He limped now and carried a cane. By the sound of it, the man needed to retire and move on. Getting him to sell should be easy.
Halfway to Jasper, I connected my phone through the car’s Bluetooth and pulled up my friend Andy’s number. It was early, but our plans for tonight were foiled with my unexpected trip. It rang six times, and I was sure his voicemail would kick in, when he answered.
“Tell me this Friday is over and I can go home.”
“I wish. It’s not even noon, my friend. Bad news. I have to cancel tonight. Dad sent me out of town for business.”
Andy groaned. “You suck. Do you know how much I needed a night out?”
“You and me both. Rain check. I’ll be back Monday. We can go next weekend.”
After a weekend in Jasper, I knew I’d be desperate for a nameless fuck.
“Another week and my dick might fall off from lack of attention, you know.”
I grinned and shook my head. “Go by yourself. You don’t need me there to pick up a nice piece of ass. You always do fine on your own.”
“It helps having a wingman. Your pretty-boy looks draw them in.”
“Ass. Next weekend. I promise. I’ll need to get laid after this.”
“Next weekend.”
It was one in the afternoon when I pulled into the small mountain town of Jasper, Alberta. The sun shone bright, just past its apex. The snowy mountain peaks surrounded me on all sides. Jasper was located in the Athabasca River valley with the Pyramid Mountains to the north, the Indian Ridge to the southwest, the Maligne Range to the southeast, and the Victoria Cross range to the northwest. It sat at an elevation of over 3000 feet. Gorgeous, but much cooler than back home. The brisk June temperature, according to my car’s dash, was only twelve degrees Celsius.
It was a good thing I’d packed a coat.
Despite the urge to be ornery, I took my father’s suggestion and chose to stay at Jasper’s most extravagant and most boasted about lodge. The moment I pulled into their parking lot, I knew Christian was right. There was nothing dated about it.
With its log siding, stone accents, pristine pathways, and huge arched windows, the lodge was a getaway for a lot of families looking for a mountain vacation. The grand slope of the roof was picturesque against the background of snow-covered rolling peaks, evergreens, and pale blue skies. The air was fresh and crisp, the city noise absent. Nothing but nature for as far as the eye could see. The rush I lived in day after day evaporated the minute my feet hit the ground in the parking lot. Serenity surrounded me, and I took a minute to let it sink into my bones.
I wasn’t a country boy. Born and raised in the city made me impervious to the hustle and bustle, but it didn’t mean I couldn’t appreciate a relaxing weekend in the middle of nowhere.
I took a minute to admire the view, understanding Dad’s vision more clearly while standing at the center of it all. The area had the potential for growth, although I tended to agree with Christian. Our focus should be on condominiums. Skiing was a popular sport. More winter homes meant more people would migrate to the area. Wealthy people. People with money to spend in this small town. How could anyone not see the value in that?
Shivering, I headed inside. High peaked ceilings and tons of open space welcomed me. There was a massive stone fireplace with plenty of accommodated seating in the vast lounge area beside the front desk. A hint of pine hung in the air.
“Good evening, sir. Can I help you with your bag?” an elderly gentleman with a bushy gray mustache asked.
Sizing him up and down, I turned my nose and examined the front desk. “I can take care of my own things. Thank you.”
“Very good. This way. Lacey will help get you settled.”
Ignoring him, I marched to the front desk, my heels clipping on the stone flooring, my roller bag rattling behind me. An archway to my right and a sign announced one of the lodges finer dining restaurants. Squinting, trying to see through the glassed enclosure, I couldn’t determine if their definition of fine dining matched mine or not.
“Welcome to the Jasper Lodge,” the woman said with more enthusiasm than was necessary. “We’re pleased to have you—”
“Room for one. King-sized bed. I’ll need a reservation for dinner at your best restaurant for seven