Matt:“Still thinking about that Veltliner?If not, I know a place with better wine.And better company.”
I stare at the message, thumb hovering.
Then I remember Thomas's line.Crazy fan.Nearly killed herself for a chance at a date.
It shouldn't still be burning.But it does.Because I believe it wasn't just a joke.I think that's how he sees me.Or how he wants to keep seeing me.
I type.
Me: “When and where?”
The reply is instant.
Matt:“Seven.I'll pick you up.”
I slide my phone into my pocket and lean back in my chair.
The sky above Wengen is bright blue.The snow along the rooftops sparkles like spun glass.Everything is clean, crisp, and full of promise.
And for the first time in days, I don't feel like I'm waiting for something that will never come.
A voice in the back of my mind whispers:
Dating athletes now?
Shut up.
I deserve a bit of fun.
Don’t I?
***
Thomas
The pub in Wengen is packed, music blaring, beer flowing, and someone already standing on a table yelling something in Swiss-German I can't make out.Lukas is glowing in the kind of way only a win can do.First place, finally.Martin snagged fifth.I held onto third.Three of us in the top five.The team has earned this night.
But I don't feel like celebrating.I feel like something's missing, but I just can't figure out what.
Who am I kidding?I know exactly who I am missing.
And here she is.
Katharina slips through the door with the kind of quiet presence that still turns heads.Her hair's curled loose, a shade more effort than usual.No team jacket.No sneakers, but heels.Lipstick, subtle, but enough to make my pulse spike.She's not dressed to be just another team rep tonight.She's dressed to be seen.
She walks over to Lukas and clinks his beer with a soft smile.
"Congrats, boys.That was fun to watch."
She turns to me."You too.Good skiing."
I nod.That's all I can manage.My chest tightens.
She glances at her phone, then back at Lukas, and then nods at me."Just a reminder—you've got that interview in an hour.Leitner will drive you both.Try not to show up tipsy."
Lukas raises his hands."Hey, no promises.But we'll make it."
Martin nudges him."She's dressed up.That means what I think it means?"
