She finished her breakfast and hurried a huge cup of ginger ale up to Aliyah. She’d already fallen back asleep with the sounds of a dragon battle raging through the TV. The fact that she was sleeping through the best parts of the show told Holly that Aliyah still didn’t feel well.
Holly left the soda on the nightstand, grabbed the rest of her snow gear, and headed down to the rental shop.
The rental shop was just off the south end of the lobby. Holly stepped inside and filled out her waivers and insurance information.
“Hi. Welcome to the Ski Shoppe,” the woman behind the counter said, taking her paperwork. “Are you skiing or snowboarding?”
“Skiing.” Holly wanted to learn how to snowboard, but she knew she’d need lessons. That was something she wasn’t really able to afford on her teacher’s salary. Especially not at a place like Blue Aspen.
“Excellent choice,” the woman told her. She hopped off a stool behind the counter, and Holly realized that the woman was much shorter than Holly had first thought. She also couldn’t put an age on the woman. Her face said she was early twenties, but there was a wisdom in her lavender eyes that said she was much, much older. Also, her hair was so blonde it was silver. Not gray, but actually silver. “I’m Merryweather.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Merryweather,” Holly replied. “Thank you for helping me.”
“It’s my pleasure.” The woman’s lavender eyes sparkled. She handed Holly a pair of boots to try on. “I love this time of year, don’t you?”
Holly smiled and nodded as she slid on the boots. They fit perfectly. Usually she had to try on a couple of pairs, but these felt like they were made for her. “I love Christmas. There’s something magical about it”
“Yes, there most certainly is.” Merryweather grinned at her and took one of the boots. She fitted it to a ski and hummed while she made some adjustments. “Have you experienced any Christmas magic yet this season?”
“Just this trip,” Holly replied. “I think it used up most of my luck quota for the rest of the year.”
Merryweather looked up at her and smiled with those ageless eyes. “I don’t know. I think you might have more Christmas magic in store.”
Before Holly had a chance to answer, Merryweather handed her the skis, poles, and a helmet.
“These are the same kind of skis the US Olympic team uses, so be sure to wear the helmet,” Merryweather reminded her. “Plus, it’s hotel policy.”
Holly believed this equipment was made for professionals. Everything was top of the line. The boots fit like they were made for her. The poles didn’t feel too long or too short, and she couldn’t wait to take the skis out for a run. They looked like they’d handle the turns like a dream.
“Thank you, Merryweather,” Holly said, trying to balance everything and mostly managing.
“Have a great day. I’m sure I’ll see you again soon.” The silver-haired woman waved and Holly left.
Outside, snow flurries danced and dusted the ski resort with a fresh layer of powder. The air was cold and crisp, smelling of snow and pine. Holly put on her snow pants and ski jacket, making sure the key card was in the front pocket. It was the pocket with a small bunny embroidered on it. She put it there so she wouldn’t forget where it was later.
She p
ut on her gloves and her bunny goggles. One of her students had given the goggles to her as a gift several years ago. They had a cute little bunny sticker on the top corner that matched the one on her jacket. She also had a green fleece scarf with cute little cottontail bunnies and Christmas trees wrapped around her neck to keep her face warm. Another gift from her students.
Apparently, they thought she liked bunnies.
With a grin so big it made her face feel like bursting, she snapped on her skis and headed to the lift. The sun peeked out from behind a cloud, making the world explode in color. Tiny ice crystals sparkled in the air. It was like being inside a glitter snow-globe.
Holly was late out to the lifts, which was fine by her. There was hardly any line now and she would probably get to ride up by herself.
That was until she heard a deep voice from behind her.
“Mind if I ride up with you?”
Chapter 6
Merryweather
Things were going well, Merryweather thought to herself. She busied herself behind the Ski Shoppe counter, making sure things were just so. She liked it when things were how they were supposed to be.
She looked out and watched as the man found his way to the lift.
The smile between them told Merryweather she was on the right track, but that they needed more time.