"It's just a bit of snow, Billy." Meredith grinned, her cheeks rosy from the alcohol.
Rosa noticed the seriousness of Billy's face. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, just…don't fancy driving the buggy in this if it gets much worse."
"You haven't been drinking, have you?" Rosa asked.
"No, you know I don't drink." Billy moved away from the window and came to sit on the arm of the sofa. "We should get going," she whispered to Rosa.
Imogen yawned.
"See? Let them get to bed. We can all have a good sleep. It was an early start this morning," Billy continued.
Rosa nodded. "Yes, I suppose so. Maybe we should walk?"
"Oh, I can give you a ride," Carl said. "I should be heading home too."
"That would be great," Billy replied, smiling.
"What about the buggy?"
Billy grinned. "I'd rather walk up in the morning when it's light, than walk down now in the dark. I'll get our coats."
"We'll be alright, Mum," Imogen said quietly. "You don't have to worry about us. Just have some fun."
Rosa smiled and cupped her daughter's face gently. "It's my job to worry about you. I'll always worry about you, but you shouldn't worry about me."
"Kinda hard when I know you're all alone at home when I'm not there."
The words stung. Rosa's smile faltered for a moment before she forced it back.
"Who said I'm alone when you're not there?"
Imogen's eyes widened. "Have you got a secret girlfriend?"
Rosa laughed. "No, but if I did…" She winked. "I'm fine being alone, but I'm not always alone." Rosa stepped back, holding Imogen at arm's length, taking her in. "You're going to doamazing things, and I'm going to try harder to let you…even though you'll always be my little girl."
"Ugh, you're so sappy." Imogen laughed, but she leaned in and kissed Rosa's cheek.
"Okay, enough embarrassing our daughter. Carl's waiting," Billy said, holding out Rosa's coat for her to put on. "It's cold outside."
"I guess you do have Billy to look after you." Imogen smiled at them both. "Tonight, I mean."
Rosa and Billy both glanced at each other and looked away just as quickly.
"Will you be here for breakfast?" Meredith asked. "Only…we planned an early start, so the girls could get a ski run in before we head to town. We hoped you'd want to join us on the slopes."
"I don't ski," Rosa said.
"Neither do I, but there's a wonderful little après-ski lodge with a spa. I thought us oldies could spend the morning relaxing whilst they go down the piste."
"I know I could do with a little relaxing." Billy nudged Rosa gently.
"Okay, yes, that sounds…nice." Rosa smiled and buttoned up her jacket. It wasn't her favourite coat, all orange and puffy, but it was warm, and for that she was grateful. "So, in the morning we'll…"
Schultz nodded, explaining, "I'll come and pick you up. Let’s say eight?"
"Sounds perfect," Billy said. "Shall we go? Carl's already in the car waiting."
