21

Spencer turns the car left and heads away from his house. I raise an eyebrow and look at him, but he doesn't notice… he's focused on driving.

“What are you thinking about?” I say.

“Nothing… I'm just proud of you… I'm happy for you.”

“Thanks… I couldn't have done it without you.”

“I know you would have been great at whatever you did.”

I've always doubted myself, but hearing Spencer say it makes it seem true. It's nice to really feel that way for the first time in my life. I hope everything works out with this new movie… I feel like it will, but I know there's a chance that things could end up going poorly.

“So,” I say, “where are we going to celebrate?”

“Aspen.”

“What?”

“We're going to Aspen.”

“I heard you… I'm just really surprised.”

I liked going there, even though it was only for a day, but I'm not exactly super excited to go snowboarding anytime soon.

“I know you're probably not into hitting the slopes again, but I thought it would be fun to just hang out there and take a break from everything before you start filming.”

I smile and shake my head. He knows me so well that it's almost scary.

“It would be nice to just spend some time with you,” I say. “I missed you when I was gone.”

“I missed you, too.”

“What about clothes? Should we swing by Dex's so I can pick some stuff up?”

“Nah… Aspen is great for shopping. I packed your coat just so you wouldn't be cold when we got there… everything else we can buy there.”

I look out the window and sigh. I feel like I'm living a fairy tale and yet there's still doubt in the back of my mind. I can't explain it… I always feel like at any moment it could all fall apart… and then where would I be? I shake the thought from my head… it's too much to think about right now—I just want to be here in the moment with Spencer and live my life one minute at a time.

“That sounds good,” I say.

I could always go shopping… and now I feel like I deserve it since I just signed the contract for my next film. Even though I haven't been paid, it makes my life that much more simple. There's something about not having to worry about money that makes me feel liberated… and three million dollars is enough that I won't have to think about it for a long time.

“I know this is going to sound weird… but would you mind terribly if my mom joined us?”

“Of course not,” I say, “your mom is so sweet. I had a really good time when we visited her.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I'm sure.”

It's true… his mom is awesome and it'll be nice to spend time around a woman that's the polar opposite of my own mother.

“Good… I talked to her a couple of days ago and she asked about you… she wanted to know when we were coming to visit again.”

“If you want,” I say, “we could just go stay with her instead of going to Aspen.”

“Nah… she's actually having some work done on her house right now. I'm sure she'll be glad to get away for a couple of days.”

It's funny, but I'm actually feeling kind of excited about seeing his mom. I'm not sure what Spencer has told her about our relationship… because last time we were there we weren't dating, but she seemed like she thought we should.

Spencer presses a button on the steering wheel and a chime emanates from the speakers.

“Call Mom,” he says.

“Calling… Mom.”

The line rings a couple of times before she picks it up and her voice comes through the speakers of the car.

“Spencer?”

“Mom… how are you?”

“Good… I'm regretting every minute of these renovations.”

“Well, how would you like to get away for a couple of days?”

“That would be dreamy. This contractor is driving me crazy. Why is it so echoey?”

“We're in the car right now.”

“We?” she says.

“Yeah… Amy is here with me. We're driving to the airport right now.”

“Are you coming here?”

“Aspen… I thought you could meet us there.”

“Even better,” she says, “I'll go pack right now.”

Spencer laughs. His mom is clearly willing to do whatever it takes to get out of her house, even for a couple of days.

“Sounds good… I'll text you the address when we get to the airport.”

“All right. Love you.”

“Love you, Mom.”

Spencer ends the call and looks over at me.

“You're sure you're OK with my mom being there?”

“Of course.”

I cherish the idea of spending time alone with him, but I know he has a really good relationship with his mom… and I really like her, too, so I don't mind at all. I can't imagine if the tables were turned and I was asking Spencer if my mom could come stay with us… what a nightmare. I'm glad that's not something that will ever happen in this lifetime.

---

The view of Aspen is the same as last time when our flight comes in for a landing. I feel like there might be a little more snow that last time, but it's hard to tell. The flight was easy and quick… Spencer paid for first class seats and I managed to get a little nap in while we were in the air.

