Bev made a tsking noise. “And now she’s got you working like a dog. Sounds like Mattie.”
“I’m finishing up a few things,” she insisted again, placing the papers she’d printed into a folder. “Besides, Frankie wanted to help.”
Bev and I exchanged a knowing look.
“Regardless if that’s true or not, we’re happy to have any help we can get. It’s been a real challenge getting seasonal workers this year.”
Even though I knew Bev had no reason to lie to me, this all still felt like some elaborate scheme my sister had concocted to make sure I didn’t feel disoriented and restless with my current state.
“I’m here if you need me,” I offered.
Bev tipped her head in acknowledgment. “I’m sorry about your job. That’s tough,” she said.
Even though I hadn’t expected her to bring that up, I took the stray comment like a champ and forced myself to appear unshaken. “It’s alright. Life happens.”
Bev shifted her weight and the kindness in her eyes almostmade me waver. “Just because life happens doesn’t mean it isn’t hard. You feel what you need to feel, okay?”
Her words instantly brought heat to my eyes. It was like she knew I had fallen asleep the past two nights crying my eyes out. Change was hard for me. But change out of my control? This was really throwing me for a loop.
“Thanks, Bev.”
Mattie looked between the two of us, her eyes softening before Bev gave a curt nod toward the entrance into the restaurant, Marie’s. Beyond the giant fireplace at the center of the lobby, there was a floor-to-ceiling opening that led into the bustling lounge. The murmur of distant conversations and the clink of wine glasses floated all the way to the reception desk.
“If you’re really serious about working here temporarily, Marie’s has been absolutely slammed lately. We’re getting more visitors than normal this time of year, and we just had three people quit on us to work at a new brewery in the next town over. My daughter-in-law, Erin, used to help out a lot, but with her gone, too, we’re really struggling. Hell, I’ve even taken over running the bar most nights.”
Me, a bartender? Now that was something I’d never pictured for myself. But since I wasn’t in a position to say no, I said, “I’m at your service.”
“Marie’s? Really?” Mattie sounded nervous. “The only thing you know about bars and restaurants is how to order takeout.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I said dryly. “Weren’t you the one who wanted me to help out?”
“I thought you’d be behind the desk.” Mattie gestured to where I was currently sitting.
Bev threw a hand up. “Please. Frankie will be fine, and we need the help. I didn’t know how to make a basic cocktail, andnow I’m back there every night slinging drinks. It’s exciting. Plus, a great way to get your mind off things.”
She gave me a small wink and I smiled gratefully. Mattie was right. I had absolutely zero experience with bartending or customer service, but I could learn, right? Besides, I could only stress about job applications for so many hours of the day. I needed something else to keep me busy before I suffered from a complete mental breakdown.
“Sounds perfect,” I said.
“Are you sure?” Mattie asked.
Something about the way my sister insisted I couldn’t do this made me want the job that much more.
“When should I start?” I asked.
SIX
Oliver
“Wantto grab happy hour with me when you finish up with this lesson?” Giles lifted the goggles away from his eyes and balanced them on his snowboard helmet.
I nodded and lifted my own goggles. “Sounds good. We just finished up our last run so I’ll be done in a few.”
I didn’t want to ask, but part of me wondered who might be joining us at this happy hour. I hadn’t had the pleasure of running into Frankie again, but even after a week, the memory of our kiss still sat heavy on my mind.
Giles headed in the direction of the employee locker room, leaving me with the two guests I had spent the entire afternoon with. They were pretty chill and in their mid-forties. Both had spent their younger years skiing and wanted to try something new. They weren’t very good, but I respected the effort. A lot of people hit a certain age and decided they were done learning new skills—especially skills some might consider dangerous. But not these two. They had committed, fearlessly sending themselves down each intermediate run I’d taken them on. No matter how many times they took a tumble.
“You guys killed it,” I said, holding up my fist for them each to bump.
