Homeward Bound to Echo Canyon
Chapter 3 - Leaving her old life behind wasn’t easy, but starting fresh might be even harder.
To begin from the first chapter, START HERE.
Previous chapter is HERE.
Riley's return to Vermont stirs up doubts about her bold move to the Southwest. After a tense confrontation with her friend Quinn, Riley faces a turbulent flight home—both in the air and in her heart. As lightning cracks outside her window, she clutches the armrest, wondering if she’s headed toward disaster in more ways than one. Can Riley rebuild her life, or will everything come crashing down?
Homeward Bound
All airports were bustling hubs of weary travelers and frantic announcements, the air thick with anticipation and anxiety. Storms were spreading nationwide, delaying and canceling flights, and tensions were running high.
Four women, Riley, Skylar, Val and Raven, each on separate journeys, were unaware of how their paths would soon intersect. As they navigated the crowded terminals, their minds were filled with the stories and experiences they were bringing back home—unresolved tensions, new perspectives, and lingering questions that refused to be ignored.
Though their departure cities were calm and clear, the unknown storm awaiting them in Las Vegas promised to disrupt their travel plans and perhaps much more.
Riley
Riley stood on her hotel balcony, looking out at the fall colors of the lush hillsides in northern Vermont. It was hard to imagine the bustling airport she was headed to in just a few hours. This trip was her first visit back to her family’s home since she had hastily decided to move to the southwest after a horrid winter of snow and ice.
After a pleasant visit with her dad in southern Vermont, Riley drove to Rutland to meet her longtime friend, Quinn, for her retirement dinner. The dinner was lively, filled with heartfelt speeches, including one by the Vermont Governor, who recognized Quinn’s long service with Homeland Security and her crucial role in keeping the border safe.
However, the end of the evening took an unexpected turn when a staff member confronted Quinn. She expressed resentment over Quinn’s early departure and the changes it brought. Quinn deftly turned the conversation to the opportunities her leaving would present to the staff, and the woman seemed appeased.
“Well, that was weird, Quinn. Are you all right?” Riley asked, concerned.
“Yes, I’m fine. That employee has been a little difficult recently. She even asked me out for drinks, and I had a feeling it wasn’t just as colleagues. I told her it wasn’t appropriate and that we needed to keep our relationship professional,” Quinn explained.
“It sounds like she might be jealous,” Riley suggested.
“Of what?” Quinn looked surprised at Riley.
“Of your life. You’ve been incredibly successful throughout your career. You’re retiring early. You’re in a solid relationship and heading out for adventures, possibly around the world,” Riley elaborated.
“I guess that’s true. But she seemed fine at the end of our conversation,” Quinn reflected.
The next day, Riley and Quinn took the scenic drive south to Penny and Roger's nursery, where they had first met. They reminisced about their intertwined journeys and how they were both looking forward to new chapters in their lives.
“Remember that day we met at their nursery? You told me Roger’s donuts wouldn’t make it until Monday because I couldn’t resist them that long. You were right. I bought six, and they were all gone by the time I got home!”
Quinn nodded, smiling at the memory. “I think we sat at the picnic table until Penny and Roger came over to tell us the nursery was closing. Roger brought us cups of coffee for the road.”
Riley snuggled deeply into her seat with the warmth of the memory. “That was a good day. Speaking of which, are you looking forward to going to Hawaii and joining Robbie?”
“Yes, I am. I think it’s a clever way to ease into retirement, but I expect it will feel like a vacation. It will take a bit of a mental adjustment.”
“Are you sure you should be doing this? I’ve known you a long time, and I’ve never seen you jump into a relationship so fast. I’m sorry, Quinn. I have to be honest about what’s been on my mind since you told me you were going to take early retirement and leave behind everything you have here and move to Hawaii to be with Robbie.”
Knowing this all tumbled out more strongly than she wanted, Riley reached over and touched Quinn’s arm.
“You know I am concerned about you and will miss you so much.”
“You’re saying this now, Riley? Why are you jumping on me about this just hours before my flight? Don’t you think I’ve thought this through?
I’m certainly old enough to know my own mind.” Pausing, Quinn added, “And heart.”
“To be honest, Quinn, it’s your heart I’m worried about. I don’t know or trust Robbie. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Not wanting to continue the conversation centered on herself, Quinn turned the tables on Riley.
“What about you, Riley? Don’t you miss designing new homes? What are you going to do with your life? You’ve thrown away a prosperous business. Are you leaving that and your skill behind? You haven’t seemed to make any new income since you moved from Vermont."
Rather than responding defensively, Riley thought for a moment before replying.
"Yes, Quinn, I do miss it. And I’ve worried about what I’m doing. I admit my move was hasty. But you know how I felt about living in the snow country of Vermont.
“I love designing homes, but I’m tired of working with contractors and being on call 24/7 for the homeowner. I am looking for new challenges. You know I’ve started coaching a few architects. I have been getting a few other ideas and developed a network of architects and educators in the area.”
This seemed to satisfy Quinn for the moment, but Riley wasn’t even sure she had heard her answer. She seemed wrapped up in her own thoughts as she gazed out the window.
The rest of the drive to their hotel was shrouded in unusual silence. It had been a long day, and they wished each other good night and went to their respective rooms.
They both started speaking at the exact moment at breakfast the following day.
“I’m sor…,” began Riley.
“I'm sorry, Riley.”
“We don’t have much time. Can we let last night go and talk as soon as we are settled in our homes? Please?”
Quinn looked at Riley, pleading with her eyes.
“Of course, Quinn. We both have a lot on our minds. Change is not easy, and we have big ones on our plates right now.
“You know I love you.”
Stepping in to hug Riley, Quinn whispered in her ear, “I love you too. And I will miss you.”
With a final hug, the two friends let go, grabbed their rolling bags, and headed towards their gates. Neither saw the tears in the other’s eyes.
During the first flight home to Echo Canyon, Riley set aside her concerns about Quinn and contemplated her future in the Southwest. Despite Quinn’s words, she was excited about her new home and the potential for a new business. However, Riley couldn't shake the insecurity of leaving behind her established reputation as an architect in Vermont. The question lingered: could she replicate her success in a much smaller, unfamiliar community?
Even though her neighbor Ben introduced her to a few people, Riley had to be honest about her loneliness and isolation in her new environment.
Starting over was daunting, and the fear of failure loomed large. Yet, Riley resolved to embrace the challenge, hoping that Echo Canyon would become the home and community she needed.
An announcement came over the plane's speaker: “Ladies and gentlemen, the captain is waiting to be cleared to land in Las Vegas. This thunderstorm may be a little rough. Please make sure your seatbelt is securely fastened, your seat back and tray table upright and locked, and all carry-on items are stowed under the seat in front of you or the overhead bins. Please turn off all electronic devices or switch them to airplane mode now.”
Riley looked out the window as the plane descended into the black clouds. Lightning flickered in the distance, and her heart immediately began to race. She glanced at her neighbor and saw the older woman’s face turn ashen. Reaching over, Riley took her hand, squeezing tightly. "Don't worry," she whispered, trying to keep her voice steady. "We'll be okay."