The only bag we packed was small enough to be a carry-on so we head straight for passenger pickup area. Spencer stops just before the sliding glass doors and opens the suitcase.

“Here,” he says, handing me my coat.

“Thanks.”

I put it on and zip it up as he does the same with his own coat. I feel cozy and warm in my jacket, but I have a feeling it's going to quickly fade once we walk through the doors into the frigid Colorado winter. It's kind of a neat place to visit, especially if you ski or snowboard, but I have no idea how the heck people can live here and deal with this much snow during the winter.

Spencer closes up the suitcase and we head outside. He hails a cab and we hop in as the driver puts the suitcase in the trunk. Spencer gives the driver the address of the same house we stayed at last time.

There's a car in the driveway by the time we arrive and Spencer smiles.

“What?” I say.

“My mom really didn't waste any time getting here.”

Spencer pays the driver and we get out of the car. He grabs the suitcase and holds my hand to steady me as we walk up the walkway, which currently has a sheet of thin ice that looks like it's trying to melt.

I ring the doorbell and the door swings open just a few seconds later. His mom motions for us to come inside. I take off my shoes, not wanting to track snow though the ridiculously priced rental and Spencer does the same. He helps me with my coat and hangs it in the closet by the door.

“It's good to see you,” she says, wrapping her arms around me.

“It's nice to see you, too… Brenda.”

I almost call her Mrs. Thomas, but I remember that she insisted I call her Brenda the last time I saw her. She smiles at me as she releases me and then gives her son an equally tight hug.

“Hi, Mom.”

“I missed you!”

I can't help but smile at her. She's such a sweet and caring woman… I can see where Spencer gets it from. I feel so content. The only other person in the world right now I could even imagine spending time with is Dex, but I know he's busy and I'll get a chance to catch up with him before filming starts on my new movie.

We walk into the living room. I sit down on the couch and Spencer heads toward the bedroom with his suitcase. Brenda sits down next to me.

“So,” she says, “how have you been?”

“Good… I just got back from seeing my mom.”

“Ugh… I'm so sorry about all that… Spencer texted me about it. I'm not sure what to say… but don't feel like you need to talk about it around me. This is supposed to be a fun weekend.”

I nod and smile at her. It is supposed to be fun… it's supposed to be a celebration, not a time to dwell on the whole craziness that just happened with my mom. Hopefully, I can get away from that whole situation and just enjoy my time here with Spencer and Brenda.

“It's whatever… but thanks. I think I want to just not even think about it right now.”

“Well, what else is going on in your life?”

“I just got cast in a new movie… that's kind of why we came here, I guess.”

She reaches over and runs her hand up and down my upper arm.

“That's so wonderful. Are you excited?”

“Yeah… I am. It's good… I'm a little nervous, but Spencer keeps telling me that I'm going to do fine.”

“I'm sure you will… you're a wonderful young woman and he told me how amazing you were in the film with him… which I can't wait to see, by the way.”

Spencer comes back into the living room and sits down between us on the couch. He sets his phone on the coffee table.

“I'm surprised they let you in, Mom,” he says.

“Oh… it was just some silly girl. I told her that I was your mom and that you and your girlfriend would be here soon. She seemed irritated, but she gave me the key and took off in a hurry.”

I can't even remember her name, but I do recall how she was looking at Spencer and brushing me off as some stupid girl. I really didn't like her and I'm glad I didn't have to see her again.

“Should we go shopping?” Spencer says, turning to me.

“Whatever… don't you want to visit with your mom?”

He turns to her, but she smiles and shakes her head.

“It's fine,” she says. “You kids go do whatever. Don't plan around me being here… I'm just going to relax… I'm just glad to be out of my house.”

“Are you sure?” I say.

“Yeah… go have fun.”

We get up from the couch and I grab my coat before we head to the garage. We get in the SUV that comes with the house and Spencer backs out of the garage. I see Spencer put his hand into his pocket and then quickly pull it out again… I guess he must have been checking to make sure he had his phone or something.

