Unexpected Harmony

12. Funhouse Mirrors

Chapter 12

Funhouse Mirrors

“ W e pulled all the overgrown and invading weeds that were ready to move into the house’s foundation.” Zoey indicated with her pen to the area she was talking about.

Aspen nodded, even though Zoey wasn’t technically talking to her, but to Erin, as they went through the final walkthrough of the yard. Aspen had other things she should be doing but was finding Zoey’s enthusiastic pride in her work hard to walk away from.

“…And as you can see, we did a complete rebuild of the flower beds, opting for local plants with a low threshold for water usage. Plus, we utilized these natural slopes to help with drainage.” Zoey crouched down, showing Erin something hidden to Aspen’s amateur eye.

“I see. Good job, Zo. I’m proud of you.”

With four words not even directed at her, Aspen felt a well of emotion lodge in her throat. She would have given up her first award to have heard that from her mom. Zoey kicked a rock back onto the path, saying something that Aspen couldn’t quite catch.

“We have a crew for maintenance and upkeep once we complete the redesign of a yard if that’s something you’re interested in,” Erin said. “Just put in a request on our website and we’ll get a team out here. It was a pleasure working with you.” She turned to Aspen, holding out her hand to shake before turning back to her daughter. “I have another job lined up. You did so fabulous with this one, I’m willing to give you even more responsibility.” Erin and Zoey walked further away, not even realizing Aspen had stopped following them.

A feeling of loss was starting to come crashing down. She still would see Zoey for their collaboration work, but not having her hovering around her lawn in the morning was harder to process than she thought. Half tempted to take a flamethrower to the pristine flowerbed, Aspen turned towards the house instead.

She knew this day was coming. Zoey, as a landscaper, was only ever temporary, but she didn’t want to lose the daily updates or secret smiles she’d caught every once in a while.

Sighing, Aspen pulled out some cups from the cupboard and started making iced mint tea. More to have something to do rather than needing to quench her thirst.

“Hey, there you are.” Zoey’s bright energy lit up Aspen’s dull thoughts.

“Here I am,” Aspen mumbled, stirring the drink that had everything settled on the bottom.

“Well, it looks like the walkthrough was a success. Mom’s thrilled with the results.”

Aspen felt Zoey study her. She tried to continue focusing on the drinks, but she couldn’t ignore the prickle on her skin the stare left. When she couldn’t ignore it any longer, she looked up.

Zoey mistook her brooding about leaving for not enjoying the results. “Are you okay with the outcome? If you hate it, I need to know now.”

“No, nothing like that. I love the way things turned out. What’s the damage? I’ll get a payment out to you.”

“We can send the bill if you’d rather go that route. At least that’s what we usually do.” Zoey gratefully took the drink handed over to her and took a sip. Her tongue darted out, swiping away excess moisture from her lips.

“Can I take you on a date?”

The blurted words were lassoed out of Aspen’s brain without thought. All she knew was that her time with Zoey was coming to an end, and she wanted to stop that from happening.

“What was that?” Zoey’s sentence trickled off as she stood still.

“You’re not working on my yard anymore, and I was hoping to take you on a date.” Aspen’s mind raced ahead at all the amazing things she could show Zoey. Money wouldn’t be an issue, and for once, she felt like loosening her purse strings to see a smile develop on Zoey’s face. The possibilities were endless with her connections.

“I’m… Well, I’m surprised. I had no idea you would be interested in someone like me.” Zoey took a sip of her drink, keeping her eyes focused out the kitchen window.

“What? You don’t think I’d go for someone gorgeous, brilliant, and creative?” Aspen ticked off the traits on her fingers.

“No, I just didn’t think you’d go for someone who’s not in the same league you are?” Zoey questioned the wording, finally looking Aspen in the eyes.

“I don’t even know what that means, Zoey. You’re unique. I’d love to get to know you better.” Aspen stepped closer, still determining what direction to take things.

