Page 74 of Stuck on the Slopes

“I’d like for her to transition into a marketing position and hire a few dedicated resort managers,” Juniper said. He didn’t skip a beat and wasn’t about to let his mother talk her way out of this. “Rachel’s a fucking genius, but she can’t do it all forever.”

“Thank you,” I said, finally placing my hand on his shoulder. His body language didn’t change, but his gaze softened when he looked at me. “My background is in digital marketing and branding. Social media and PR work, mostly.”

“That’s wonderful. And personally, I’m looking forward to our blending of traditions tonight,” Drew said. “Where are you from, Rachel?”

My smile was genuine as I replied to Drew. His disposition was gentle and sweet, like he wouldn’t hurt a fly. I wondered how he and Veronica got together and made a mental note to ask how they met over dinner later should we need a conversation starter. “Orlando. My first day on the job was my first time at a ski lodge.”

“And you’ve been invaluable to me ever since,” Juniper said, a glimmer of pride in his eyes as he looked at me. His lips formed a soft smile before he turned back to his parents, his flat tone and pointed expression returning. “Sasquatch, Rachel, and I can give you a quick tour.”

“That would be great,” Veronica said. “I still don’t see why I can’t pet your dog.”

Juniper rose a brow, already annoyed. “In case you haven’t bothered to read the patches on his vest, he’s my service dog. Don’t pet him while he’s working.”

“Service dog?” Veronica scoffed in what I could only assume was disbelief. “Come on, Juniper. You don’t need a service dog.”

Juniper’s monotone cut like a knife as he said, “My doctor would beg to differ.”

“What do you need him for, honey? You look fine to me.”

From my spot next to him, I saw Juniper’s jaw clench. As I gave his back another reassuring scratch, all he said back to his mother was, “You’re lucky I’m medicated right now.” Before I could say anything, he said under his breath, “Don’t waste your energy.” Drew and Veronica didn’t hear him.

“So,” Drew said as he clapped his hands together. “How about that tour?”

I held back my sigh, grateful to him for diffusing the tension. From what I could tell, Drew was used to the fact his wife and son failed to see eye-to-eye.

“Have you been skiing yet, Rachel?” Veronica asked as we began our walk through the halls.

“We’ve been so busy, I haven’t even had the chance to consider it,” I said. “Maybe once we’re open and have some instructors, I’ll get someone to teach me just to say I’ve done it.”

“Please be careful if you do,” Juniper said. “Bunny slopes only for you, okay? Can’t have you getting hurt on me now.”

“I think it’s all I’d have the courage for, anyway.”

As we reached the indoor pool, Juniper looked back at his parents. “Are you planning on staying the night?”

Drew said, “We’ll be out of your hair after dinner. We haven’t seen you in so long, that’s all.”

“The last year’s been hectic,” Juniper said as an excuse, but considering his mother hadn’t even met Sasquatch until today, I knew better. I suspected his parents did, too, as Juniper continued. “When I bought this place, it needed a lot of work.”

“Well, it looks great. I remember coming here when you were a little kid,” Drew said. “Man, you loved this place.”

“So,” Veronica said, drawing out the vowel, “is this some part of a larger plan you’re keeping a secret?”

Juniper scowled. “What do you mean, larger plan?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe like a return to snowboarding?”

Juniper shook his head. “No.”

“Well, Juniper, this would make for one hell of a surprise announcement.”

“I said no.”

“You don’t have to keep it from me! I won’t tell anyone. Right, Drew, honey?”

“In case you didn’t hear me, I said no.”

“Pool looks great!” Drew said. “Rachel, if you can believe it, this room used to be nothing but brick walls. I’m loving the floor-to-ceiling windows.”

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