I took a sip. It was bright and refreshing, with just enough bite to keep it interesting.
“Not bad,” I admitted.
“Not bad?” He put a hand over his heart. “I’m wounded.”
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t help smiling. “You get enough compliments on your skiing, I’m sure. Do you really need some about your bartending?”
“Yes.” He said it solemnly, and for a moment, he looked like Landon. “And also about my good looks.” I almost snorted. He was back to acting like himself again.
On the other end of the bar, Landon was watching us with quiet amusement.
Before I could say anything else, a small, older man walked up, an exquisitely carved cane in his hand. He couldn’t have been more than an inch or two taller than me, with silver hair and a weathered face that lit up when he saw the twins.
“There they are!” he said, his voice warm and booming despite his size. “My favorite troublemakers.”
Kai straightened, his grin shifting into something more genuine. “Edward, my man. Good to see you.”
The elderly man reached a hand out, and Kai shook it. Then Edward nodded at Landon who’d wandered over. “Hey Landon. Still keeping your brother out of trouble?”
“Trying,” Landon said with a slight smile.
Edward’s gaze shifted to me, curious. “And who’s this?”
“This is Zoe,” Kai said. “She’s doing an internship here. Hospitality management.” My jaw dropped as Irealized this man must be Edward Pierce, owner of The Fraser.
I stood and extended my hand. “It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Pierce.”
He waved me off, though he shook my hand warmly. “Call me Edward. And the honor’s all mine. Anyone who can put up with these two deserves a medal.”
I’d done my research on Edward Pierce. At one point, he’d owned three of the top ten resorts in the nation. But The Fraser was his favorite—the only one he still owned. He’d built an empire, and even though he’d scaled back, his reputation was legendary.
He settled onto a barstool and launched into a story about Kai’s last championship win, his eyes gleaming with pride. It was clear he adored the twins, especially Kai. He asked about what they’d been up to in the last year, focusing more on Kai’s apparently wild personal life than his time on the slopes.
I watched, fascinated. Edward Pierce wasn’t just a fan. He almost seemed to be living vicariously through them, soaking up their youth and recklessness like it could rub off on him.
After a while, and heaps of praise, most of it directed toward Kai, Edward excused himself, saying he had an early morning. The bar felt quieter without him.
Then Mr. Hartley appeared.
He didn’t have his wife with him this time. He was alone, slightly unsteady on his feet, his face flushed.
“There’s my favorite girl,” he said, sliding onto the stool next to mine.
I forced a smile. “Mr. Hartley. Can I help you with something?”
“Call me Bob.” He swung an arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer. “You’ve been so helpful. So sweet.”
I could smell the whiskey on his breath. “I’m glad I could help. If you need anything?—”
“You know what I need?” He leaned in, his hand squeezing my shoulder. “A pretty girl like you to keep an old man company.”
I carefully extracted myself, stepping back with a practiced smile. “I’m sure your wife would love to join you. She seemed lovely when I met her.”
“Susan’s asleep.” He waved his hand dismissively. “Come on, sweetheart. I’ll buy you a drink.”
“I really should get back to work.” I glanced over to Landon, half hoping he’d see what was happening and distract Mr. Hartley, but he was talking quietly with a customer at the end of the bar.
Bob caught my wrist. “Just one drink, darling. What’s the harm?”
