Logically, I realize it’s unfair to compare Ryder’s situation with those of our clients. After all, his is emotional while theirs are physical, so reclaiming the ability to ride down a mountain looks different for him than it does for others. But still, I’m used to people becomingmore inspired, not less, when they accomplish that feat. And if he can’t be reached through his riding, I’m at a loss for what else to try.
“Happy hour sounds great.”
Everyone’s seated at the table closest to the bar so Lennon and Becj can jump back there at a moment’s notice, though it’s unlikely they’ll be needed. Apres ski is over, and most tourists seem to venture to Main Street for dinner where there are a greater number of restaurants to choose from. Plus, most vacationers have probably already eaten here at lunch, one of the reasons I either pack my own or come in late. The lunch rush here can be madness.
Once introductions are made—Kane’s pink hair will make him easy to remember though the other names are a bit of a blur—Sloan tells the group what my role is at the resort. Then he throws me under the bus.
“It’s sort of like a prison cell,” he says, talking about my office, “and I hate to think of you sitting in there all day.”
I knew he didn’t love it, but I didn’t realize it was bugging him to this extent. “Really, I don’t even notice what it looks like. I’ve got too much work.”
“While I totally get that,” several heads bob up and down in agreement, making me think he really does, “I also get how depressing it can be to work in those conditions. I was at the spa for nearly a year, and let's just say it needs a facelift as much as your office does. I’m trying to convince Carter to give it an upgrade.”
“The spa? You worked with Ryder, then?” The man’s name is out of my mouth before I can stop myself.
“That was before my time. I worked with Blake, though.” He tips his head in Kane’s direction, telling me they’re an item, whoever he is. “Anyhow, what I’m saying is, Carter would be on board with you making the space your own.”
“Thanks, but I’m not sure a coat of paint is the answer.” I slap a hand over my mouth as soon as I realize what I’ve said, and the rest of the table bursts out laughing.
“We all know the resort needs improvement,” Lennon grins, “and most of us are helping with that. I opened this location to make the base area more appealing. Maddox,” he points to a gorgeous blond man on my left, “is doing all the environmental studies to see where the terrain can be expanded to bring in more visitors. And Kane is building a bike park so there are guests coming year-round. Basically, you shouldn’t feel bad for saying that things need a lot of work.”
“Speaking of makeovers,” a redhead—Sloan’s sister, I think—says. “We have to get you ready for the Black and White Ball.”
“Me?” I point to my chest when I realize it’s me she’s looking at.
“Yes,you. I’ll need time to make alterations if what I have on the rack doesn’t fit.”
“I don’t…”
“It’s a fundraiser Carter started, and it’s a ball because Ally likes to play dress up and she wanted a fancy event.” Sloan casts his sister a wry smile.
“There’s dinner and dancing, and the ball drop at midnight. It’s magical.” Ally seems to pout.
“Honestly, the whole holiday season here is magical,” Maddox says in a voice that’s much softer than his large frame would suggest. “There’s a Christmas Carol Concert at the end of Main Street on the twenty-third, then a parade to the same place on the twenty-fourth with Santa in his sleigh. And the ball on New Year's Eve.”
“That sounds amazing, but I’m not really in a position to attend a fundraiser.”I’d like to move out of employee housing, first.
“The ball is free for resort employees,” Kane says. “I mean, you can donate if you want, but you don’t have to buy a ticket or anything.”
“What is the fundraiser for?” I ask the group.
“It used to go toward fixing whatever needed work on the mountain, but Carter’s planned improvements should bring in the funds to cover that without fundraising. Now whatever we collect will go to a grant in Chase’s name to fund youth programs on the mountain,” Lennon says.
“Chase?” I prompt.
“Ryder’s brother,” Beck answers.
“Oh, well then, I…”
“You have to go,” Beck interrupts. “If you don’t, I’ll be the only other single person there, and Ireallydon’t want to be the only single guy on New Year’s.”
Since sitting home alone is probably just as depressing as being the only single guy at a ball on New Years, I empathize with Beck. Not that I want to go to this thing, but if I’m going to make this my home I should make the effort to get out and socialize.
“How fancy are we talking?” I ask. “I’m not even sure I have a pair of dress shoes to my name.” I didn’t expect to need any in my job. Snow boots and tennis shoes, yes. Loafers, no.
“That’s where I come in.” Ally beams, sizing me up with a knowing air.
Though I’m a little scared by the gleam in her eye, it’s a relief to know I won’t have to put any effort into finding something to wear. Especially since the fundraiser is in honor of Ryder’s brother, and I wouldn’t want to look out of place at an event that’s sure to be emotional for him. Not that he’d care what I look like, but let’s justsay if left to myself to dress fancy I’d end up looking as stiff as he likes to accuse me of being.
