Page 67 of Stuck on the Slopes

“I’m sure, I promise. You know, it’s funny. When I moved here, it was because I was getting really wrapped up in work. Like, it was my only personality trait anymore. And to make matters worse, I hated Florida. So despite all the bullshit with those tabloids, I feel more myself than ever now that I’m here.”

“When I first graduated college, I started as an editor at a news station down in South Florida. I’ve got family in Boca Raton. Was it the heat, the politics, or both that got to you?”

I laughed. “Both, for sure. And don’t even get me started on the traffic.”

“Don’t remind me. I don’t miss it.” Outside, the engine of the news van sputtered as Ralph pulled it up by the door. “Well, I should get going so we can edit everything. But I’m glad you’re okay. Know that you’ve got some people on your side.”

“I know. It’s much appreciated.”

“Say, if you ever want to get out of here and have some girl time, I’m in this book club that meets once a month. Every third Thursday over lunch. I can text you the info. Mia can come too if she’s free. She works at the restaurant, right?”

“Yeah, with her dad. I’ll probably take you up on that. Thanks.” It would do me good to socialize more and to get out of the lodge. For as much as I enjoyed spending time with Juniper, I also knew it wouldn’t be healthy to stay down this road once we were done with opening day preparations.

“I think you’ll like it. They’re not too rowdy of a bunch, but we have a lot of fun.”

“Looking forward to it.”

“If I need anything else, I’ll let you know.”

“Sounds good. See you soon.”

When I returned to my room, I drew open the blinds, eager to let the natural light in. To my surprise, Sasquatch sat right outside on my back patio. He didn’t have anything in his mouth, so I knew Juniper hadn’t sent him.

I opened the door, letting the Newfoundland in. His boots were invisible beneath the snow coating his feet. I texted Juniper, letting him know Sasquatch was here, and then asked the dog if Juniper was okay. He boofed.

Juniper:Oh, thank God. He bolted faster than I could follow a minute ago.

Where are you? I can meet you.

Juniper:It’s fine. I’ll text you when I get back to my room.

I frowned. As much as I didn’t like the idea of him out wherever he was alone, I also didn’t want to imply he wasn’t capable of being on his own. In truth, I was more worried about his mental condition than his physical.

Rachel: Okay. We’ll hang out here.

[Juniper: Thanks. That wasn’t like him. I’m not sure what got into him.]

“Alright, Squatch,” I said as I petted the dog between his ears. “I have effectively put our PR fire out and you’re safe and sound. Now, what are we gonna do about Juni, huh?”

He boofed again. Part of me wondered if he hoped Juniper would follow him to my room for emotional comfort. Across the hall, I faintly heard Juniper’s door open and close, but he didn’t text right away.

I suspected my theory was right.

It wasn’t Christmas yet, but my gaze drifted over to the mug I got for Juniper, still in its box. I stood and put it in a small gift bag, then held it out to Sasquatch.

“Can you bring this to him for me?”

Sasquatch took the handles in his mouth and, as soon as I opened my door, he pranced over to Juniper’s room. I kept my door open, opting to lean in the doorway as I watched Juniper answer his door at the sound of Sasquatch pawing at it. Juniper looked from Sasquatch to me. I watched him fight a smile and lose, his grin taking over his face as he took the bag from his dog.

“What’s this?”

“Just open it,” I said. “A little something for Christmas. Even though it’s kind of early.”

Juniper removed the box and then tossed the bag haphazardly behind him. Once he’d pulled the custom-made mug out, he gave the box the same treatment. On one side, the mug read WORLD’S BEST BOSS, like we talked about last month. That month felt like a lifetime ago. On the other side, it said MY FAVORITE EMPLOYEE GAVE ME THIS MUG.

He turned the white ceramic mug in his hands and laughed, more genuine and lighter than I’d heard in a while. Then, when he looked inside the mug, he nearly keeled over at the sight of a drawing of a phallic icicle on the inside of the mug’s wall.

It was good to hear him laugh like this again.

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