WELCOME TO FRANCE! / @brmaddox
Tyler would have preferred a quiet, lowkey getaway with Brooke in France, but in an effort to keep Nate and Cassie from creating drama in Riverbanks, they were invited to the mountains for snowboarding, hot chocolate, and a cabin all to themselves. It’s where Tyler’s foster parents met and fell in love. They were both in college and on vacation with their families. Sarah McKenzie prayed that same magic was still there, and that it would find Tyler. She could tell he was a good person, albeit a little broken. Hoping he could share a similar experience with friends, Sarah and John offered him the keys to their lodge and an AmEx credit card with no spending limit. “Make memories that will last a lifetime, Tyler.” Sarah said before kissing his cheek. She was sweet and loving, but Tyler wasn’t naïve enough to think it’ll last. It never does.
“Well, here we are.” Tyler breathed as he unlocked the door to the cabin and pushed inside. It was already 7:00 PM and the sun was down. That, accompanied with jetlag was reason enough for everyone to settle in and find something to do indoors. It was their first night here, so they didn’t have to go all out. That was Tyler’s mindset, anyway. Nate, however, didn’t know what lowkey meant. He only agreed to come because Cassie persuaded him with her gorgeous blue eyes. He was still trying to convince her she wasn’t just a piece of ass. “So who’s down for a bar?” How did he have so much energy? Meanwhile Tyler was already heading up to claim a room and be an introvert. With the exception of being around Brooke, who’s lower back he brushed with his fingertips before heading upstairs. There were two rooms upstairs and two downstairs. Tyler wanted to be upstairs because it was away from the more common areas. And he hoped Brooke would take the other which is why he was signaling for her to follow him while Nate and Cassie figure out a game plan. Though if it was up to Tyler, they’d all stay in and circle around a warm fire.
“Hey,” Tyler smiled as Brooke appeared in his doorway. He already dumped his luggage out onto the bed. He packed lighter than anyone else. All he’s ever needed or owned could fit into a backpack. “Well, you made it to France. That’s the dream, right?” That’s what she told him before. She wanted to pursue fashion and live in Paris. It was a nice dream. One Jake never liked. In fact, he was still in Riverbanks, sending her an influx of texts. “Any second thoughts?” He drew closer and brushed his hand over her cold cheek. She was absolutely breathtaking and he wished she was his to hold and kiss.