Page 32 of Stuck on the Slopes

He offered me a sympathetic smile. “My daughter would read all those tabloids about you and I’d just tear ‘em up. Always thought they were unfair to you.”

I appreciated his solidarity. “I’d offer her an autograph, but it’s probably worth fuck all these days.”

Edgar laughed. “On the contrary, but I’d never ask that of you.”

“Wait, on the contrary?”

“Buddy of mine asked if it was true if you worked here. Said he’d pay hundreds for your signature. He collects baseball cards and all sorts of other sports memorabilia. There’s a whole market for that, you know.”

“Oh. Joy.”

“If the lodge ever gets strapped for cash, you could always sign some goggles and peddle them out there.”

If it weren’t for the shit-eating grin on Edgar’s face that let me know he was joking, I’d have walked right out. “Yeah, and I’ll kiss babies on the forehead while I’m at it like I’m the God damn Pope.”

“Are you leaning on Rachel? You should be.”

I nodded. “I’ve been putting this part of it off, but yes. Once I’m ready, I’ll let her kick things into high gear.”

“Ready for what? If you’re waiting to be in the right headspace, forget it.” He shook his head as he started preparing some eggs for the morning. “Believe me, if I waited until I was emotionally ready to do anything, I’d be stuck in bed all day, staring at the ceiling.”

That sounded familiar, but I wasn’t about to admit that out loud.

“Let her do her job and take the leap,” Edgar said. “You’re the name, but she can be the face of the lodge if you really want.”

“I don’t want anyone to be the face of anything. Especially if they connect her to me. Even since retiring, I’ve still managed to end up on these weird listicles of the hottest single male athletes. Rick sends them to me every time, no matter how much I tell him I don’t care. The scrutiny she’d face simply for existing in the same building as me… I don’t even want to imagine it.”

“How protective of you. Who are you, and what have you done with Juniper Hart?”

“You know, I asked myself that same question this morning.”

“So, when are you going to ask her out?”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“You heard me.”

“She’s my employee.”

“So? I see the way you look at her,” Edgar said. “Don’t think I don’t notice whenever you two come in here for breakfast, giving each other heart eyes when you think the other isn’t paying attention. And not for nothing, but your average boss doesn’t nurse a sick employee back to health.”

For the sake of my argument, I maintained my composure. “We’re friends. I’m worried about her. That’s all.”

“Are you friends, or are you coworkers?”

I scoffed. “Both, I guess? Is that a problem?”

“No, no. If anything, you further reinforced my point.”

“Being friends with a coworker is one thing, Edgar, but taking her out is a whole other ball of wax.”

“You’re not denying my claims, you know.”

“Yeah, because I’d prefer it if you don’t spit in my food.”

Edgar barked a laugh. “I will anyway. Extra flavor for my favorite customer.”

“Oh, great! Just how I like it.”

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