And that’s what scared me the most.
EIGHTEEN
Frankie
My entire bodyshuddered as soon as I took a sip of the spiked hot chocolate. I clutched my to-go cup with both hands, the sleeves of my sweatshirt pulled up all the way to my fingertips.
“This is perfect,” I said.
“How can you even drink that? It’s too warm. I’m sweating.” Mattie fanned herself as we walked carefully along the bottom of the ski hill. All of the snow had either melted or turned to slush at this point.
She had a point about the sweating. It was only forty-something degrees, but the sun beat down with a relentless intensity. I’d left my jacket inside where Mattie and I had secured a table. It was finally closing day, which everyone had neglected to inform me was basically a giant party.
“Remind me again what we’re out here to watch?” I asked as I stepped over a particularly large puddle.
“The closing competition. It’s for fun. All the workers pile up the snow at the bottom of the main run and make a little terrain park. They all take turns going down it and showingoff. See? They’re lining up over there.” Mattie pointed to the base of the ski hill where a few young guys were shirtless, wearing only bathing suit bottoms and snowboard boots.
“Um. Why are they half naked?” I asked.
“Everyone wears crazy outfits. Today is just a big excuse to party. There’s live music and food trucks.”
“Any good bands?” I asked.
“A few smaller ones, and then The Wedding Band is playing later tonight.”
“Oh, I love them,” I said as Mattie linked her arm through mine and pulled me toward an area where spectators had started to gather.
I hadn’t been back here since my failed attempt at snowboarding, despite Oliver begging me to give it one last try a few nights ago when I was staying over at his place. After a while, I had jokingly suggested that maybe next year, I’d give it another go. But as soon as I said it, Oliver’s smile faltered. I’d meant it to be lighthearted, but the unspoken thought that crossed both our minds was impossible to ignore.
By next year, we’d likely be strangers.
“Do you see the guys?” I asked, turning to search for Oliver.
“They’re probably taking practice runs or waiting at the top,” Mattie said, squinting to catch sight of her husband.
We positioned ourselves toward the side of the crowd, where we had a clear visual of the course. There were a few jumps, some bars placed into the side of the snowy hill, and a few other obstacles. I tried to imagine Oliver snowboarding down. I knew he must be pretty good, but I still couldn’t picture him doing all this.
There were a few snowboarders and skiers at the top of the hill. I squinted to see if I could make him out. Before I could distinguish any faces, a strong arm wrapped around mywaist and I squealed on instinct. I’d recognize the feel of him anywhere.
“Oliver!” I swatted his chest, but he still had me pinned against him.
“Hi.” He grinned down at me before kissing me.
My whole body warmed at his touch. Typically, I had never been one for public displays of affection. But Oliver grabbing and kissing me, without a care in the world, had an excited bubble forming in my chest that was threatening to burst.
Oliver wore a tie-dye T-shirt and black sweatpants. Something about the way his shirt strained against his bare biceps while he still had on mittens, a helmet, and snowboarding boots really did it for me.
“Nice outfit,” I said.
“Wore it just for you,” he replied with a wink.
“Have you seen Giles?” Mattie asked.
Oliver pointed in the direction of the hill. “He’s already up top helping everyone get organized. I think we’re supposed to be starting soon.” He slung his arm across my shoulders and pulled me into his side as he spoke. Mattie raised an eyebrow as she took in the easy gesture.
“Shouldn’t you be up there?” I asked.
“Heading up now.” Oliver grinned before giving me one last squeeze and backing away. He saluted with one hand and carried his board with the other. “Wish me luck.”
