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She remembered his broken-down car and annoyingly felt nothing but sympathy that he had no transport. Why didn’t he just use his butler money to sort it out?
Maya had caved the previous day and texted Kirsty, asking her to keep an eye on Sam’s car. Why on earth she possessed this compulsion to do things for people who wouldn’t spit on her if she were on fire, she’d never know. But despite that, guilt needled her chest at the thought that she could probably do more to help him.
Maya’s phone buzzed, and she lifted it. “It’s Big Boss Ben.”
“Aha. His ears were burning.”
Maya opened the message. “He’s asking if I can help out with the kids’ classes on a temporary contract.” She put the phone down and sipped her tea.
Liv raised her eyebrows. “And? Don’t leave me hanging.”
Maya paused, hovering her mug at her lips. “And what?”
“What’re you going to say?” Liv set her cup down with a clatter.
Maya hesitated. Working with Sam would be a massive pain in the arse. The guy was a cocky git, no matter how much he tried to pretend otherwise and no matter how much Maya loved his old housemate from the womb. And no matter that her stupid heart still fawned over how handsome he was, or that her lady bits had annoyingly tingled at the sight of him half-naked.
Although, working at the resort itself would be amazing. She allowed herself to sink contentedly into that thought, letting it surround her like the fluffiest of sweet cotton candy dreams. No more sitting at a boring desk, but out on the slopes, snow stinging her face and wind whipping through her hair as she cut through the fresh powder. It would give her mental well-being a much-needed boost. Plus, she’d get to work with Ben again, who was a legend, and his needing her help tugged at her heartstrings. Sam requiring her assistance also gave a hefty tug; however, she ignored that.
Her gut tightened. Dad wouldn’t like it. Then again . . . he didn’t need to know. Not yet anyway.
Liv smiled. “You’re talking yourself round to it, aren’t you?”
Maya couldn’t help the smile playing about her lips. Leaning toward the decision of saying yes made her feel good, despite the Sam-shaped reservations, and that was a good sign. “Maybe. I’ll message BB Ben and say I’ll meet him to discuss it.” She sipped her tea.
“Go on, then,” Liv said, gesturing across the table. “Don’t leave the poor thing hanging.”
Maya huffed out her breath. “You’re such a bossy boots.” She lifted her phone. “I’ll bet your nursery kids think you’re the bossiest teacher around.” She quickly typed out a reply saying she’d be happy to meet and discuss.
“Too right,” Liv replied, giving her a wink. “Boss bitch. That’s me.”
Maya laughed. As if anyone could ever think that lovely Liv was a bitch. Maya jumped when her phone buzzed immediately with a reply from Ben. “Blimey. He is keen.” Opening it, she did a double take. “He wants to see me today.”
Liv downed the last of her tea and pushed her chair back. “Drink up. Let’s go there now.”
Maya raised her eyebrow. “Right now?”
“Yeah,” Liv replied, gesturing for her to hurry. “They’ve got the best scones ever in the café, and I’ve got a hankering for one.”
Maya finished her tea and stood to follow Liv to the front door. “Are you telling me that the only reason you go to the resort is to eat scones in the café? I know you’ve not skied in about five years. And you were totally shit then.”
Liv laughed as they left the house and headed for Maya’s car. “That’s right. Sorry, not sorry.”
They got into the car and Maya started it. Knowing that she’d soon be at the resort caused a warm feeling to slide into her being. It was like drinking a really scrumptious hot chocolate, or perhaps a mulled wine. No, a hot chocolate with marshmallows infused with a bit of liqueur.
The journey up the snowy road into the mountains was as spectacular as ever—majestic, sparkling white peaks set against a bright blue sky. The scenery replenished Maya’s heart with the joy that she’d been so desperately missing of late.
The light sprinkling of snow in town quickly gave way to deeper coverage as the altitude increased, and when they pulled into the ski center car park, a fresh dump of powder became apparent. Maya’s heart sparked as she imagined the quality of the snow on the slopes, resolving to get onto them as soon as possible.
They climbed out into the cold, crisp air, and Maya appreciated the crunch of the snow beneath her boots as she glanced at Liv. “Will Sam be working today?” She clenched her fists in her pockets as she awaited the response.
“No,” Liv replied, pausing to kick a pile of snow at Maya. “It’s his day off.”
A wave of relief mixed with a puzzling air of disappointment as Maya turned her head to avoid the smattering of snow from Liv’s foot.
They entered the building, crossing the main foyer into the café and finding a seat. Maya glanced around, taking in the minor changes that had occurred since she was last there, and finding comfort in it largely being the same. Though she wasn’t impressed that they didn’t have their Christmas decorations up yet. Scrooges.
They took her favorite table, consisting of two squashy leather sofas across a low table in front of the real log fire. Maya picked up the menu. “Marvelous idea regarding the scones, Miss Olivia. A scone would be an absolute delight.”
