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“I think you should try out a few different instructors, Maria. What do you think? Are you up to hit the slopes with me tomorrow?” Adriel didn’t bat an eye when he suggested this.

I couldn’t understand how he could be this relaxed. But I was incredibly grateful to him for solving this as elegantly as he did. I hurried away as quickly as I could and headed for my cabin.

I simply wanted some peace and quiet.

When I walked through the door, Ruben was obviously waiting for me. He jumped up immediately. “Well? What else happened?”

Shaking my head, I threw my clothes onto a chair. My jacket slipped to the floor. I didn’t care. Exhausted, I let myself fall onto my mattress.

“Adriel took care of everything. She wore me out today.”

“I’m sorry.” Ruben’s regret was evident in every word. “Is there anything I can do?”

Suddenly utter exhaustion took hold of me. With a tentative smile, I shook my head. “No. I only need some peace and quiet.”

“Don’t you want to come out to dinner? You’ve been out all day,” Ruben pressed.

But I shook my head again. “No. I . . . ” My phone vibrated. I picked it up and held it out to Ruben. “Sorry. It’s my brother. Let me take this.”

As I answered the call, Ruben got dressed and left the cabin. Guilt washed over me because he was leaving his temporary home because of me. But maybe he wanted to go eat, too.

“Hey, bro,” I greeted Nash. My tone was annoyed because my nerves were on edge.

“What’s wrong with you?” Nash snapped.

“Is it that obvious?”

My brother sighed. “Come on. What’s gotten into you?”

I groaned as I lay down more comfortably. “Crazy student.”

“Come on! That doesn’t usually bother you.”

Nash was right. I didn’t let people’s moods affect me in my lessons. Never. But that wasn’t the problem. Not really. It was the trigger for an unpleasant realization.

My brother pressed on impatiently. “Or did the snobs get to you? Such a fancy hotel must have its downsides. I was surprised that you went there. It’s not your style, is it?”

“Nah. Not really.” Why had that bitch’s outburst thrown me off so much? “Tell me, Nash.”

“What is it? You sound strange.”

“Somehow, that student made me think today. Have Mom and Dad ever said anything about me being on the beach or being a snowboard instructor or because I didn’t go to college?”

“Shane! What jerk put that nonsense in your head? You know that neither Mom nor Dad has any problems with how you live your life.”

“Yeah. I know,” I mumble.

“Do you, though?” Nash insisted. “You’re the best brother I could ask for. Mom and Dad are happy you’re around, and what they always told us still applies. We have to do what makes us happy. As long as you’re happy with your life, they won’t say anything.”

“And you? Don’t you think it’s weird?”

“Shane, stop it! What’s this actually about? Because of the student today, or did Dick III show up at your resort and start talking shit again? I swear to God, you’re such a chill guy. What is it about this guy that you let him get to you every time?”

“Hmm,” I grunted noncommittally.

Nash sighed. “First loves can mess you up.”

“First love,” I grumbled. “I wouldn’t take it that far.”