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I wonder if Willow’s heart had to break before it could fully open. Mine too. I don’t take this new start with her for granted, not when she made me work for it.
When Willow left, she was like a phantom limb pain. I could still feel her even though she wasn’t there. I was able to forget her for short moments, but then there she would be, crowding my mind all over again. There was only one thing that was worse than knowing she left town weeks ago. And that was knowing she was back, but out of my reach.
I realized that I had work to do. I needed to prove to her that I could step up and be the man she needed me to be. Put her first. There’s a learning curve though because I’ve never put someone else before myself. But she’s worth the struggle. And I’m a fast learner.
The sun is coming up over the peaks. It creates an ethereal golden glow over the snow. I take a moment to breathe in the cold air and look around. Each breath that escapes my mouth emerges in a puff of warm air that dissolves midair.
I’m at the top of the mountain, the white course steeply angled below. I can see the edges of the pine trees that are dusted with snow and the valley spread out as far as the eye can see. The town is awakening at a distance to the right, and I can almost smell the beans brewing in the coffeehouse in the square. Tufts of smoke rise from chimneys. Cars traveling the highways, weaving through the mountain peaks, look like ants. The sun glints off the metal surfaces.
“Let’s earn our breakfast, men,” Wyatt says as he glides to a stop beside me.
Benji stands to my left.
The wind blows, slicing through me, but it’s the only sound up here. It’s like we’re alone on top of the world.
It’s been a while since I’ve taken the time to appreciate the view like this. I think Willow has done that for me. She’s opened my eyes to the beauty of this place, seeing it through her eyes. It’s made this town feel brand-new to me too.
“See you at the bottom,” Benji says.
He does a jump turn, and he’s off, shooting down the mountainside. Wyatt is right behind him.
I take another second before I straighten my goggles and pull the cloth over my mouth and nose. I shift my weight until I’m gliding across the snow, picking up speed as I go. The wind whips in my face.
Benji, Wyatt, and I are the only three on the slopes this early. The course isn’t technically open yet, but that doesn’t pertain to us. It never has. We know everyone who works here, and that includes the guys running the lifts. So, most days, you’ll find one or all of us up here first thing in the morning, doing what we love.
I shift my weight and glide side to side, feeling like my balance is just as good on the board as walking on my two feet. This is second nature to me. But as much as I’ve always loved it, something about it feels sweeter today. Maybe that’s what happens when someone special enters your life. I got the girl. And everything is just … better.
I fly over the next hill, spinning three hundred sixty degrees before landing cleanly. I’m soaring down the mountain. I start weaving between the pines, feeling invincible. The air is cold against the sliver of exposed skin just below my eyes.
I emerge from the clearing and grab the edge of my board when I’m in the air again. I wobble a little when I land but quickly right myself. My knee feels solid today. A few seconds later, I spray snow at the bottom when I stop abruptly. Wyatt and Benji are waiting for me with their boards in their hands.
“You lose,” Wyatt announces, like this was a race.
It wasn’t, or I would’ve smoked both of them.
“Breakfast is on you,” he continues.
I ignore him. “Willow’s meeting us there.”
Benji smiles, and Wyatt’s eyebrows rise.
“Lo-Lo’s coming?” Benji asks.
“Lo-Lo?” I quote with a smirk.
He shrugs. “What? Lo’s my girl.”
“Wrong answer,” I say stubbornly while unclipping each boot from my board and stepping onto the snow.
“Whose girl is she then?” Wyatt challenges. “I seem to remember her friend-zoning you.”
“You must be talking about yourself,” I counter.
Benji snickers, and Wyatt glowers at him.
We start walking toward the building housing the restaurant.
“No, seriously,” Wyatt says as we move forward. “What’s up with the two of you?”
