After a few minutes, Cherish stepped into the living room. She was bundled up in the usual attire, leggings, jeans, shirt, sweater, and jacket. Margaret glanced up from the sofa with Jasmine staring at the television. She silently motioned to Jr., Who was with his grandma in the dining room, before Cherish nodded and stayed out of view, "You kids have fun." Margaret whispered.
Both waved and exited through the front door with the rental van keys in his hand. Thankfully it wasn’t a terrible day. The sun was shining, it wasn’t snowing, nor was there any wind. Despite the sun, Cherish still found the chill in the air a bit too much for her liking. Simon placed his hand up to his brow to shield the sun from his eyes, “Huh, it’s not too bad out. Lucky for you.” He said. Though, he spoke too soon, the moment they approached the van beneath the shade, he shivered, and his breath visibly billowed from his nostrils.
Ironically, she also had to admit it was one of the warmer days they had. Imagine that, the day before they were due to leave, Mother Nature wanted to be forgiving with her. Internally rolling her eyes to herself, she cranked up the heat and decided to forego the sweater. She’d learned it was worse to sweat in the cold, than to wear less and deal with a chill. Simon watched her toss his sweater in the backseat. She draped the thick jacket on her lap. Putting in a bit more effort in her every day look as of late, she flicked her gaze over to him for a moment before clearing her throat, “So, what were you thinking about doing?” she asked fulling facing him.
With both seatbelts buckled, Simon began the drive down the sleepy road and towards the picturesque town below. He looked over at her momentarily, “There are a few handcraft stores. There’s also an arts district and a few diners. From the pictures I’ve seen, it looks like a cute little town.” He said.
Handcraft shops were number one on Cherish’s list. She always wanted to get little rocking chairs made for the kids when they were a little older. The thought of them rocking in their little chairs, babbling to one another, and reading books was the image of perfection in her eyes. The gleeful expression showed on her face as she nodded to herself. Yes, she needed it in her life.
Pausing, he rose a brow as a suggestive smirk appeared on his features. He could sense her answer to the next suggestion, “Or…we could always go snowmobiling.”
Looking at him, she narrowed her eyes instantly at him as she tilted her head, “No. No, no, hell no. I am not going missing in a ravine in a fiery pit of hell. It’s beautiful, but I’ve had enough snow.” She replied. Stretching her arms outwards, she tightened her hands into fists and smiled to herself, “I can’t wait to be back in the warm climate. Maybe then, I’ll be able to thaw out parts of me that have been permanently frozen since we landed.” She said rubbing her head.
Simon gave an eyeroll. He’d heard how hellish Colorado was at least a dozen times since they’d arrived, and it was clear that she would rather appreciate a more tropical destination for a vacation, “Oh? And what places are frozen?” he asked with a suggestive smirk.
She bit on her bottom lip as she slowly cut her glance in his direction, “Wouldn’t you like to know?” she asked in a tone that matched his.
Simon smirked to her in response. They neared the welcome sign to town, “Would you like to go to an island for our next family vacation?” he asked.
Her body turned towards him as she pressed her side against the chair, “Hm, an island? I don’t know I was thinking somewhere like Las Vegas and without the kids. A nice hot, dry climate…” She shook her fists before cupping along her jaw and cheeks, “…what I’ve give to be hot right now.” She stated peering out of the windshield, “Where would you want to go?”
Smirking broadly, he chuckled under his breath as he turned a corner, “Antarctica.” He lied quickly.
Cherish threw her head back and mocked a laugh, “AHA! You’re going there by yourself.” She quipped in return.
Reaching over, he turned the heaters on her and set her seat warmer to max. If she wanted to be stifling, then he would do it for her, “You know, it would help if you put on your jacket…”
She bit her bottom lip and resisted the urge to touch along his hair, “If I wear the jacket, I sweat and freeze. If I don’t wear the jacket I freeze. Either way, I’m going to freeze! So, what do you want me to do! Sit in the hot tub until it’s time to fly off in the frigid blue sky?” she questioned with a laugh.
Simon narrowed his eyes slightly, “The hot tub until we leave? I wouldn’t mind that.”
Cherish looked upwards and to the side as she contemplated and replayed what she said, “I’m sorry…who said anything about you being with me?” she asked with an incredulous look only to met with him pointing to himself.
Within moments they were riding down a quaint, decorative street full of charm and simple shops. As they passed by the brightly painted buildings lined with twinkle lights, trees, and lit sculptures, Cherish found a small smile creep along her features. Parking, Simon shut off the car, got out, and met on her side. Seething in a deep breath when the cold air hit, she bent over slightly as she fought to pull on her jacket, “Shit, shit, shit.” She whispered. Looping the jacket closed, she then tucked her arm with his and walked side by
