Page 37 of Head Over Skis

I want to circle back and find out why his usually cool demeanour was so shaken by my answer, but instead I try to think of something else that’s brought me joy over the recent weeks. The seconds drag on though, and I’m stumped. The way I feel about my job is nothing to write sonnets about, and my relationship, well, is there even one any more? My living situation is better left unmentioned, and in terms of hobbies, outside of my little napkin sketch today I haven’t picked up a pencil or paints in at least a month. What have I actually been doing that makes me feel alive and not like I’m merely going through the motions?

A drop of water splashes onto Rory’s collarbone, and while I keep thinking, I trace the path it takes down below the water. I realise the thing that’s brought me the most excitement recently has been him. Like how now I’m hit with the sudden urge to push across to his side, and to have his lips on my skin again, or his hands.

‘Hey, Rory, time to see who can last the longest in the sauna!’

I come out of my daze as Kevin appears, walking past the doorway. He doubles back when he catches sight of me.

‘Oh, hi, Bambi.’ He grins, lips stretching wider as he looks between us. ‘Take your time, Ror. Our sauna endurance battle can wait.’

He whistles as he walks away, and I wonder if Rory might stay, but I hear the water rush off him as he stands. Droplets fall in streams down the muscles of his bare torso, and although I’ve seen it all before, I’m equally as taken aback now as I was the first time.

‘Sorry, he says it can wait, but he’ll sulk if I’m not there soon. Have a good evening, Lottie.’

‘You too,’ I reply as he steps out, and I know he knows I’m watching as he walks back to the main spa building. He stops before going inside, shouting back over the noise of the hot tub.

‘And I’m still expecting another answer.’

After letting me know I didn’t get out of that one like I’d hoped, he disappears and I rub my hands over my face to snap me out of the trance I’m in. I don’t know how long I’m there, but Tilly’s out of her massage by the time I head back towards the main spa building.

‘Fancy the sauna?’ she asks, but even though it was next on my list I shake my head.

‘You go on without me. I need to find the cold plunge pool.’

13

The conditions today are the worst so far. Or at least, that’s the excuse Rory gives us for why we’re all struggling so much this morning.

We’re halfway down the slope when the visibility gets so bad I can barely see the person in front of me, which in my case is a very wobbly Stephen. I try to avoid him, but my skis keep sliding over dark patches of ice, and I nearly barrel into him a few times. I manage to stop myself with a sharp turn to the left, which has definitely become my stronger side, but my heart rate becomes more frantic as the morning goes on in the same way.

We’re all grateful when Rory decides we should call time on the lesson to wait out what feels like a blizzard, and thankfully there’s a coffee shop only a short ski away from where we’ve stopped. We’re halfway down the mountain and it’s the only building here, which makes its sloped wood roof and panoramic glass sides look even more stunning as it sits in isolation on the edge of the piste.

Lots of other people have had the same idea as us and the cafe is heaving by the time we’ve unclipped our skis and left them in a pile on the snow outside.

We head to the queue first, and I find myself slotted between Bill and Rory, who drums his fingers on the countertop, which displays a tempting selection of pastries. Skiing’s made me so hungry I think I could eat one of everything.

‘You got an answer for me yet?’

I’d been hoping Rory had forgotten about yesterday’s hot tub inquisition, and I groan as he brings it up again.

‘If you think it’s such a simple question, why don’t I ask you the same thing? I want a list of what excites you, Rory? About your life in London, or here.’

I give both options, still not sure where he spends the majority of his time, and he doesn’t even hesitate before starting.

‘Watching the sunrise from my balcony before I go for my first run, and shots with Kevin that end with us duetting “Bohemian Rhapsody” at Friday night karaoke. Getting to watch people who’ve never tried skiing before start to enjoy the sport I love…’

His list only ends because he reaches the front of the queue and places his order. He then turns back to me and hands over a brown bag with one of the pastries I was eying up a minute ago, even though I hadn’t asked for it. I take it, my stomach rumbling in thanks, and he shrugs.

‘I don’t think it should be a difficult question.’

He carries his drink over to the table which Penny has managed to secure, leaving me feeling off centre as I consider his words. Maybe it’s the break-up putting a dark cloud over everything, or maybe he has a point. Why is it so hard for me to come up with a list?

I let Bill jump ahead as I’m yet to decide what I want. He orders two brandies, I settle for a hot chocolate and Stephen goes for a herbal tea.

Tilly walks over with a beer, and alongside Meghan and Rory they end up sliding in at the other end of the bench from the four of us, still within earshot, but with a few other skiers dividing the two groups.

I catch eyes with Rory, who shrugs, clearly not thrilled that we’re not all sitting together. I lift my mug in return, bringing it to my lips and taking a tentative sip to check the temperature.

‘Oh wow,’ I say, swallowing down a gulp of melted chocolate.