I forgot about Michael.
I don’t want to stick around until Michael gets out of the shower. It’s bad enough that I just yelled at him. I detour to the bathroom in my parent's room, but stop short when I hear the shower running there too. Matt must have had the same idea I did.
Back to my bedroom. At least now I have time to check my email. I’m dying to see if Jacob got my package or if he liked anything I sent. I’m thinking about that, so I don’t notice Michael coming out of the bathroom, wearing nothing but a towel, until I run into him. I look up, and come face to chest. I look away quickly—not quickly enough not to be impressed. Not as much bulk as Jacob—but not bad.
“Sorry, Jess.” He’s blushing too, or maybe it’s just his fair skin and the hot water. His entire chest and face are red. “I guess I’ve gotten used to living with guys.”
“It’s okay,” I’m still averting my eyes. “I’ve only ever lived with guys. I mean my brothers. My roommates are all girls. I mean, I guess I’m used to it too.” If I was blushing before now my face is on fire.
He steps aside and gestures to the door. “The shower is all yours. I even left you a little hot water.”
“That’s okay.” I’m looking down, not at his face. It’s not a very long towel. He has nice legs too. “Matt’s probably finishing it off right now.”
“What am I finishing off?” Matt comes up the stairs, chewing on a piece of bacon, already dressed.
“The hot water,” Michael answers. I wonder how long he’s going to stand there wearing nothing but a towel. I wonder if he or Matt would notice if I took another quick peek in his direction.
“Not me.” Matt leans against the wall. “I showered an hour ago. I’ve been up since five. I couldn’t sleep.”
“Who’s in Mom’s shower then?”
“I think it's Tyler.” A grin spreads across Matt’s face.
“Tyler?” I shake my head. “Since when is he into being clean, especially before snowboarding?”
Matt’s grin spreads to his cheeks. “It’s possible our little brother is bringing a girl to the hill.”
“A date? With a girl? Wow. I guess he really has turned into a teenage boy.” I look at Michael again, forgetting he's not dressed.
“So Jess, did you come up with any brilliant ideas for today?” Apparently, it doesn’t bother Matt that Michael is practically naked.
It bothers me. “Can we discuss this later? When we’re all dressed.”
“Sure.” He smiles at me wickedly. “I’d hate for Dad to come up and catch the two of you leaving the shower together.”
“Matthew!” My face is blazing.
Michael takes this as his exit cue. I catch the look in his eye when he leaves. He thinks this is funny.
As I climb into the shower, I mentally move Matthew to the top of my hit list. Michael isn’t far behind, even if none of this is his fault. Maybe I won’t help Matt today. Maybe I’ll ditch them all and ski by myself. The idea sounds nice. The water goes cold. Tyler hits number three on the list.
I hurry to get dressed. Since I didn’t have time to wash my hair before the hot water ran out, I braid it back. I sit in front of my computer, but Matt calls me.
“Jess, are you ready? We need to make plans, and we're picking Kendra up in less than a half-hour.”
The boys are devouring stacks of blueberry pancakes and bacon. Mom isn't a morning person. I’m surprised she got up early and put in that much effort. It must be for Michael’s benefit.
Matthew and Michael are talking as fast as they’re eating. “Hey Jess,” Matt says when I sit down to eat. “You’re fired.”
“Fired from what?” I’m not in the mood for pancakes, so I get an orange and a piece of bacon.
“From being my romantic consultant,” Matthew says between mouthfuls.
I pour myself a glass of milk. “Who’s taking my place?”
“Michael,” Matthew answers. “He has some great ideas for today.”
Michael stands up, spreading his arms like a director selling a shot. “Picture this—the top of the ski hill, breathtaking views, a little grove of pine trees, lights in the lower branches, music in the background, a table, chairs, candlelight, champagne chilling in the snow, feathery snowflakes falling softly.”
