“Okay, then,” he finally said when he realized I wasn’t going to say more.
Bev shot a glance between the two of us and smirked before pinching my thin windbreaker. “You really don’t have anything warm? Not even something you might have bought for a trip?” Concern crept into her voice.
“This is my first time visiting somewhere with a colder climate,” I exclaimed, grateful for the change in subject. “It’s so exciting to see snow up close and personal like this.”
Giles scoffed. “You’re telling me this is your first time seeing snow and we’ve entrusted our ski lodge to you?”
“Oh, don’t worry about that.” My cheeks hurt from either the cold or the fake smile. “I promise I’m very good at what I do. I’m confident this place will be sold out well into the spring months. I also did a ton of research on ski lodges while working on the pitch for this place.”
“Whatever you say, Florida.” He shrugged and turned back toward the entrance.
Bev grabbed my arm and led me in the same direction. “Let’s get you inside before you freeze to death.”
Crossing the threshold led us into the lodge’s main lobby. The brown woodwork continued into this room and up to the beams on the high ceiling. The space was open, with a giant fireplace at its center. There were comfy armchairs surrounding the fire. To the right was a large reception desk.
Beyond the fireplace was another expansive room with a few folding tables and chairs. That area was nowhere near as grand as the rest of the room. I made a mental note to add that to the list of possible improvements.
“This is beautiful. It’s the perfect cozy atmosphere.” I noticed Giles rolling his eyes at my delight and tried not to let it affect me.
Bev sighed. “It is, isn’t it? This place has been in the family for decades. I remember being a little girl, wandering these halls while my parents ran the place.”
“What a wonderful place to grow up.”
She nodded. I could see the memories flashing across her eyes as she probably tried to take in the room from a newcomer’s perspective.
“Well, this is the heart and soul of the place, but there’s a lot more to see. I know you had an overnight layover and must be exhausted, so I don’t want to overwhelm you. Why don’t you get some rest today and get settled? I can give you the official tour tomorrow.”
“That sounds great,” I said.
“Giles, let’s take Mattie over to her apartment.”
I winced and glanced in his direction.
“Sorry, no can do,” he replied in a decidedly unapologetic tone. “Need to head to the office.”
“Office?” I asked before I could stop myself.
He made eye contact as he was walking past me. “The office at the ski resort. I have some work to do.”
“I thought your family only owned the lodge.”
He crossed his arms impatiently. As if my genuine interest in his life and town offended him. “The resort used to be owned by a different family in Key Ridge. It got bought out by a big ski company a few years ago. I’ve been working there ever since I got back.”
“Right, you just retired—”
“I really have to go,” he said before nodding at his aunt and spinning on his heel.
“Okay, then. Great,” I muttered under my breath.
“Don’t worry about Giles.” Bev waved her hand at his departing back. “He’s got a lot going on, and he’s handling it like an ass. He’ll warm up eventually.”
My throat itched to ask her more, but I held back, not wanting to seem too interested in her mysterious nephew.
“Um, so we were talking about my apartment.”
“Right, yes. Looks like I’ll just take you there by myself.”
I followed her out of the main entrance and back to the front parking lot.
