My jaw dropped.
“But by the ease of that stop you just made, I think it’s time we move over to the Blue runs. They are the next level in skiing. I can’t take you, since the rest of the students aren’t ready for that but—”,
Blake cut him off. “I can take her.”
Trevor looked at Blake and then at me, eventually nodding his head.
“Okay, that works. Let me know how she does.” Trevor gave Blake a fist bump and skied off to catch up with the rest of the teens who’d been skiing down the mountain while we spoke.
“Alright, then. You’re under my power now.” Blake did an impersonation of an evil laugh while I playfully smacked him in the arm. “Just kidding. I had a babysitter say that to me when I was little, and it traumatized me. I’ve considered therapy just to move past it. Anyway, let’s head tothe bottom. Do you feel ready to check out a Blue run? You definitely look ready, but it’s your decision.”
I appreciated Blake’s pressure-free presence when it came to skiing. He was the polar opposite of Theo in every way. Ugh. I thought I needed a cattle prod to stop comparing Blake to Theo. “Maybe, yes. But first I want to master picking up a little more speed on the green runs!” I cheered, feeling a little anxiety in my voice, but also was ready to tackle a challenge. If anything, it would give me a story to tell Blake’s parents that night.
“Great. Want to get a hot chocolate first or have it be our reward after?”
I liked the sound of that. “Reward. I’m very food motivated, like a retriever.”
“The cutest retriever I’ve ever seen.”
I blushed at his comment, not even sure if comparing me to a dog was a good thing, but I did it to myself. “Thank you?”
We both laughed at the conversation. We jumped on a chairlift and made our way back to the top. We ended up skiing the rest of the day, only breaking for a hot chocolateand warm pretzel. Blake brought one out with extra cheese for us to share.
“How did you know these giant pretzels are my favorite?” I demanded.
“It was a test. If you don’t like pretzels, I’m not sure I can continue this fake relationship.” He dunked a buttery piece into cheese and popped it into his mouth. We finished our snack and put our gloves back on.
“What time is it?” I asked.
“I think it’s quarter to four, so only time for one more run if you have it in you. If we continue this pace, you’ll be on Black Diamonds tomorrow. By next week, I won’t be able to keep up. By next year, the Olympics.”
I gave him a smirk and rolled my eyes. I knew the latter of that statement was fluff, but I was curious what he thought. The second we sat down on the chairlift, I turned to him. “Do you think I have what it takes to be a skier?”
He gave me a confused look. “Claire… I don’t know what people have said to you in your life. It’s pretty clear you’ve been treated like you’re unworthy of love from that jerk ex of yours… And I know what it’s like to be living in the shadow of your father. But one thing I know for certain: Youarea skier. Your level of ability does not change that fact; whether or not you participate does. And you have made such great progress just in the last two days. What you needed was the chance to show yourself what you can do.”
His words hit me like a brick as we stepped off the chairlift. “Blake, thank you for being here for me. I hope we can remain friends after this because your light and positivity are just what I needed in my life. You are heaven sent. We better get back so I can check in with my group and get ready for tonight.”
I gave him a short hug, and he told me he would be heading to his parents early, and that he’d see me there. I gave a thumbs up and took off down my favorite green run of the day, “Powder Puff.”
My group was nowhere to be found in the lodge. I remembered Tamara had booked a pedicure for the afternoon, and I could see Mickey riding the magic carpet lift with Trevor. I was sure there was a story there, but I’d have to hear what it was later. Back in my hotel room, I took a quick shower, styled my hair in a beach wave, and put on my new outfit. Everything fit perfect, and Tamara’s boots were just tallenough that they made my calves look chiseled. I snapped a picture in the full-length closet mirror and sent it to Tamara.
Thank you again for the boots. Will let you know when I’m back. Will be on Blueberry Basin, at the James Walker residence. And if I go missing, for my crime documentary, there is no need to embellish the facts. I did NOT light up a room xx
Tamara sent me some laughing emojis and a heart. She was exhausted and had been battling some pretty severe nausea, but we promised to get together when that passed. I was set to go then, grabbed my small purse with my phone, lip gloss and some breath mints just in case we ate anything really fragrant, and went to the downstairs lobby for the car.
A sleek, black suburban with tinted windows silently came to a stop outside the front doors. While I had no idea who it was for, Blake did say he was sending acar,not a behemoth of the road. When the valet came inside, calling for “Claire Riley,” I followed him to the car where he opened the back seat door for me. The interior lit up, and a smooth-faced driver who wore a suit looked back at me.
“Good evening, Miss. I am Tom, your driver tonight. We will be at Mr. Walker’s residence shortly.”
“Thank you, Tom.” I’d never been to one of the homes, er—mansions, on the mountain. They started popping up right after our town was bought by James Walker, and my gut told me his house was the first to go up. Tom wasn’t the chatty type, judging by his lack of words to me, and that was fine. It had been a long day of skiing, and my body was tired. The smoothness of the car driving through the crunchy snow was lulling me to sleep, but the moment I closed my eyes, we came to a stop. Tom turned off the car, got out, and immediately opened my door in one fluid movement.
“Ms. Riley, right this way.”
He held out his hand for me to take as I got out of the car. The heated driveway and sidewalks were immaculately free from snow and illuminated by gleaming solar lights. The house had dark siding and a black roof with brown trim that matched the pavers on the sidewalks. The front side had a few windows, revealing a glow from within. Aesthetically, it was a stylishly designed house and made me remember just how much I enjoyed being a designer. For that night, I would put the nagging realization of needing to findanother job away but come next week when the fun fantasy was over, I would hit the job search.
The front door swung open. “Claire! You made it.” Blake stood at the entryway, wearing a gray button up shirt tucked into dark jeans, a blue sweater, and loafers. He looked boyish dressed up, and I liked it. “You look lovely. Come on in. My parents are dying to meet you.” Holding out his hand, I took it and walked inside.
“Thank you, Tom.” I looked back, and he gave me a nod, returning to his vehicle.
