He grinned. “Good. Can you deal me in?”
ChapterThree
KENNEDY
The next day, I was eating breakfast in my cozy cottage, wondering exactly how I was going to get myself up to the ski resort, when there was a sharp knock on the door. I answered it to find a red-faced man in his fifties wearing a grease-streaked sweater.
“You Kennedy?” he asked.
“Yes.”
He stuck out a hand. “I’m Jimmy. I’ve got your car on the road.”
“Is it drivable?” I’d already spoken yesterday to the insurance company my stepfather, Malcolm, used, and I ordered a more suitable vehicle to be delivered later in the week. Perks of having a mother who married into a rich family. I might not always get much in the way of attention—it was difficult for Mom and Malcolm to focus on me when they had my much younger siblings to deal with—but I never wanted for material things.
“It’s in pretty good shape, considering,” he said. “I’ve replaced the window and the front bumper, buffed out a couple of dents, and put a set of chains in the trunk. The hood is a bit crumpled. Completely safe, but not a great look. I can order a replacement if you need. I didn’t have anything suitable at the workshop.”
“Thanks so much.” It was a relief to know I’d be able to get to work without having to wait for my new car to arrive. “Don’t worry about the hood for now. I’ll let you know if I need one.” But I’d probably just sell the car as it was once the new one arrived. “How much do I owe you?”
He lifted one shoulder and let it drop. “The bill is on the passenger seat, but no hurry. I’m sure you’ve got more important things to sort out right now.”
I sighed. Yeah, I still hadn’t made up my mind about how I’d be getting to the resort today. Theoretically, the car solved that, but after being stuck upside down yesterday, waiting for help to come, the idea of driving didn’t appeal to me.
“Thanks. Is there a local taxi service?”
He raised a brow. “Liam didn’t tell you?”
“Tell me what?” I was confused. What did Liam, the gorgeous firefighter, have to do with anything?
“We talked this morning. I’m going to run you up to the resort, and he’ll pick you up at the end of his shift.” He tipped his head toward her. “Today only, mind you.”
“There’s really no need for that.” It was a kind gesture, but I didn’t want to take up any more of his or Liam’s time than I already had. Even if it made my stomach flutter to think that Liam wanted to help me. “I’d hate to put you out.”
Jimmy looked like he was fighting a smile. “Look, kid. You’re new around here, so you don’t know how things work yet. We take care of our own. We help each other. Besides”—the grin finally spread across his face—“I’m the closest you’ll find to a taxi in these parts, so unless you want to wait for one to drive up from Queenstown, you’ll have to make do.”
“Oh.” Well, there wasn’t much I could say to that. “Okay then. Thank you.”
“No problem.” He nodded to the door. “Mind if I come in while you get your bag? I’m freezing my ass off.”
“Of course.”
I stepped aside to let him in, wondering briefly if it was a good idea to let a strange man into my home, but concern about missing another day of work outweighed that worry. My new boss, Tabitha, had been very understanding when I spoke to her yesterday, but I didn’t want to push my luck. I cleaned up the breakfast dishes and went to the bedroom to get my bag.
The bedroom had white walls and pale pink curtains, the same as the rest of the cottage. The decor was feminine but not over-the-top. A bathroom came off the hall, and the living area and kitchen were joined in an open-plan setup. The cottage was different from the large home in L.A. where I’d spent the past few years of my life, but I liked it. The landlady, Grace, seemed nice too. She wasn’t much older than me, but she had a sense of self-assurance I lacked.
“I’m ready,” I told Jimmy.
“Let’s hit the road, then. The sooner we’re there, the sooner I can get back to the workshop.”
We drove to the ski resort in Jimmy’s tow truck. He took the journey slow and shared plenty of advice about how to avoid getting into trouble again. Despite his rough edges, he seemed thoughtful. He bid me goodbye when we arrived, and I got out. As I turned away and looked up at the resort, my jaw dropped. It was like something out of a fairytale, comprising several buildings with brick exteriors and massive windows overlooking the snow-covered hills. A balcony curled around the main building. With light glowing from within and snow thick on the roof, it reminded me, oddly, of a gingerbread house. Skiers dotted the slopes, but I would rather curl up in the warmth with a book and a mug of hot chocolate than join them. I smiled to myself. Perhaps my year of adventure was looking up.
* * *
My first dayof work was a success. However much of a disaster I might be outside the resort, I could deliver a good cup of coffee, thanks to a childhood spent in my parent’s coffee shop.
Tabitha, my boss, was lovely. She’d welcomed me with a smile and set me to work, pairing me with another barista for support. At the end of the day, I was tired of being on my feet, but my insides were warm with the satisfaction that came from a job well done. I knew I was going to fit in here just fine.
“You look happy.”