Page 84 of Holiday on the Rocks
A new low for me.
We all piled into the van and a few in Evan’s car.
Once we all hopped out of what I was certain looked like a frickin’ clown car in front of the ski lodge, we made our way to the rental area where everyone rented proper ski attire. In a few minutes I’d jumped into ski pants, jacket, and had my skis in hand.
The women appeared one by one. Lexi and Kristina wore matching hot pink ski outfits, Rachel in black, and then it happened. Allie strolled out of the dressing area looking like a fucking snow angel. Her ski outfit was bright white and fitted, while her auburn curls bounced as she walked.
I shoved my hands in my pockets as she passed, afraid I’d grab her before my frontal lobe could kick in.
She had no idea how beautiful she was. She joined Rachel as they were getting their skis.
It was when jerkoff Clint approached and his arm went over her shoulder, that I realized I needed to knock off Clint even more than I needed H2O in my lungs. A collision with a boulder? Could he hit a cliff instead of a slope?
Evan appeared by my side. “Dude, unclench those teeth or you’ll need a dentist.”
I turned away and took a controlled breath. “If he doesn’t remove his arm, I deliver cockolorum Clint to the dentist right through the fuckin’ window.”
“Okay, we need to get a grip. Come on, let’s hit the slopes.”
I sounded like a toddler. “I’m not going without her.”
Evan leaned in. “Pull your shit together. If you want to see if there’s anything with her, just play it cool until after the wedding. He’s here for now and Lexi and Rach will castrate you if they find out you’re trying to get back with her. Don’t rock the boat.”
“You know what they say. You have to rock the damn boat sometimes. If someone falls out obviously, they weren’t meant to be in the boat in the first place.”
“Nobody says that.”
I looked over my shoulder to see dumbass’s arm still around her. “Yeah, they do. And you know what? If you blink you sink.”
“What does that even mean?”
“Think about it.”
He shook his head. “This conversation is hurting my brain.”
“So you’re saying you want to hurt Clint, too?”
“I’m not saying that. Don’t go off the fucking rails, Levi. Keep your head on straight.”
“Well Cuz, I’m beginning to realize that banging my head against a brick wall is surely imminent on a day like today.”
Everyone headed out of the resort toward the ski lift where Christmas was on full display. There was Santa and an elf skiing by, and a large Christmas tree decorated with shiny bulbs that reflected the sunlight surrounded by chairs and outdoor heaters. Huge red and white candy canes were sticking out of the snow and a hot chocolate stand with a small line of people was to my right. Kids and families were everywhere.
I looked over to see Clint say something to Allie and she smiled.
It’s beginning to look a lot like fuck this. Come on, sing along.
FORTY-ONE
ALLIE
WONKY
Kristina tapped the bag hanging from her shoulder. “I got us all some snacks to have before we ski so our tummies are full. There’s an empty table by the tree.” She grabbed Allie and Lexi by the hands. “You girls have made the dark cloud of my divorce disappear for a few days. Being here with you all has been exactly what I needed. I love you guys so much.”
Rachel smiled. “Friendship is being there when someone’s feeling low and not being afraid to kick them if you have to.”
Lexi burst out laughing. “We’ve been friends so long I can’t remember which one of us is the bad influence.”
