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Gracie chuckled, but then her face heated up as if she’d been the one to choose the sexy reindeer. “I’m Vixen.” She quickly added, “It was based on costume size.”
“Vixen is perfect for you, dear!” Donna winked at her. “It’s the shy ones you have to look out for.”
“Yet somehow you still get dates,” Richard said to Donna.
Donna gasped and then laughed. She said to Gracie, “He’s right. Fortunately, some men appreciate my candor. There’s someone for everybody.”
The memory of Leo holding her hand came to her and her cheeks heated up as she smiled. She dared to hope what Donna said was true.
Donna squinted. “Did you find someone? I want to hear all about him.”
Gracie shook her head. “No. But I like the idea of everyone having someone.”
The older woman leaned in closer. “You’ll find him soon. I have a nose for these things.”
“Goodness, Donna,” Richard said. “Look at the time.”
The woman glanced at the clock on the wall behind Gracie, “Oh! We’ve kept you far too long. Come Richard. Let’s après-ski.”
As they walked away the man said, “Don’t we have to ski to be able to aprés?”
“There’s hot buttered rum at the hotel,” Donna said.
“Ah, après-ski it is.”
Gracie smiled after the pair as Tracy came out of her office that was located behind where Gracie stood.
“The way you dealt with that frazzled mother was impressive,” Tracy said as she moved to stand beside her. “You handle chaos better than anyone here.”
Gracie shrugged but then accepted the complement the way Tracy had taught her to do. “Thank you. It’s easy to do.” Having grown up with numerous foster children she had to care for, Gracie had acquired the skill of diffusing mayhem because it was necessary for survival.
“For you, but not everyone is so good with children. You have a natural instinct for motherhood.” Tracy chuckled. “If I didn’t need you so badly here, I’d suggest you teach kids’ lessons.”
Spending her day with children would be better than working with the pretty girls, but Gracie did like helping the resort guests. “That would be fun, but I like working with you,” Gracie said.
“Yes, well, at some point, I’d still like you to do it.” Tracy placed a hand on Gracie’s shoulder. “You should experience as many jobs here as you can so you’re ready when it’s time to start moving up the management ladder.”
Tracy had plans for Gracie’s career at Sugar Mountain. She’d already insisted Gracie learn to ski and pushed her out the door to practice any time things were slow. The woman had encouraged her to dream big and imagine being the resort’s general manager someday. Having a career in management was a lofty dream Gracie liked, even if she didn’t believe she could ever get there. It was certainly not an aspiration she shared with her mother, who would be sure to inform her that she was too stupid to be anyone’s boss.
Gracie sighed as she walked back over to the guest services desk. Maggie had already left with her friends, and Gracie noticed the girl hadn’t done any of the closing duties. Not that she was in any rush to get home. The longer she stayed away, the more likely it would be that her mother was asleep, allowing Gracie a peaceful evening.
The light mist of an antibacterial cleaner floated over the countertops when Gracie sprayed it, and she wiped down the surfaces of the guest services desk. Her mind wandered to the newest employee in her department, and her insides fluttered when she recalled how warm Leo’s hands had been on hers.
“You’re still here?” Henry said from behind her.
She turned to him. “Yeah, we had a couple guests walk in around closing. Why are you still here?”
He shifted his backpack slung over one shoulder. “I helped with painting the sleigh.”
Gracie liked the way Henry was always willing to put in extra time to help things run smoothly. “I’m sure it’s perfect.”
He flashed her a cocky smile. “Don’t worry, it is. Can I help you do anything?”
She moved behind the desk to toss her paper towel in the garbage. “I’m done.”
“Good. I’ll walk you to your car.”
Once she put on her coat and grabbed her bag, Gracie walked with him toward the door. Cold air blasted at them as they exited the building, and lampposts lit their way as they headed toward the employee parking lot.
