Learning to Live Again by Taryn Plendl Read Free Book Online Page B

right now, I won the battle,” Rachel stressed.
    “I know that, and so does everyone else, but by keeping this all from Austin, he doesn’t know that. He just heard ‘cancer ,’ and he associates it with death,” Talia explained.
    “Shit ,” Rachel whispered.
    “Yeah.” Talia smiled. “ Come on, let’s just enjoy ourselves today. You can decide what to do about Austin when we get back.”
    “Thanks for sharing that with me, Talia ,” Rachel said before they exited the lift.
    Rachel spent the rest of the day gliding down the mountain like she’d done it all her life. Once she got started again, she just let go, taking in the beauty of her surroundings and the feel of the wind blowing across her face.
    Nick and Chelsea were snowboarding, but the rest of them skied. For the most part, they all stayed together, laughing at Nick’s antics, especially when he ended up on his face trying to impress Chelsea, like he hadn’t already won her heart.
    Tom was simply amazing in the way that he took to the mountain like he had been born without one leg. Watching him was something to behold. He looked as if he was floating on top of the snow. Effortless.
    It didn’t take long for Talia and Nick to start up a verbal war, and it was freaking hilarious to watch. They had all just stopped at the bottom of the mountain, trying to decide if they were done for the day or if they should take one more run.
    “Nick, for God’s sake, pull up your freaking pants. Your scrawny ass is just about hanging out.” Talia pulled on Nick’s baggy snowboarding pants. Rachel thought he looked fine, but they did seem to be hanging a bit more a fter all the times he went down on his butt.
    “You should talk. Camel toe is not an accessory , my friend. Leave that pet at home.” Nick fell backward trying to get out of Talia’s reach, tripping over his snowboard.
    “Don’t hide your flaws by looking for mine, asshole ,” Talia told Nick, but there was no fire in her words. It was hard to look mad when you were cracking up. “And I don’t have a camel toe.”
    “You look perfect, honey.” Tom pulled Talia to him, planting a huge kiss on her as he slid his hands over her flawless backside. She wore her ski pants like a second skin, and even Rachel could admit she looked incredible.
    Chelsea helped Nick up, brushing off his backside in the process. Trevor and Rachel stood there watching them all, shaking their heads. “Can’t you ever behave?” Trevor asked both of them.
    “I can behave … I just choose not to.” Nick winked.
    “Come on, let’s call it a day,” Trevor said, making the decision, leading the tired group back to the condo.

Chapter 9
     
    “Shit!” Austin kicked the door to the condo shut, dropping his ski gear in the entryway before heading to the living room. He needed to get his head on straight and decide what he wanted to do. Part of him wanted to just pack his things and head back to the city, lose himself in his work again, but there was another part that felt compelled to stay.
    Austin sat on the couch and rested his head in his hands. He knew he hadn’t handled that situation in the best way, but it all happened so quickly and rattled him to the core. The thought of Rachel having cancer brought back so many painful memories for him, and to be honest, Austin wasn’t sure he could go through that again.
    A warm hand on his shoulder startled Austin. Without looking up, he realized it must be Ava. He’d forgotten she would be there since she hadn’t gone skiing with everyone. “Do you want to tell me what that poor door did to deserve that kick?” Ava sat next to Austin, nudging him as she did.
    When Austin looked up, Ava smiled softly , almost like she knew exactly what happened. Austin had known Ava for a long time, basically from the time she and Talia had become friends. He took in a deep breath and slowly let it out. “Why didn’t you guys say something? Why didn’t anyone tell me about Rachel?”