Sam looked down at the dirty snow at the edge of the street as she marched along. She’d never understood how her mom had let her dad back into her life. It was almost asif she’d forgiven him—something Sam would never do. Leo seemed to have calmed down over the last few years and seemed to have a decent relationship with their dad. Sam huffed as she came to the end of the pedestrian zone. He’d more than a decent relationship with their dad when she really thought about it. Lately they seemed thick as thieves.
Shaking her head she pushed that thought aside. It was none of her business what kind of a relationship Leo and their dad had. With some effort she looked around. She’d been to Livigno before, and had always loved it, but this time she’d hardly spent any time absorbing the picturesque and lively town. The store she was outside was new, and interesting. Peering in the window she saw that it was filled with all sorts of ski wear. Most of it wasn’t like anything she’d seen outside of her parents’ photo albums. Squinting she tried to make out what was in the far corner of the store but couldn’t. The only thing for it was to go in.
The warm air inside made her nose and cheeks tingle. The place smelled amazing, like her home used to before her dad moved out. Spicy cinnamon and calming lavender. With her nose in the air, Sam wandered further into the room. Geometrically patterned rugs scattered across the wooden floor reminded her of the rug in her bedroom back at home. Nineties music played quietly in the background and the lighting was golden and gentle. Looking around, she didn’t see anyone, so she started rummaging through the jackets and coats that had caught her eye from outside.Everything was vintage!
A huge smile spread across her face as she pulled out a jacket that was almost identical to the one her mom hadworn when she’d come to watch her first snowboarding competitions. It was neon bright, blousy. The color clashed, and the fabric crinkled and rustled as she ran her hand down over it. Laughing, she plucked the tag from the sleeve and then gasped. It was a fraction of the cost she’d been expecting it to be. Tucking the jacket under her arm, Sam flicked through the other pieces. Each one made her smile. They were all so individual and had personality and even felt a little sassy. Finding a mirror, she held a jacket up to her chest and turned back and forth.
“You can try it on, if you like,” a woman’s voice called over. Sam jumped. The woman raised her hands, almost dropping the load of coats and jackets she was carrying. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“No, it’s okay,” Sam said. “I was lost in my own world here. These are amazing.”
“Thank you.” The small, neat woman put the stack of clothing on the counter and blew some dark hair from her brow. The rest of her hair was swept back into a French braid, making her look elegant and serene. Her face was open and friendly. Her own clothing appeared to be vintage too. Sam hoped that there was another sweater like the navy one the woman was wearing. It was giving Swiss vibes with white snowflake motifs and a cozy crew neck. “I hope you find something you like.”
“I have already,” Sam said holding up the jacket.
“Oh, that’s one of my favorites.” The woman came out from behind the counter. “There are matching pants too. Let me find them for you. Here … yes, here they are. They look like they’d fit you. Why don’t you try them on?”
Sam took the pants and held them up to herself. They were unreal! The hot pink and bright holly green colors were so different to what she normally wore. The pants even had suspenders on them and a zip around the back that attached to a zip on the jacket that made them a one-piece.
“Ah, I’m a snowboarder,” Sam said handing back the pants. “These look quite fitted. I’m used to a looser-fitting style.”
The woman smiled. “You’d be surprised how roomy these are. Trust me.”
Sam took the pants back, feeling a little pressured. Biting her lip, she picked up the jacket. “Sure, why not?”
“The changing room is over there.” The woman pointed to the back of the store. “Take your time.”
Hanging her jacket up, Sam sighed. She’d never mastered the art of avoiding a salesperson, ever, although she’d stood no chance in a store that had no other customers in it anyway. Stepping out of her pants and boots, she shivered slightly before tugging on the vintage pants. They slid up over her hips comfortably, the suspenders on her shoulders making it easy to twist and move. Pulling on the jacket she caught sight of herself in the mirror. Her eyes widened and she stifled a giggle. Her hair had loosened from the braid she’d put in that morning and was wild around her face, which was pink and blotchy from coming in from the cold. She truly looked like an Eighties ski diva. Just as her mom had when she’d come to watch her compete. Zipping up the jacket she was surprised at how easy it was to move. Twisting and bending was easy, she could still lay her palms flat on the floor too. Crouching down she found the pants didn’t restrict her like she’d thought they would.
“Well, how do they fit?” the woman called.
Sam came out of the changing room and did a twirl. It was strange, she’d never imagined that the outfit would make her feel so good. It was as if she’d forgotten who she was, and they’d reminded her. “They fit like they were made for me.” She walked toward the full-length mirror near the front of the store. “I love them!”
A man outside the window turned and she caught his eye. His rugged, tanned face lit up and he bounded into the store.
“Samantha!” He grabbed her in a bear hug. “I was wondering when you’d call in. Let me look at you—hahaha—this look suits you very well.”
“Thank you, Davide!” Sam laughed as he twirled her around. “I like it too.”
“You’ve met my Valentina?” Davide smiled at the petite woman who’d come over and wrapped her arms around his waist. He planted a kiss on her head and held her close.
“No, I didn’t know!” Sam beamed at Davide. It had been a long time since she’d seen him so happy. “Hi, Valentina, I’m Sam.”
Valentina took Sam’s proffered hand. “Ah, now it makes sense. I’ve heard so much about you so it’s lovely to finally meet you.”
Davide looked past Sam. “Where’s Finn?”
“Finn?” Sam’s brow furrowed.
“Yes, I told him to call in. My store is next door—did he not tell you?”
Sam shook her head. “No, but …”
“You are busy. Please, don’t mind me. I am forgetting how busy this time must be for you, for both of you. Whata fantastic experience this is, no? The Olympics, here, and I get to see you again.” Davide laughed as Valentina playfully slapped his chest.
“Davide!” she admonished. “It is not always about you!” She turned to Sam, a twinkle in her eye. “He’s always making it about him—thank God he has me to keep him humble.”
“Good to see he hasn’t changed,” Sam said with a wink. “But yes, it is an incredible experience, Davide. I’m loving it.” Her stomach dropped as he smiled widely at her. The truth was, she wasn’t loving it as much as she’d thought she would.
