“You think someone who stuck around for their afterlife would do so just to see you naked?” I asked.
He folded his arms in mock offense. “I don’t see why not. I’m very nice to look at naked.”
Heat ran across my face as I recalled exactly what he looked like naked, and though an arrogant thing to say, he wasn’t wrong.
Our food came out right after and he was right, this was excellent french toast. It was made from Chalah bread, which made it thick enough that it didn't get all soggy. And the macerated strawberries on top were the perfect add on.
When we were done, I got a hot apple cider to go and we were back on the road. Snow had started to come down, but lightly, making the road in front of us look like we were in hyperdrive through space.
I must have fallen asleep, because the next time I opened my eyes, we were in front of a giant lodge. It had floor to ceiling windows everywhere and stone steps leading to a giant beamed entrance. With all the snow around it looked like a winter wonderland.
"We're here," Ellery said.
I nodded, stretching before hopping out of the car. I moved around, but Ellery shook his head. "The bell hop will bring them up," he said.
I wasn't sure why we couldn't carry our luggage, but was too tired to argue. I followed up the steps into the lobby. It felt like a warm hug. It was all dark woods, with a fireplace crackling to the side and leather furniture all about the space. The smell of burning wood and warm vanilla filled the air.
"Good evening," the desk attendant said. "Ellery Scott, welcome back," she greeted. "Holiday vacation?"
"Like every year," he affirmed. "Just checking in."
The woman clicked her nails across the keys, before reaching behind her and grabbing a card. "You'll have your usual," she said, sliding the card across the desk. "Your luggage should be on the way as we speak. Please feel free to use any of the amenities.” The way she said ‘amenities’ was a bit strange. “And if you need ski lessons, just let us know and we can schedule that."
"Thanks," he said.
We turned away, hand in hand as he led me to the elevators. Having his hand in mine was strange, but not unpleasant.
We reached the top floor and walked a few steps down the hall, where he swiped the key card and opened the door. The room was beautiful. It was the same dark wood theme asdownstairs, with a small living area and a bed off to the back. I peaked into the bathroom, where I noticed not only a rainfall shower, but also a large tub I planned to use frequently during our stay.
A few moments later, there was a knock on the door and our belongings arrived. Ellery tipped the man and brought our stuff in.
"Would you like to shower?" he asked.
"Yeah, I should." I felt a bit gross after being in the car for so long. I got out some pajamas and my face wash before going into the bathroom.
Once I felt more myself, I slipped into the silk top and shorts I got and went out to the room.
He switched with me quietly, looking me up and down once before going in.
I tried not to think on it too much as I put my things back in my suitcase. I should probably unpack since we were staying for so long, but that was a problem for tomorrow.
As I gave the room another glance over, something else occurred to me.
There was only a single bed.
I assumed we'd be in some kind of suite, but it seemed to be more like a studio apartment. It didn't matter, though, the couch looked large and comfortable, I could easily sleep there.
I grabbed the throw from the back of the couch and a pillow from the bed before slinking down onto the couch and finding sleep quickly.
Ellery
The next morningI stretched my arms over my head, sprawling out. The beds here were always so comfortable. I sat up, looking around. The blanket and pillow were both folded on the couch neatly and Juniper was nowhere to be seen.
I didn't think about the fact that my usual suite only had a single bed. I normally only come by myself, so I wasn't thinking about requesting a full suite. While I could ask to be moved, my family would probably find it suspicious that we moved to a room with more than one bed.
I also would have offered to have us sleep together. We were adults who could share a bed, but by the time I was done showering, she was fast asleep on the couch.
I wondered where she was now. She couldn't have run off too far. Standing, I found a coffee cart pushed into the room. I hadn't requested one yet, but I usually did. The resort likely had my preferences on file.
