Page 69 of Love Deep

“But he’s in Colorado a lot. He’s got a choice between Colorado and New York, and Byron picks Colorado.A lot.”

“It’s where he grew up,” Worth says. “And it’s beautiful.”

“Yeah. The Grand Canyon’s beautiful. I don’t see any of you moving there.”

“He’s got the Club there,” I say. “And Worth’s right, itisbeautiful. That’s partly because life is slower. Less complicated.”

“New York is energy. It’s life. And it’s different to everyone. You can set your own pace in New York.” It sounds like Jack’s defending his honor. As if New York is his town and I’m personally insulting him by saying something nice about another part of the US.

“I agree with you,” I say. “I’m not saying I’m moving. I’m just saying, it’s nice getting back to basics sometimes.”

Sophia splutters into her drink. “Don’t let Byron catch you saying the Club is basic.”

“I don’t mean the Club. I mean…” I can see Juniper on the bench on her porch, two glasses in front of her and a bottle of wine. Some of the best evenings of my life have been spent sitting there with her. Sharing our thoughts and lives. Having her nestled in my arms. Feeling her lips on mine. There’s nothing better. Not even in New York.

“You mean what?” Jack says. “The fresh mountain air?”

“Well, yes, now you mention it. But also, I’ve been going into the studio with Vivian. I’ve enjoyed it. I haven’t done it in a long time. There’s always other stuff to bedealt with that seems more important when I’m in New York. Being in Star Falls with Vivian… well, it’s forced me to slow down.”

“It’s good to get a fresh perspective,” Worth says.

“I like the authenticity of the place,” I say. “No one’s trying to get ahead. No one’s trying to make a connection with you so they can get in front of someone you know. Life is very simple. I’d forgotten how peaceful that is. You know?”

“Ahh,” Jack says. “Who wants peaceful?”

Everyone laughs, and I raise my glass and Jack clinks his against it.

“Did you meet anyone, Fisher?” Sophia asks. “A woman, maybe?”

“What makes you say that?” I ask. “I just like how life is simpler there. It forces you to think about what really makes you happy.”

“Well, if there’s no one in Colorado, then I have a friend you might like.”

I chuckle. “Thanks, Sophia.”

“I’m serious. She’s super cute. Just your type. She’s a lawyer. A real ballbuster.”

“You think I like ballbusters?”

“You like strong women,” Sophia says. “And Samia is gorgeous and powerful. I think you two would be perfect together. I’m going to do a dinner when you’re back in New York for good. I’ll play a little matchmaker.”

I smile but don’t tell her my stomach is churning at the thought of being set up. I can’t remember the last time I was exclusive with a woman, but I don’t even want to sit opposite someone at a dinner if that person isn’t Juniper.

Worth and Bennett start talking about how being with the women in their lives made everything better, and I want to listen, but I’m interrupted by Jack.

“But seriously, you’re not moving to Colorado, are you?” he asks in a whisper.

“No plans,” I say. It’s true. I’m moving back to New York in three weeks. But I can’t help thinking that something inside me will have shifted by then. “But I’m going to reprioritize. I want to get into producing more. I might even start training up a successor. I can see myself stepping away from the CEO role. Maybe I can be chairman and then go back to discovering artists. I loved doing that. It felt like I was creating something. I’ve seen the way Juniper looks when she’s painting, and I want to love something that much.”

“Juniper?” asks Jack.

“Oh, one of Byron’s old school friends. I introduced her to Grace Astor.”

Jack nods. “And did you also introduce her to your penis?” he asks formally.

I can’t stop a laugh from erupting. “You’re ridiculous.”

“You’re hypnotized by pussy.”