His chair scrapes against the floor as he rises, weathered hand landing between my shoulder blades with surprising force. "Still alive, which is more than I expected at my age." His gaze shifts immediately to Charlie, eyes crinkling at the corners. "And who's this lovely lady? Far too pretty to be with the likes of you."
Charlie gives him a polite smile, her eyes crinkling at Frank's grandfatherly charm.
"This is Charlie, my girlfriend," I say easily, my palm settling against the small of her back. Her muscles tighten beneath my touch at the words. "Charlie, this is Frank Dillard, the man who’s taught half of Aspen how to snowboard and used to give me tips when I was still a punk kid on the competition circuit."
"Pleasure to meet you," Charlie says, her hand reaching forward.
Frank clasps it, his weathered eyes twinkling as he winks. "The pleasure's all mine, kid. You must be something special to nail down this one. Back in the day, he had a different girl on his arm every time he came through town."
Heat creeps up my neck and floods my ears. "That was a long time ago, Frank."
"Not that long," he chuckles, gesturing to the empty chairs. "Pull up a seat, both of you. Let an old man buy you lunch."
We settle at the table, and soon burgers and beers appear while stories flow freely. Frank has Charlie doubled over, tears gathering at the corners of her eyes as he recounts my snowboarding mishaps.
"He's hanging there, board still strapped to his feet, upside down like a bat," Frank wheezes, hands mimicking the position. "And you know what he says? 'Did you get that on camera?'"
Charlie's laugh warms something inside me. "That sounds exactly like him."
What impresses me most is how Frank includes Charlie in the conversation, never letting it veer too far into insider snowboarding talk. He asks about her skiing background, compliments her on trying something new, and shares beginner tips that are actually helpful.
"The secret to snowboarding," Frank tells her conspiratorially, "is to keep your shoulders aligned with the board." He touches both of his shoulders. "Your body goes where your shoulders point. And if Sebastian tries to get you doing any of those fancy jumps before you're ready, you just give me a holler."
I'll keep that in mind," she says, the corner of her mouth quirking upward.
"She's a natural, Frank." The words tumble out before I can stop them, my chest swelling as I remember the graceful arc of her turns. "Should've seen her last run. Perfect form."
"He's exaggerating," Charlie protests, but I see the subtle blush in her cheeks as she ducks her head.
"I doubt it," Frank winks at her. "This boy doesn't give out praise unless it's earned. If he says you're good, then you're good."
Around us, the lodge fills with people, their voices creating a rolling hum beneath the rafters. Frank pushes his chair back with a creak. "Well, nature calls," he announces before weaving through the crowd.
Charlie and I settle into silence, watching snowflakes drift lazily past the window, landing on the already white landscape. The moment stretches, comfortable and unhurried.
Our phones vibrate against the wooden table almost in unison. We reach for them, fingers brushing.
"Tyler," I murmur, eyeing my notification.
"Lily," Charlie says simultaneously.
Our eyes meet, and laughter bubbles between us.
"Let me guess," I say, cocking an eyebrow. "Checking in to see if we've killed each other yet?"
"Close." Charlie shows me her screen.
Still alive? How's the fake boyfriend working out?
Send photo evidence!!!!
Lily
I turn my phone so she can see Tyler's messages.
Have you fallen on your face yet?
Or are you ready to admit that you've fallen for her already?
