Page 12 of Once Upon A Snowfall
I pick up her bags as well my own and lead her to the walkway over by the gondolas. I’m not surprised to see the line of people waiting to place their orders. I’ve heard nothing but good things aboutThe Coffee Loftfrom several workers at the casino, so it must be true. The line moves fairly quickly and we both end up ordering the special of the day—salted-caramel hot cocoa. I’ve yet to try anything salted caramel that I didn’t enjoy.
We find a bench overlooking the rink and huddle close together. Not that I think we’ll keep each other warm, but it’s nice spending time with good company. It’s been hard finding someone as laid back as Annie to hang out with—it’s too bad she’s only here for a short while.
The lights above the skating rink come on and it’s not until then that I realize how late it’s gotten. I’m not ready for our time together to come to an end.
“Ever been to Texas before?” she asks out of the blue.
I nod. “Nope, I’ve been to Oklahoma, but not Texas. Someone my dad was friends with long ago invited us to come and stay. Gosh, I was probably seven or eight years old. It seemed like we drove for days and days.”
“I think it’d be pretty cool to drive from one coast to the other. I will say, this is probably one of the prettiest places I’ve visited. You’re lucky to call this home,” she adds then wipes the smidge of whipped cream from her top lip, left behind from her cocoa.
“Yeah, well, tell that to someone who doesn’t drive a bus for a living.” We both laugh at my comment.
“I suppose you’re right. Flying wouldn’t be so bad either. Costly, but you could definitely save time.”
“If you think this place is crazy now, you should see it during the summer. Most everyone rents a car to drive around the lake. It takes about three hours to make it all the way around. It’s too dangerous to make the drive in the winter—there’s some pretty hairy twists and turns—but it’s a sight to behold once the snow is all gone. Not to mention, hundreds of boats will be scattered across the lake.”
“Wow!” her eyes light up. “That many, huh?.”
“Did you know the lake doesn’t freeze?” I look over at her and see that her toboggan has shifted. If it wouldn’t seem weird, I’d reach up and reposition it for her.
“What do you mean? It’s definitely cold enough.” She brings her legs together and begins to bounce them up and down.
“It’s too deep. Hey, if you’re getting cold, we can head back.”
“The hot cocoa helped, but I’m pretty sure my I can’t feel my toes anymore.”
“Alright, come on.” I extend my hand to help her stand and I’m shocked. when she doesn’t let go. Not that I mind, but I wasn’t expecting it.
With the wind blowing so briskly, we both keep our heads down until we’re back at the hotel.
“Thank you for spending so much time with me today,” she says, rocking back on her heels.
“I’ve enjoyed it too. I typically stay home when I’m off, so it’s nice to spend some time with someone.” I smile, hoping she can tell how much I really mean it.
We slowly make our way to the elevator then stop while we wait for an empty car to arrive.
“This looks like it’d be a lot of fun,” she says, pointing to an advertisement on the wall for a Christmas show happening tomorrow night. “I wonder if it’s sold out?”
“I can check if you’d like. If there’s still seats available, want me to see if I can’t get a pair of tickets?”
“Oh, would you?”
“Speaking of tomorrow, would you like to go down to the lake in the morning? It’s an easy walk from here, just three or four blocks.” I don’t want to mention it’s mostly downhill and the trek back is usually the roughest part, but I’ll worry about that later.
“Sure. I’d love to see it up close.”
We say our goodnights and I wave when I step out of the elevator. Tomorrow can’t get here soon enough.
Chapter Thirteen
Annie
I was sort of hoping Brent would suggest getting a bite to eat, but I really don’t want to push anything. After all, we spent most of the day together and we already have plans for tomorrow too. If he’s able to get tickets for the Christmas show, that’ll be even better. I know I probably went a little overboard with my excitement after seeing the advertisement, but Christmas really is my favorite holiday of the year. While I’m sad this one will be different, it’s turned out to be a memorable time—a trip I won’t ever forget. In fact, I’ll probably remind my sister of it every year from here on out.
I crawl into bed and pull my tablet up beside me. I had every intention of reading on this trip, yet I haven’t ready anything since my flight. I pick out a sweet romantic holiday romance and before I make it to the second chapter, I’m fast asleep.
The next morning, I’m startled by a knock on the door. The hotel doesn’t provide housekeeping services right now, so I know it’s not someone stopping by with fresh towels or toiletries.I’d hate to know someone was at the wrong door, so I jump to my feet—the floor is ice cold—and hurry to look out the peep hole.