I see the snowboard shop were we bought my clothes and gear as we drive through the cute little downtown part of Aspen. Spencer finds a parking spot just down from a clothing store that I assume is where we are headed. The sign says Aspen Boutique and there are some gorgeous clothes in the window that probably cost more than all of the clothes I've ever bought for myself combined.

We head inside the store and a young woman who works there approaches us.

“Hi… my name is… OMG! Spencer Thomas?”

He just smiles and tries to keep from laughing. It's a normal occurrence whenever we go somewhere in L.A., but it's funny to have it happen when we are so far away from the whole Hollywood scene.

“Hello,” he says.

“I can't believe it! I'm a huge fan!”

She's barely able to contain herself as she shifts her weight back and forth between her feet as if she's doing some kind of dance or something.

“Thanks… keep an eye out for my next film… this is my co-star,” he says, turning to me, “and she's going to be a huge star.”

I feel my face turning red as the girl looks at me and her face lights up.

“This is amazing… I can't believe this… what are you doing in Aspen?”

“Just hanging out,” Spencer says, “and doing some shopping for Amy… my girlfriend.”

The girl looks like she's died and gone to heaven… it's really kind of adorable. I was never one of those girls that got starry-eyed over Hollywood actors, but when it comes to Spencer I know firsthand exactly how she's feeling because that's how I feel every time we kiss.

“Can I get your autograph?”

Before Spencer can even answer she spins around and heads back to the counter, almost running. She comes back just as quickly and holds out one of the business cards from the store. She takes a pen from her pocket and gives it to Spencer as he turns the card over to sign the white back.

He finishes and extends the car back to the girl, but she's already looking at me.

“Will you sign it, too?” she says.

“Sure.”

I sign the card and hand it back to her. She darts toward the back of the store, waving the card over her head as she seeks out co-workers to show off her new prized possession. It's funny when I think about how this is going to have an impact on her… it's not going to change her life, but it's going to be something she will always remember. I'm sure that when she woke up today and went to work, or did whatever, that she thought it was going to be a normal day… but instead she got to meet Spencer.

“Well,” he says, “I guess we're going to have to help ourselves.”

I smile and just shake my head. His tone is playful and I know he doesn't mind. I always found it odd that famous people would get so irritated by fans… and I'm glad Spencer isn't like that. Whenever someone asks for an autograph or picture he will always do it. I think it's great because it shows everyone else that he's a special human being who is just happy to live his life and be kind to others.

Spencer starts toward the first rack on his left with a focused look on his face. I glance around the store, taking in the beautiful clothes and accessories surrounding me and I dive into the rack with him.

“How about this?” Spencer says.

He pulls a light pink dress off the rack and holds it up to me. It's super cute… knee length, sleeveless and with a pink bow around the waist.

“I love it… it's so cute.”

I grab the tag and spin it around in my hand to see the price. Six hundred dollars? Holy crap.

“You should try it on.”

“I don't know… it's kind of expensive.”

“So what? I'm paying… and I want you to get whatever you want.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes… please, go try it on.”

I smile at him and take the dress. My new film is going to pay me quite well, but I still have reservations about paying this kind of money for clothes… even though I know he doesn't really care if it's something he wants to get for me.

I head to the back corner of the store and walk into one of the changing stalls. I pull curtain closed and hang up the dress. It's funny when I think back a year in my life. I would have never imagined I would be in a high-end clothing store about to try on a dress with a price tag that would give my old self a heart attack. It's amazing how things can change.

I change out of my clothes and put the dress on. It's perfect in every way—it's gorgeous and it fits like it was tailor made for me. I spin around and watch myself in the mirror.

“How is it?” Spencer says, from the other side of the curtain.

Instead of responding I just pull the curtain back so that he can see for himself what his six hundred dollars is buying.

“What do you think?” I say.

“I think you're beautiful… and that dress looks great on you.”

I look down as I brush my hair behind my ear. When he tells me I'm beautiful I really believe it… something I always had doubt about when a boy told me I was cute.

“It's pretty expensive,” I say.

“Who cares? You look like a million bucks… it's perfect for tonight.”

“Tonight?”

“Yeah… we’re going out to dinner.”

