“Really?” I manage to ask, through the turmoil fogging my mind. “We could definitely use some help around here.”
“That’s what I was saying,” Dad chimes in, grinning like this is the best news he’s gotten in a while. With his constant smiles, the lines around his eyes have deepened. “I’m more than happy to help you out, man.”
Diego all but nods again.
As I piece everything together – Dad being close to Wyatt and Diego being unable to compete because of his injury – I pin my father with a suspicious look. Does he know something I don’t?
Jordan, on the other hand, seems genuinely surprised and excited to have one of his best friends back. He’s already talking Diego’s ear off with his plans, like having poker night every Saturday night at his apartment.
Dad turns to me, his smile unfaltering. “He has also signed up at the lodge to help you with lessons.”
What is he doing?
A rapid glance in Diego’s direction tells me he doesn’t want to be here. He doesn’t want to do this, yet he nods at my father’s words. There’s a certain reverence in the way he looks at my dad, a kind of respect I can’t seem to fathom just yet.
“You’re giving skiing lessons again?” Jordan asks. I don’t blame him for not remembering, even though I told him overdinner last night. He’s too focused, too deep in his own business to acknowledge the people around him.
“I start on Monday.”
Since I secured my Level 1 training back in high school, I’ve been giving lessons to beginners and children when I can. When I was in college, I used to teach class during breaks. Now, I can do it part-time. Besides, the paychecks and tips will tide me over just enough until I figure out what to do with myself, especially since I’ve decided not to rely on my parents financially.
Jordan grins. “Good for you.”
I turn to Diego and, again, his eyes are on me. I try my hardest not to give way to my timidity or the way his presence makes me feel – nervous and hot and bothered. I take a small breath, smiling softly. “That’s cool. You’re welcome to help me. Managing a group of kids can be tough.”
The resort actually called me yesterday evening, asking if I was okay with having an assistant. From what it looks like, everything has been planned out, and they have already assigned Diego to be my partner.
What is going on?
Not that I’m complaining, though. I just find it strange that he’s back. That he needs ajob. For the next three months.
“Sure,” he says gruffly, looking away.
“Oh, he talks.”
The words have slipped out before I could think. I realize I’m annoyed by his lack of interest, his silence. I don’t understand why he is standing there when it’s painfully obvious that he wants to be anywhere but here. And I’m not talking about Rock Snow.
His brows knit together. “Excuse me?”
I shrug, irritated by him. He doesn’t say hi, he doesn’t break a damn smile, and he has the audacity to be offended when I fireback at him? He might be my best friend’s brother, but he’s not royalty to me.
“You heard me.” I don’t usually act on my annoyance, but that slip of the tongue was out of my control.
“Oh, shit,” Jordan chuckles. “Did you forget to drink your coffee this morning?”
“I was running late,” I mumble.
“Diego’s just shy,” Gaby quips. “Don’t take it personally if he doesn’t say much.”
“I’m not shy,” Diego retorts tersely.
If he could let that mask slip for a split second to show me what he’s feeling, I’d perhaps feel more inclined to help. I don’t like the idea of working with him – both at the lodge and Rock Snow.
“Did your doctor tell you how long he’s expecting for a full recovery?” Jordan asks.
“Weeks.” Diego gives Jordan a weighted glance, indicating he doesn’t want to elaborate right now.
My brother, as clueless as ever, winces and gasps. “But . . . the X Games. You’ll be able to ride, right?”
