Leaning against a wall near the hotel entrance, I pull at my hoodie collar and stare at the coat, hat and gloves in my hands. “Dress warm” is all Maya told me. I don’t know if I’m in the mood for festive outdoor activities, but I’m grateful for anything to keep my mind busy.
I look around the lobby and notice the magnificence of the Christmas tree. I know I’ve walked by it a handful of times now, but I never really appreciated its full grandeur. There must be 500 peppermint ornaments on it. Red and white ribbon surround the tree, and an ornate star of diamonds shimmers at the top.
“Enjoying the view?” I hear, and see Maya staring at the tree as well. She’s wearing a white knit cap with a brown furry ball on top. Her coat is bright white and zipped up to her chin.
“I am now,” I say with a small grin.
I can tell I’ve taken Maya aback with my flirtatious comment, but I meant it. And I guess I’m living on borrowed time, so I’m feeling more bold. She deserves to know what a gem she is—inside and out.
Her cheeks tinge pink before she says, “Well, thank you. Not to brag, but I was in charge of lobby decor.”
“Even the tree?” I ask.
“Especially the tree,” she says with a proud smile.
“It’s incredible. How did you even get it in here?”
She chuckles. “That story is not very elegant. What’s that saying? You don’t want to know how the sausage is made?”
I can’t help but laugh at that. “Got it.”
How do I already feel lighter? It’s like Maya’s the moon, and being around her makes you weightless. I felt it at the spa but figured it was a combination of the spa ambiance and Maya. Now I know, she is the ambiance.
“Ready for a surprise?” She rubs her hands together, and I notice she already has brown furry mittens on.
“I don’t know. Can I get a hint?”
“Nope,” she says and walks out the door. “Just follow me.”
I pull on my coat, hat and gloves and walk with her past the ice skating rink that’s lit up. The sun is setting, so the ice and snow have a calming glow. She continues to lead the way while I trail a step behind. She seems to be on a mission, directing us along a shoveled path.
When we reach the woods, she looks back and says, “Do you trust me?”
She has a teasing smirk on her face. But, I seriously contemplate her question. The sky is losing light as evening sets in.
I can’t help but ask, “Should I?”
“Of course. I’m very trustworthy.”
My hands are tucked in my pockets, so I use my elbow to nudge her as I say, “I’ll be the judge of that.”
Then, she tucks her arm through mine and pulls me along a path, through the forest. The only noise is the crunching of the snow beneath our boots. I inhale the crisp, frigid air, which seems to be cleansing my lungs and resetting my nervous system.
After a few more minutes, Maya stops abruptly and turns to me. “Close your eyes.”
“Why?”
“You said you trusted me.”
“No I didn’t…I asked if Ishouldtrust you.”
She bites her lip. “Well, you should. Now shut your eyes.”
I’m not sure why, but I do it. Well, I actually do know why. Maya’s cheeks are an alluring pink, and her eyes are sparkling, making her excitement contagious. I’d probably do just about anything she asks at this point. As soon as my lids close, I feel her pull off my warm beanie hat and replace it with something fuzzy, and also slightly itchy. Then, she slides it down so my eyes are completely covered.
“What the—do I have a Santa hat on my head?”
“Maybe.” I hear Maya chuckle. “But you look amazing.”