“I’m worried you’d get bored eventually.” Zoey played with the seam at the side of her pants.

Aspen’s head tilted as she took in Zoey’s stance. “You can say no, if you’re not interested. I wouldn’t understand since you’d be giving up all this”—Aspen waved her hands up and down her side with a teasing smirk— “but I doubt I could ever get bored of you.” The confession was a wisp between them.

“I’m just processing out loud. Sorry, this is throwing me for a loop.” Zoey stepped closer, putting down the cup. “I’d love to go out, but I want to decide where we go.”

“Wait, but I asked you. Shouldn’t I be the one to come up with something?” Aspen crossed her arms to keep them from rising in a victory celebration.

“Sure, but starting now, I’ve got to keep you on your feet. How about tomorrow? I’ll pick you up at three.” Zoey pulled out her phone. “Technically, you’re still a client, so I’m sending you a bill right now.”

When Aspen’s phone dinged, she reached into her pocket, surprised that her hands were unsteady. Without a second thought, she opened the email and clicked the pay now button. Usually Andi or Morgan handled her bills, so it was lucky her credit card was already entered since she had no idea where it was located. Hitting submit on the payment, she felt a tingle of anticipation for what was to come.

“For all the work you did, the amount seems low,” Aspen remarked, tucking her phone back away when the payment went through.

“No, it’s a fair rate for a job this size. You might want to double-check some of your other accounts. You might be overpaying.”

“That’s not uncommon. People think they can upcharge us when they know we can afford it. But the bill is paid, so does that mean your conscience is free to accept the date without restraint?” Aspen’s tone was light, but she still held her breath for the answer.

Zoey stepped closer. “I suppose one could argue that I’m also collaborating with you on your music.” She tilted her head as if seriously contemplating something.

“You’re fired,” Aspen whispered, reaching out to wrap her finger around her hip. “How about now?”

“I said I’d pick you up at three. No need for hasty firings.” Zoey settled in Aspen’s arms, relaxing as they stayed connected through contact. “We should work on the song. We’re so close to finishing I can almost taste it.” She stepped back.

Aspen felt the loss immediately, but a sense of giddiness replaced it, the feeling similar to one she’d felt her first time on stage.

“Then let’s get to work.” Aspen waved her hand to let Zoey go first. “Where did your mom get off to?”

“She had to go to another job.” Zoey lifted the fallboard and wiped away nonexistent dust with her sleeve.

“Are you going to start another job? Didn’t your mom say you had one lined up?” Aspen could feel the lonely days start to creep back in.

Staring at the keys like they held all the answers, Zoey finally just shrugged. “I’m not sure yet. My mom doesn’t want me to be bored. I need to make a few decisions with my life, like if I should get back to school or go straight into the field. Right now, working outside gives me something else to focus on, which is probably a good thing for my restless mind. Plus, it’s not bad after being stuck in a dusty music room for almost four years.” Zoey held up her toned, sun-kissed arms.

Aspen held herself back before remembering they had a date and she didn’t have to censor herself as much anymore. Running the tip of her finger over her soft skin, she marveled at the muscles rippling along her touch.

“Very nice.” Aspen’s low voice cracked as she pulled her hand back. They might have set up a first date, but her body hadn’t gotten the memo they were going to take things slow. “Let’s get started.” She wrestled with the folder that had all the variations of their draft. “I think we were closer with this one.” She pulled out an old copy, one they had discarded three days ago, and went to work.

Humming along with the radio, Zoey pulled up in front of Aspen Lake’s house. She grabbed the grocery bag from the passenger seat before starting up the path. Anticipation with a healthy dose of nerves ran through her body as she walked up the newly created pathway, admiring her work as she went.

Theo did a fantastic job picking out the patterns that fit Aspen’s yard. The different colors of blue and white created a unique wave that almost carried you to the front door.

