their thanks, and a hefty tip, I climb into my overly hyped new car. A deep breath resets my mood, and I catch myself in the rear-view. My pale cheeks are still flushed after my workout and blend in with my red hair.

It's Tuesday morning, which allows me just enough time to change and meet my best friend Stella for lunch. I pull into the circular driveway as Hanson, our greeter and valet, smiles at me. No, a mayor’s salary wouldn’t float this European style mansion, but my family’s bloodline is not short of wealth. My father is the mayor out of the “goodness of his heart,” as he likes to use in his campaigns. Really, it’s code for ‘control and money laundering’ if my suspicions are correct. The elite world is far from my dream.

“G’day, Hanson.” I smile, stepping out of my car. “No need to park this speed demon. I’m just having a quick shower and meeting Stella in a bit.”

“Another beautiful day up the mountain?” His eyes are soft, along with his kind smile. “I feel you’re the only one in this house who truly appreciates the beauty of Aspen.”

“Only until I am able to explore the other wonders of the world.” Hanson is retired from the military, and I’ve lived vicariously through his travel stories over the years.

“Yes, my lips are sealed.” He winks, knowing my father would never approve of me frolicking the world alone, when I should be focusing on how I can bring more wealth and status upon our family.

“That’s why I love ya.” I point my finger at him with a wink before walking up the large steps to the double front doors.

I enter the house and am greeted by a double entry staircase leading up to the same balcony overlooking the entryway. My siblings and I used to spend countless hours racing up each side when we were younger. Gone are the days when focusing on being polite and achieving good grades were my primary tasks. Besides the house staff and my parents, my ten-year-old sister Julianne and I are the only children left at home, still not married off to some boring wealthy man.

After self-wallowing about my possible future while having a quick shower, I twist my hair into a professional bun, apply my makeup, and change into my favorite forest green pant suit. My full-length mirror has become the bane of my existence. While I don’t mind dressing up on the occasion, I know the likelihood of looking dolled up on a daily basis will be part of my job as the arm candy my parents want me to be. Stepping into my wedged sandals, I scurry downstairs and out the door.

Within a few minutes, I’m parking my car and heading to my favorite little café. I smile at the host before for my eyes find Stella and I make my way over.

“Last night with Logan was a total drag.” Stella begins before I get the chance to take a seat across from her. “He’s literally one of the laziest people I have slept with.” Her blue eyes roll as she adjusts the straps on her low-cut peach sundress. “Never judge a pre-fuck based on their looks. When you’re tipsy and in the dark, you can only focus on how they perform anyway.” Her finger curls around a perfectly placed brown lock. “And his performance was anything but hot.”

“Is he the son of a celebrity visiting town?” Stella’s list of guys seems endless these days. Her daddy issues surpass mine.

“His father is so hot. How can you forget his name?” She giggles. “You went to the premier with me last weekend.” Stella isn’t new to the entertainment world, and her father is a world-renowned movie producer. Sneaking out of state to California with her some weekends has been eye opening to what life is like beyond Aspen. I cannot wait to explore the rest of the world, but for now, heading to San Diego most weekends will suffice.

“I don’t remember.” I shrug, reminding her that I’d rather be lost in a book than a screen. “I’m sorry the guy sucked.”

“Josie Posey, Logan didn’t even know how to do that.” Her eyebrows shoot up. “His tongue was like a starving dog desperate to lick the bowl clean. Everything was so sloppy and wet––and not the good kind.”

“Take a break from the dating world.” I pick up the tiny laminated card and skim over the drink menu I will be legally able to order from eight months from now. “Besides your modeling career, and hanging out with me, you’ve made sex a hobby.”

“I’ll take a break from dates if you promise to enter the dating world.” Stella’s coy smile grows, plucking the menu from my hand. “When is the last time you went on one?”

“Maybe I’m back in the dating world, and the relationship is too new to say anything.” My eyes remain on her manicured nails as she stares me down with a lifted brow.