I followed him down a hallway to an outdoor area with a metal grate covering the ground to catch the wet snow. The icy chill caught my nose with a familiar surprise.
“And there’s the bunny hill. You’ll all meet here every morning.”
For the termbunny hill, I always expected much less incline, but this was the one place I had an experience with.
“Let me know if there’s anything we can help your group with during your stay. Enjoy.”
The concierge returned inside, holding the door for me behind him.
“I suppose you could walk me back to the other building so I can find it again,” I smiled sheepishly, and he laughed, waving me over, and we walked back.
“Any plans for New Year’s Eve?”
His question caught me off guard. Was he asking me out? My social skills hadn’t taken that much of a hit that I didn’t even know what was happening… right? Then again, I thought I was getting engaged when I got dumped instead. “I haven’t thought that far ahead. Is there anything fun going on?” I gave him a once-over to reallyseethe man I was speaking to. He was rather attractive; that was clear with his jet-black hair and blueish gray eyes. There was an evolving tone to his voice that I couldn’t place, but almost everyone living and working in Sage Mountain was from elsewhere, so that didn’t even phase me anymore.
“Depends on where you look.” He winked at me, making my cheeks betray me instantly.
I internally screamed at my blushing, which always betrayed me. First thing after New Year’s, I vowed to call a doctor about my cheeks reddening at every drop of a pin. I did not know what he meant by that, but I didn’t have to wonder long as we stepped back into the elevator. He looked around, as if someone could hear him, while we were alone.
“My buddies and I started a little bit of an underground thing. Do you like club music?” He was grinning ear to ear, eagerly anticipating my answer, but my facial expression must have said it all.
I wanted to say “yes,” but it wasn’t the truth. Still, it was hard. “I do… not.” There was nothing I disliked more than loud booming beats and flashing lights. “I’m afraid that sort of thing triggers my migraines.” He looked away in defeat. “But I wish you much success.”
Every relationship had deal breakers, and partying was the biggest one for me. I justdidn’tparty. My idea of having a great time was getting up early and watching the sunrise. The elevator doors opened, and Zeek bolted out without another word.Oh well, I thought. Instead of going to my room, I loitered in the lobby while I waited for the youth group.
Exploring the area, I turned into a lounge that was so stunning, it took my breath away. The ceilings were impossibly tall, showing an intricate beam pattern that must have taken months to design and complete. Extending to the ceiling, the tan stone fireplace had sparkling glass pieces in the fire, glistening elegantly. The windows overlooked bright, red gondolas and the “V,” just like at my condo, but much closer. The space was enchanting.
There was a full-scale bar with several seating areas, but a small sign on the bar top said they weren’t open until the evening. It explained their offerings of self-serve hot drinks on a nearby adjacent table. The selection looked divine; they had three large vats of liquids: hot chocolate, coffee, anddecaf. Next to them, they had shiny glass jars filled to the top with fluffy marshmallows, sprinkles, and cinnamon candies. A pastry bottle of fresh whipped cream sat in the center in a small bucket with ice.
Checking my watch, I went for it. I was officially on vacation and considering I was now unemployed, I thought I had better make this last hurrah count. I didn’t know when, ifever, I would go on another trip. Ten in the morning was the perfect time to make myself a tall drink with extra whipped cream and marshmallows. I was sprinkling on the cinnamon when Mickey tapped me on the shoulder.
“Morning, Claire. You want to do me a solid and make Tamara one of those while I check in? She’s got low blood sugar this morning and trust me when I say it would be for the good of the world to fix that.”
I looked at Tamara who was standing right next to Mickey.
“Ignore him, Claire. So nice to see you.” She leaned in and gave me a hug, her beautiful, golden-brown curls cascading over her shoulders.
“Tamara, you look cuter every moment. Would you like a hot chocolate? It’s frigid outside, and you have the best excuse in the world, as you’re drinking for two.”
Mickey snorted and patted her perfectly round baby bump, before walking over to the front desk.
“All jokes, you two! Yes, Claire, I would love one.”
I handed her my first creation while I made a second with even more marshmallows that time and joined her on the leather sectional in front of the grand fireplace.
“Mickey said you’re taking ski lessons, too. I think that’s wonderful. If I could, I would, but I’m fearful of falling or worse, falling asleep. I’ve been so tired these days, and I’m nowhere near the finish line.”
I looked at Mickey’s stunning wife whom he started dating in high school. It was never a question for either of them. They were destined to be together and didn’t have to wonder when or if they would marry.
“Yes. When in Rome… Any baby names picked out?” I quickly changed the subject; it was refreshing to talk about something else for a change other than myself, skiing, and how the two things did not mix well.
“We like Henry for a boy and—”
“Elsie for a girl,” Mickey interjected, appearing behind Tamara with room keys in both hands. He kissed her on the top of her head before sorting out the keys. The teens started arriving, and Mickey went to greet them.
“I’m so happy for you, Tamara. Really, what a magical time this is— the beginning of your beautiful family.”
Tamara smiled and patted her baby bump. “It will happen for you, too, Claire. I feel it in my bones.”