She’d stepped foot on the porch countless times by now, but this time, she was finding it difficult to lift her hand to knock. The decision was wrenched out of her hands when the door opened, and framed in the doorway was a frazzled looking Aspen.

Her hair was in disarray, and she wore jeans under a lovely green dress. One foot wore a fancy shoe, the other a sneaker. It seemed she couldn’t pick a style and decided on everything.

Zoey couldn’t help but laugh. “I suppose that’s one way to go out. You can play both halves, glammed up and rustic. Are you trying to incorporate it into your show?” She stepped forward, kissing Aspen on the cheek before slipping into the house.

“You never told me where we were going, so I had to play the odds. What you’re seeing here is the manifestation of my anxiety.” Aspen groaned when she looked down at herself. “Help, please.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean for it to be a big secret. We’re going to the chili cook-off. They have rides, a variety of foods—not just chili if you’re worried about that—and vendors, the whole nine yards, so rustic should win.” Zoey lifted the bag of goodies. “I don’t know if you wanted to go incognito, but I brought a few things in case you wanted to try and see how the other half lives.” She froze, unsure if she might have overstepped somehow.

After a beat, Aspen wrapped her in a tight hug. “That’s the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done. Most people want the attention that comes with me.” She wiped away a tear when they parted. “I can’t wait. I’ll be right back. Feel free to help yourself to anything in the kitchen.” Aspen hobbled back to her room in her mismatched shoes.

Zoey grinned at her retreating back. Aspen was nothing at all like she thought she’d be. Zoey wasn’t a complete novice in her connections with celebrities, which made it all that more of a pleasant surprise to find Aspen wasn’t like the others.

When Aspen came out of the room, Zoey had to do a double take to ensure an intruder hadn’t walked into the house. Her famous curly hair was hidden under a blonde wig, the straight strands pulled up in a ponytail. They couldn’t do much to change the recognizable blue eyes, but they were now hidden behind black thick-framed glasses, giving her a sexy librarian vibe that Zoey was digging. The ripped jeans and a plaid shirt she wore would have every sapphic within a twenty-mile radius looking at her.

“I—um. Wow, you look great.”

“I feel like Superman, or I guess Clark Kent. Ooh, this is going to be so exciting. Thank you.” Aspen leaned in for a hug, brushing her lips across Zoey’s cheek.

“After you, Clark.” Zoey let Aspen walk ahead of her, but it wasn’t for chivalrous reasons. She wanted to see Aspen’s assets as she walked away. Not disappointed, Zoey followed closely behind.

Parking was a bitch, but they finally found someone leaving. Aspen had teased her, saying she could get a spot in three seconds if she took off her disguise, but Zoey could tell she was enjoying all the trappings of “non-celebrity life.” Even the boring parts, like circling a lot to find parking.

Zoey put the truck in park, double-checking Aspen’s guise to ensure anonymity. With a final tug on the wig to straighten it out, Zoey gave her approval before jumping out of the truck and hurrying to the other side to meet Aspen with her arm.

“Ah, I knew I pegged you correctly as gallant. Interesting,” Aspen teased, sliding her fingers through Zoey’s.

“Interesting good or bad?” Zoey inquired, her head traveling back and forth to see if anyone recognized Aspen.

“Relax. I don’t think anyone is looking at me. If anything, they’re checking you out.” Aspen’s quiet words relaxed Zoey’s shoulders as they walked to the front of the fair. “Interesting good, I think, since it seems genuine without the hint of an ulterior motive.”

“No, never.” Zoey ripped her hand out of Aspen’s, putting it over her heart. “People do that?” Her voice was raspy with indignation.

“Zoey, seriously, relax. You’ve got to play it five times chiller, or we’ll get caught.” Aspen’s gentle reprimand landed as Zoey regained control. It didn’t hurt that Aspen retook her hand, bringing the back of it to her mouth laying a soft kiss that tingled along her spine. “Of course they do, but I have a feeling you’re not like that.”

