Page 46 of High Side
“Yeah. Everyone freaked when the resort opened up the mountain.”
Jilly came up with an armful of sodas. “But there are all these people that want to be somewhere quaint, near the springs, a little cheaper.”
“Yeah. Not a big resort town or fancy-ass ski mountain.” Kylie smiled at Jilly. “We’re a little more off the grid.”
“And the oatmeal at the hotel is off the charts.” Jilly’s grin was huge. “I try to stay there at least once every year just for that.”
“Like at the end of the summer, huh?”
“Yep. Super-hot shower. Big fluffy bed. Nibbles at the bar. If you pay the delivery fee, you can even get room service from the diner or Cherry’s.”
“I like it.” That sounded like a place with great customer service, in fact.
“It’s pamper the poor river guide time, for sure.”
“I have a hot tub,” Kylie said. “And I serve breakfast in bed.”
Brittany stared at Kylie. Was she making some kind of declaration right here at the company picnic? Then Kylie wrapped an arm around her and kissed her cheek right by her mouth, and woo. That was pretty declarative.
“I’ve got the better deal.” Okay. Okay, whoa. And also yay.
Jilly made a wry face. “You totally do.”
“Hey, I’ll come stay at the hotel with you, Jilly,” Joe said.
“Ew.” She winked as if to ease the sting. “You’re old. And a dude.”
“My heart.” Joe clutched his chest.
“Well, you are old, man…” Kylie teased. “Like whoa.”
“Hey!” Joe did a dance kind of like a dying swan before collapsing in a lawn chair. “Someone bring me a beer.”
They all cracked up, and Kylie pulled her away, taking her around to introduce her to a bunch of people she’d never met. They plopped down, everyone sharing stories, laughing and drinking and eating.
She felt totally at home.
That was something she couldn’t remember feeling in her whole life, really, as much as she loved her family.
So maybe she needed to start putting out resumes now to try to stay past the rafting season, and not in late August.
She wasn’t going to leave, if she didn’t have to, and she was pretty sure Kylie’s actions were clear.
Brittany took a deep breath and leaned into Kylie, letting the chatter and laughter wash over her. Yeah. She was pretty sure she was right where she belonged.
Seventeen
“Kylie! I need a damned accident report!”
“Kylie, did you see if Heather can take my shift?”
“Kylie, can you order more toilet paper?”
“Kylie, we’re out of lemonade in the front!”
Kylie was just about to lose her mind if one more person called her goddamn name. How did Liz and Lupe deal with this? Jesus Christ on a sparkly crutch.
Like their talk had been prophetic, Lupe and Liz were actually off in Denver, leaving Kylie in charge for the very busily scheduled weekend. Lupe’s brother was getting married. Again.
