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‘I’ve been holidaying here since I was small and always loved it,’ Rachael said, ‘so I decided to open a shop a few years back. Then I met David and the rest is history.’
David beamed. ‘And I started out as a wine merchant, working acrossLes 4 Valléesand decided to settle in Verbier when I met Rachael.’
‘We both know Liv through my sister, who met her travelling in Oz,’ Rachael said. ‘She decided to give the mountains a go and followed me out here last season.’
‘Ah, I didn’t realise you were connected to Liv as well,’ I said.
‘Everyone is connected out here,’ David replied, ‘like a beautiful snow spider’s web.’
Xavier came hooning towards the table, stopping himself just in time to look almost casual, removing his goggles, helmet, and gloves in one fell swoop.
‘Hey hey,’ he said, giving Rachael and David a nod.
‘Where’s Liv?’ I asked, looking behind him.
‘Still going,’ he shrugged. ‘I’ve had enough of that run for today.’
‘What happened to rule number one?’
‘Liv is a lone wolf. She waits for no one,’ he said, throwing his stuff on the table and heading into the restaurant.
‘He’s got that right,’ Rachael said with a chuckle.
‘Are you out in town later?’ David asked.
‘I’m not sure. Genevieve and Luca are in Paris this weekend, so we have the place to ourselves.’
‘Any chance of a private tour of his wine cellar?’ David asked hopefully.
‘Erm…’ I said, immediately nervous at the idea, ‘I’m not sure I’m allowed. Luca has been pretty clear that no one goes down there apart from the two of us.’
‘I thought as much,’ David replied glumly. ‘I can but dream.’
Xavier returned with two large beers and placed one in front of me.
‘Dreaming again, David?’ he asked, sitting back down.
‘David is trying to coerce Holly into a tour of Luca’s wine museum,’ Rachael said, piling her plate onto David’s and handing them both to a waiter.
‘Not this again?’ Xavier said, raising his eyebrows. ‘I’ve told you before, the place is like a bank vault. It wouldn’t surprise me if there are cameras hidden in the barrels.’
‘Can’t I just have a quick look on Christmas Day? Genevieve and Luca are away, and Holly has the keys. I won’t touch anything, I promise,’ David said, with a cheeky smile.
‘He’d find out somehow. Luca has a sixth sense when it comes to his wine.’
‘Are you guys at the chalet for Christmas then?’ I asked. ‘That’s lovely news. I’d kind of assumed we’d all be working.’
‘Orphans Christmas all together,’ David smiled. ‘The Blanchets are having Christmas in Paris, so Xavier has offered to cook for us.’
Rachael and David started putting all their bits and bobs back on. Helmets first, then goggles, gloves, and tightened snoods.
‘Better get back to it,’ David muffled at us. They double waved as they walked back to their snowboards, leaving Xavier and me cradling our beers.
‘I’m not sure I deserve this after today’s poor effort,’ I said, taking a good swig. Beer tasted so much better in the mountains: light and fresh and way too drinkable.
‘Every time you try again is worth celebrating,’ Xavier said, holding his glass out to clink mine. ‘You are better today than yesterday, and tomorrow, you’ll be even better.’
He was so solid and certain. What must it feel like to have such absolute belief in yourself? The sun was shining through the droplets in Xavier’s hair that had started life as snowflakes. A message pinged on his phone. He picked it up, read it, then shoved it in his pocket.