In line, Aspen reached into her pants for her wallet. “I asked you out, so even though this was your idea, I’d still like to pay.”

“Won’t someone see your name on the card?” Zoey pushed back, reaching for her own card, not wanting to have their date disrupted.

“I have a card for my incognito identity. Don’t worry.” Aspen’s playful smile melted any worry Zoey might have had. She backed out, allowing Aspen to hand over her card to the amused-looking ticket person.

As the card was being processed, Zoey heard the kid behind her ask, “Mom, why is it called a chili cook off? It doesn’t say anything about a fair.” Zoey turned with a smile, watching the girl, who was about twelve, bounce on her feet and study the signage with a frown.

“I’m not sure, Parker. I don’t know who came up with the name,” a woman who was the spitting image of the kid replied.

Before Zoey turned back to make sure Aspen didn’t somehow get recognized, her eyes widened when they landed on the now-retired actress Melanie Cooper.

“Do you know, Mama?” Parker turned to Melanie, who tucked her phone away and engaged in the conversation.

“I tried searching the internet for the information but wasn’t successful. Maybe there is someone we can ask?” Melanie kept eye contact with the child, who was nearly as tall as she was.

“Thank you,” Aspen said, taking back her card.

Zoey turned back around, pulling on Aspen’s jacket. “Melanie Cooper is standing right behind us,” she whispered, leaning into Aspen’s shoulder as she tried to keep her fangirling to a minimum, not wanting to be one of those people. She’d played it cool with Aspen to a much higher degree.

“Oh, I’ve met her a few times.” Aspen turned, ready to hold out her hand.

“Wait, you’re not Aspen right now.” Zoey finally found a brain cell, holding back Aspen’s extended hand.

“Right. Umm. Okay.” She shook off the near miss and instead retook Zoey’s hand. Luckily it didn’t look like anyone in the family unit behind them noticed. “This is harder than I thought. I almost messed everything up.”

“Come on, Clark. I think there is an elephant ear calling my name.” Zoey handed their tickets to a woman manning up the booth.

Walking through the gates, she took in the sights. It had been ages since she’d been to the chili cook off, and it was exactly like she remembered. Kids were running around, shrieking at the rides. Food vendors were along one side, rides on another, and craft tables were spread throughout the grounds.

“Are you hungry? Or do you want to run through a few rides first?” Zoey stepped to the side to get out of the way of people coming in.

“Let’s do a few rides. Get a snack. A few more rides, then check out the vendors, then get more food, and we’ll end in that section.”

And so they did. They started with the scrambler and moved to the bumper cars. Like kids recapturing their youth, they squealed as they tried to ram into each other before teaming up to pick on a teen who had been terrorizing a kid.

The whiplash alone from those two rides was enough to have Zoey scrambling to her purse for some Ibuprofen. Shaking out two pills, she held up the bottle in question for Aspen, who nodded gratefully.

“Are you ready for some food?” Zoey asked as they walked hand in hand down the path, following her nose to the delicious scents of fried everything.

Aspen sped up in answer, pulling her along until they came to a sign with a stuffed potato and a corn dog that was bigger than their faces. “I’m getting one of these. How about you?”

“I feel like I should try some chili since it’s a cook-off, but I’d rather have that.” Zoey nodded to the shish kabob and noodles dish that people near them were trying to balance.

“Sold. Let’s get both and share,” Aspen said, getting in line.

“Where did you grow up?” Zoey asked as they waited.

“I’m pretty sure you can find anything on the internet.” Aspen didn’t appear to like that question if her stiff shoulders and flippant answer were any indication.

Trying another tactic, Zoey placed her head on Aspen’s shoulder. “You don’t have to tell me anything, but I’m not looking you up online. I want to get to know you for you, not what others say about your life. We’re on a date, and these get-to-know-you questions are par for the course. Unless you want something different, and we can make a game out of it, like twenty questions or something.”

