Kendra unbuckles her snowboard, looking at me for answers. Michael leads her into the trees.
The grove couldn’t be more perfect. It’s almost round, completely sheltered from the outside world on one side. The opposite side has no trees. The ski hill falls away to reveal a breathtaking view of the mountain range, just beginning to be touched by the pink hue of the setting sun. Christmas lights hung in the lower branches of the trees cast an ethereal glow on two snow-sculpted chairs set in the middle of the grove. A giant snowball, flattened on both ends serves as a table. Two candles flicker next to a crock in the middle, also sculpted out of snow. It holds a bottle of champagne.
I’m blown away. I plant my skis in the ground and step behind the trees to watch as Michael leaves Kendra in the center of the grove and then joins me at the edge. “Perfect,” he whispers, opening his palm to the sky. I was so caught up in the scene that I didn’t notice the feathery snowflakes falling softly.
I look at Michael in amazement. He smiles and shrugs. Matthew appears in front of Kendra. He goes down on one knee. Michael touches my shoulder and motions for me to follow him. Reluctantly, I give them privacy.
I don’t move away when Michael reaches to help me while I put my skis back on. The mood of the grove lingers, and I forget that I’m supposed to dislike him.
We wait until we’re out of earshot to celebrate “We did it!” Michael gives me a double high five and then grips my hands. “Could that have been more perfect?”
“No way,” I answer.
“Now all she has to do is say yes.” His face glowswith excitement.
“Trust me, she will.”
Michael doesn't let go of my hands. I'm staring into his eyes. He really has beautiful eyes. “I’m sorry I was an arrogant jerk earlier.”
I look away. “You weren’t. I was being oversensitive.”
“Friends then?”
“Friends.”
He holds my gaze and my hands for a minute more. “Let’s get in our last run and then we’ll come clean up after those guys. Matt said he would call us when they were leaving.”
We take an easy run and stay together the whole way down. I like Michael better when we’re not trying to impress or outdo each other.
On the way back up the lift, he keeps looking at me. Finally he says. “Can I ask you a favor?”
“I guess so.” I sway my feet and look down at the mountain.
“Matt told me you were going back to Pullman a couple of days after Christmas.”
“Yeah. I have to get back to work.”
“Will you be there for New Year’s?”
“Yes,” I answer slowly.
“Are you working that night?”
“I’m working until about four that afternoon, why?”
“Every year my family has a huge New Year’s Eve party. For the last three years, my sisters or one of my aunts has set me up on a blind date. It would really help me out if I could tell them I already had a date.”
“Would you like me to find you a date?” I don't meet his eyes.
“That would be pretty much the same thing as one of them setting me up,” Michael replies.
“I guess you’re right.”
“I was wondering if you would go with me. Just as friends?” The pompous rich kid I thought Michael was melts. He seems almost unsure of himself. “That is if you don’t already have plans.”
I think about his offer while we get off the lift. He used the wordfriends. It’ll make Matt happy, and maybe get him off my back. Besides, Michael is stationed in Texas. It’s not like I’ll ever see him again. “Okay.” I answer without looking at him.
“Is that a yes?” he asks.