“Oh….”

I just kind of assumed we would be stopping at the store and buying something to cook. Brenda is a really good cook and Spencer isn't shabby himself, but I guess it makes sense that he would want to give his mom a break while she's here.

“We're celebrating,” he says, “and there's an amazing restaurant here that I want to take you to. I wanted to go last time, but now it's even more appropriate since we really have something to celebrate.”

I was so consumed by the dress that I didn't realize Spencer had a handful of hangers and beautiful clothes in his left hand.

“What about those?”

“Just some other stuff you should try on.”

He ducks into the changing room with me and hangs them up. I think he's about to walk out, but he slides his right arm around my waist and pulls me close. He kisses my forehead before letting go and walking out. He pulls the curtain closed and it takes me a few seconds to return to a normal breathing pattern… he's something else.

I take off the dress and hang it back on the hanger, afraid that a single wrinkle could ruin it… especially if I'm going to be wearing it later tonight. I grab the first hanger and pull a black top off of it. I slide it over my head and then reach for the skirt that was hanging behind it.

The outfit is equally as beautiful as the dress, even though it's completely different. The dress is beautiful and cute, but it has a sort juvenile innocence. This outfit though… it's something a woman would wear. There's a two inch strip of rhinestones running from the shoulder all the way down the deep v-neck of the black sleeveless top. The flared black skirt goes well with the top, but it ends about an inch above my knees and I feel a little self-conscious about showing that much of my legs. I have a feeling that's probably the idea behind the outfit and it's so amazing that I don't think I can resist it. I check the tags… each is just over a hundred dollars and somehow seem like a bargain compared to the dress.

I pull the curtain back and Spencer is waiting for me, this time without more clothes for me to try on.

“I love it,” he says, before I have a chance to say anything.

He smiles and looks me up and down. He looks into my eyes and I can tell he thinks I look good and he doesn't have to say a single word. I look over my shoulder at him as I walk back in and pull the curtain closed. I feel a little ridiculous, but I feel like the clothes have given me a new persona.

I change out of the clothes and pull down the next top and a pair of jeans. I'm so happy right now, in this moment, that every thought about what happened with my mom completely fades from my mind. Spencer always seems able to distract me from the drama in my life.

The skinny ankle jeans are faded and torn in a few spots. I always wondered why people would buy jeans that were already worn out… and it makes even less sense when I look at the price. Almost three hundred dollars for jeans that are so worn out most people would throw them in the trash. They fit beautifully, but I don't know…. I put on the top that Spencer picked out so he can see how the outfit looks. It's a silk halter top with red, pink and orange vertical stripes.

I step out of the dressing room, but Spencer isn't there. I look around the store, but don't see him right away.

“Spencer?”

He pops his head up from behind one of the displays. He smiles at me and walks over with a pair of shoes in his hand.

“So cute,” he says.

I look down at the jeans. It is a cute outfit, but I can't help feeling weird about the jeans. It's definitely not something I would buy for myself.

“Yeah… it's a lot of money to spend on jeans that are worn out.”

“You're cute,” he says, holding the shoes out of me, “try these on.”

I take the shoes from him and head back into the changing room. I sit down on the bench and slip my feet into the black patent leather flats. They fit like a dream… but they are still two hundred dollars. I stand up and walk back into the store to show Spencer.

“What do you think?” he says.

“I love them… I feel like I'm walking on a cloud.”

He smiles at me, leans into me and kisses me on the forehead.

“Good.”

He spins me around so I'm facing the dressing room and leans his mouth close to my ear.

“You look beautiful,” he says, whispering into my ear. “Get back in there and try on the rest of the clothes.”

I smile, walk back in and pull the curtain closed. I love how he makes me feel. I can't imagine my life without him… it just wouldn't be the same. My mind drifts off as I think about our future together. As I reach for the next top I think about what it would be like if he asked me to move in with him—waking up next to him every morning… sleeping next to him every night.

I force myself to stop thinking about what could be as I put the black and white turtleneck over my head. I know I can't think too much about the future… I should just focus on living in the present and enjoying my time with Spencer… and there's nothing wrong with that.