That lightened the mood. Aspen’s chuckle jostled Zoey’s head.

“I grew up in a trailer park in Idaho. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was home.” Aspen brought her arm around Zoey as they waited for their food.

“Everybody starts somewhere. It’s unheard of for someone to break into the industry without a lot of money backing them. I’m super impressed. If anything, it shows how amazing you are.” Zoey found the scuff on her shoe fascinating as she tried to push down the demons of her own past.

“Really?” Aspen’s quiet question reflected years of pain wrapped up in one breathy word.

“Yes. It’s inspiring. It shows your dedication to your craft, and your tenacity to put the work in and go for what you want.” Zoey picked up their food and walked to a bench overlooking the landscape. The sun was dipping down the horizon, leaving them in the shadows, the perfect lighting to get to know someone better.

Aspen didn’t speak for a while and chose instead to stare out to the view overlooking the park. Zoey was certain she was just gathering her thoughts, so she left her to declutter her mind as she chewed on the fresh corn dog.

“I’m always reluctant to talk about growing up in a trailer park because there is such a stigma with it. And a few people in my life use it against me, which I hate. I don’t hate my upbringing but can’t stand when it’s used against me. Only a few people know my past, and the ones that do usually are flippant or tease me. For instance, I don’t spend my money frivolously, and a few people in my life like to point out that it’s because of my trailer trash beginnings.” The venom in her tone showed how deep the words cut.

“Aspen, it’s your money. Nobody has any right to try and bully you into spending what you don’t want to buy. Anyone who gives you a hard time should look in the mirror because maybe they don’t have your best interests in mind.” Zoey put her free hand on Aspen’s leg, squeezing it to show her support.

“You’re right. It’s also been so long since I’ve talked about my past that I almost forgot how. Anyone who’s asked about where I grew up had ulterior motives or wanted to use it to make themselves feel better. I’m starting to see the difference between curiosity and cunning, although it’s taken me awhile to spot those differences.” Aspen wiped her hands and stood. “Shall we do one more ride?”

“As long as it’s the Ferris wheel,” they said at the same time and smiled.

Zoey’s heart fluttered. She was already in deep trouble.

“Ooh, how about that?” Aspen pointed to a closed-off building after they rode on the wheel.

Zoey still felt the ghost of Aspen’s touch as she caressed her leg during the ride. They had enjoyed the view of the mountains as the sun set right as they reached the top. The bright orange and pink hues didn’t hold a match to the tingling along Zoey’s skin as Aspen lightly played along her leg.

“Really, the house of mirrors? I’ve never done one of these.” Zoey’s steps faltered as they reached the entrance. She had just enough tickets left for the room.

Walking hand in hand with Aspen, she could see the appeal. Their reflection jumped everywhere as they tried to figure out the maze to get out of the house.

“Over here,” Aspen called, letting go of her hand.

Zoey followed, only to find herself smacking into a mirror. Aspen’s laughing face was distorted everywhere.

Before panic could set in, she felt strong arms wrap around her waist and a burst of hot air stroke her ear. “I’ve got you.”

And she did. Zoey turned, looking into Aspen’s eyes, the only part that was recognizable in her disguise. She leaned in.

Having them projected all along the distorted mirrors of the funhouse wasn’t what Zoey would have picked as a setting for their first kiss. Still, there was something unique about seeing the action performed in different states of distortion. She got lost in the sensation, nearly forgetting they were somewhere public until her eyes opened when they parted.

Aspen’s face was flushed. She brushed a strand of hair back from Zoey’s face, a look of wonder crossing through her eyes. Zoey knew her face matched because she could see it all around.

“I’ll never think of mirrors the same way again.” Aspen’s breathless voice carried through the room.

On shaky legs, Zoey grabbed Aspen’s arm, needing the extra balance to help her through the maze, her lips still tingling from their shared moment.