Nat hesitated, torn between her professional instincts and the unexpected yet not unappealing request. "Are you sure?"
Sofia nodded, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "I insist. In fact, let me help you set the table."
Before Nat could protest, Sofia had set Moxie down and was already pulling plates from the cabinet. Nat watched in amazement as Sofia, the woman who had been so determined to keep her at arm's length, now genuinely seemed to appreciate her presence.
Nat chuckled at the absurdity of the situation as she plated the food and took a seat opposite Sofia.
Sofia looked up. "What's so funny?"
"It's just... I've worked in this chalet for five years, and I've never sat at the dining table before. It's strange."
Sofia smiled. "Well, I'm glad to be the one to change that tradition."
Nat felt oddly nervous as if she were on a first date rather than having dinner with a client, and she took a sip of water, trying to calm her racing heart.
"You're not having wine?" Sofia asked, sipping hers. "This is an excellent red. Well chosen."
"I don't drink on the job," Nat explained. "And besides, I have to drive home." Her gaze drifted to the window, where the worsening weather outside caught her attention.
Sofia looked out too. "The weather seems to be picking up quite a bit," she commented.
Nat nodded, feeling a twinge of worry. "Yes, the storm is already starting to hit. It's earlier than we expected." She turned back to Sofia, offering an apologetic smile. "I'm afraid you won't be able to ski tomorrow."
“I already expected that.” Sofia shrugged. “And I don’t mind staying in with my books and my pint-sized new best friend.”
“She’s certainly entertaining.” Nat laughed as she watched Moxie hopping around the dining room, exploring. “And don't worry, we're well-prepared for situations like this. The chalet is fully stocked, of course, and we have backup generators in case of power outages."
She stole another glance at the window, watching as the storm intensified. The wind howled around the chalet, and the snow was falling so thickly now that it was difficult to see more than a few feet beyond the glass.
"How do you feel about working over Christmas?” Sofia asked. “Do you always work during the holidays?"
Nat shook her head, swallowing a bite of the perfectly grilled fish. "Not usually, no. This year is... different."
Sofia tilted her head, curiosity evident in her eyes. "Different how?"
Nat hesitated, wondering how much to share. She'd always steered away from getting personal with guests but what else were they going to talk about if they couldn’t talk about themselves? " I wanted to help out my parents this year,” she finally said. “They've been going through a tough time."
"Oh?" Sofia’s fork paused halfway to her mouth.
"There was a fire in their bakery a few months ago. It was pretty bad."
"I'm so sorry to hear that. Was anyone hurt?"
"No, thank goodness," Nat replied quickly. "But the damage was extensive. We're still dealing with the aftermath and the bakery is closed until my father finishes the renovation and they get their new appliances."
"That must be incredibly stressful," Sofia said. "What about insurance? Surely that's helping with the repairs?"
"That's... complicated. The oven that started the fire was old. We didn't realize how unsafe it had become until things went wrong. Because of that, the insurance company is refusing to pay out."
“Right." Sofia sighed. “That’s insurance companies for you. Any excuse to get out of what they’re supposed to be doing.”
“Yeah…” Nat pushed a piece of bream around her plate. "We've tried, believe me. But without the insurance money, we're struggling to rebuild. That's why I took this job over Christmas. The extra money will help. It’s triple pay over the holidays."
"I'm sorry you're going through this, Nat."
"Thank you. It's been tough, but we're managing. My parents are incredibly resilient."
The conversation drifted to lighter topics, and Nat made sure not to enquire about Sofia’s personal life, sticking to talking about the ski slopes – she was an avid skier herself, and about life in Aspen. She couldn't shake the growing unease about the storm outside.
