“Hi. Miriam.” I thrust my hand out but pull it back when I remember my jagged cuticles are about to do show-and-tell.Note to self: Add nail maintenance to the monthly routine.
He flashes a smile. “Hart. Nice to meet you. May I?”
I don’t own the establishment or the chair. “Sure, okay.”
He takes the seat next to me. “What brings you to Ellicottville?”
“What makes you think I don’t live here?”
“Oh, sorry. Do you live here?”
“No,” I shrug. “Just curious as to why you assumed I’m not a resident. Do I not look like a local?” The total population here is the same as my high school.
“You’re prettier,” he says.
Don’t blush. “Thank you.” My eyes dance from my glass to the bar and back. How do people do this?
“Would you like another?”
“Huh?”
He points to the empty glass I’m holding. “Would you like another drink?”
“Oh,” I chuckle and bump my eyeglasses with my thumb. “No thanks. I already had two.”
More silence.
I chance a question that won’t make me seem more awkward than I am. “Do you live here?”
Hart shakes his head. “Corning. I came over to ski.”
“Don’t remind me about the slopes.” I wince. “I had a spill today.” That’s an exaggeration. I never even stayed upright on my skis. “Me and skiing don’t get along.”
“Maybe I could teach you if you’re still around tomorrow?”
“Trust me, I’m helpless.” My laughter fades at his eyes pinned to mine. They’re blue. Not cobalt or sapphire. Still pretty, with a hint of gray.
I peek at Marcela for a lifeline and get a wink.
“This is my sister, Marcela.”
“Hi.” She offers a quick wave.
“Hey.” He all but ignores her.
Well then.
What’s the goal here? We ski. I fall. He takes me to the hospital and asks for my number.
Do we exchange contact information now? I don’t like how he barely acknowledged my sister. Am I interested in a first date? Where would it be? Tomorrow? In Corning?
How does Antonio do this with multiple people?
I’m already exhausted.
“Um.” I twist my glass. “I’d rather not risk more embarrassment to my family than I already have.”
His brows draw together before realization dawns. He snaps his fingers. “That was you today! I saw someone rolling down the kiddie run.”
