I may be exhausted from the long trip, but seeing a fresh start for us right in front of me feels like I just shotgunned a venti cold brew and chased it with two espresso shots. Well, that might stop my heart. This view in front of me makes my heart race. The good kind of beating behind my ribcage. The kind you get when you know your future is about to change for the better. The fresh start outside the city that I sodesperately crave.
That image on the website doesn’t do this justice.
A small town nestled between towering mountains and crystal clear, blue waters stretching as far as the eyes can see. The water shimmers under the afternoon sun, with their clear waters reflecting the snow-capped peaks surrounding them. Tall, dense evergreen trees line the one-lane highway in clusters, their deep green hues contrasting sharply with the pale blue sky and muted tones of the mountains. It's a sight that leaves me in awe, the perfect end to this long drive.
It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
I continue forward on the bumpy road and see on the GPS that my destination is still another ten minutes away. I’m not sure how my little white sports car is going to handle the roads if they are anything like this in town. It’s almost like they haven’t been touched since they first asphalted them many years ago.
Up on my left is a small ranch, with at least a dozen horses of different shades and breeds lined up against a wooden fence that runs adjacent to the road. I slow down the car enough to take in the ranch. A wooden sign that readsBarlow Ranchhangs over the dirt road entrance.
I can’t help but smile to myself.
Growing up in the city and in apartments, I’ve never been much for wildlife. I think you just become used to that because there sure as hell is no wildlife like this in San Francisco unless you’re going to the zoo.
If the views in town are anything like this, I might fall in love.
I accelerate to the speed limit again for another half a mile before a cluster of buildings comes into view, forcing me to slow down again. I sit up higher in my seat, leaning forward on the steering wheel as if that’s going to give me a better view. My grip tightens as nervous energy mixes with my excitement because the buildings in front of me scream old-town country. It already feels like a culture shock compared to what I’m used to.
There’s a sense of stillness that contrasts sharply with the city’s constant hum.
Entering the main street, I spot a second sign that readsHeart of Bluestone Lakes.
Remembering this was the sign where Nan told me to meet her, I scan my surroundings and feel the eyes of strangers on me already as they walk the sidewalks. Their glances are curious, yet kind—just a new face in a town full of possibilities.
The thought of that alone sends a thrill through my body.
As I pull my car to the side of the road, careful not to put it on the grass, Reginald barks in the passenger seat before poking his head up to peek out the window.
“We’re home. That sounds weird, right?” I laugh, talking to my dog. “But this is our new home.”
He barks again as I reach for the leash sitting on the back seat to attach it to his collar.
The crisp mountain air hits my lungs as soon as I open the door. It’s different here—crispier, fresher, and filled with the scent of pine and earth. I inhale a deep breath and feel a profound sense of peace. As nervous as I am, I feel a spark of hope flicker. For the first time in a while, the future feels like something I can shape with my own hands. It’s a strange feeling, but just breathing this air makes this all feel like it was the right decision.
It feels like the fresh start I’ve been so desperate for.
The sudden sound of an engine coming up behind me jolts me out of my reverie. I snap my head in that direction and spot an ancient-looking, dark red pickup truck coming from where I just came.
The truck slows down just enough for me to notice the person behind the wheel. A pair of angry eyes, hidden under the brim of a dark brown cowboy hat, lock onto mine, and it feels like time stands still. Everything around me slows down, and I hear nothing but my heart beating wildly as I stare back at the man. It only lasts a moment before the truck speeds away, leaving a trail of dust in its wake.
Great. Now I’m nervous again.
It’s only been two minutes since I arrived, and already I’ve had a less-than-welcoming encounter.
I shake myself from the thoughts and realize I’m still looking in the direction the truck just disappeared to in the distance. That’s when I spot an older woman sitting on a bench near the welcome sign. She has to be in her seventies with white hair that sits just over her ears. Not a speck of gray, just pure white. She’s tiny, but doesn’t look frail, even with the deep set of wrinkles around her eyes. Actually, she looks like she could kick someone's ass if she had the chance based on the stern look on her face.
Approaching her at the bench, I stop in front of her and clasp my hands together in front of me. “Hi. Good afternoon. Are you Nan by chance?”
“Depends on who’s askin’.” She raises a brow.
I force a smile and extend my hand. “I’m Blair Andrews.” I regret the use of my full name the moment the words leave my lips. Not wanting anyone here to recognize the name. “We spoke on the phone,” I continue, but the words come out fumbled.
She stands from the chair, taking my hand in hers and giving it a firm shake. “Well then, in that case, yes, I am.” Her eyes scan me from head to toe and I instantly feel like I don’t fit in. “You’re quite the fancy pants, aren’t you?”
I want to groan because Ifeelfancy. My entire wardrobe consists of pencil skirts and dress slacks. I couldn’t even find a comfortable plain T-shirt mixed in my closet that wasn’t a pair of silk pajamas, because all I own are blouses. I knew I would be overdressed but had no idea how much after seeing what Nan is wearing. She has on a pair of weathered jeans that look a size too big for her, with a long-sleeve T-shirt that shimmers along the collar and sleeves with even the smallest move. To some, that shirt might seem fancy for a night out, but it just looks…fun. The light blue, retro-framed glasses only add to the look.
“I know. I realized when I was driving in that I shouldprobably get some new clothes,” I say with a half laugh, trying to keep the embarrassment out of my tone.
