“Can you get me a coffee?” she asks, and holds up a five-dollar bill.
“Sure.” I snatch the money and pocket it while punching in the code, getting her the same drink as I have. “Do you want cream and sugar?”
“Yes, please.” She brightens up as I hand her the cup.
“Thank you,” she says, taking a sip.
“First time on the slopes?” I ask, glancing at her ankle.
“Oh, this? No, that was from my heels.”
“Seriously? Who the hell wears heels to a ski resort?” I glance her over, and while she’s still in her navy leggings and pink shirt, she has a pair of boots with heels beside the chair.
Who the hell invented boots that can’t be worn in winter?
“I didn’t come here to go skiing,” she says.
I perch myself, leaning forward over one of the chairs, giving her my undivided attention. I’m not sure why. I should get back to my office and leave this crazy chick alone. She’s not doing me any favors, but making me question my sanity.
“You came here with these fashion boots to use the clock app and try to go viral?”
“Something like that. I’m Cali,” she says, holding out her hand to introduce herself.
“Logan,” I mutter, and shake her hand before taking another swig of coffee. I need an espresso, something stronger, to keep me focused this afternoon.
“I take it you don’t like to ski?”
“Why would you say that?” I ask. Finishing the empty cup of coffee, I toss the cup into the nearby garbage and punch the digits into the machine. This time, I have it prepare me a double espresso.
Cali watches with fascination. “You’re inside on a bitter day when it’s frigid and snowy. Perfect ski weather. Also the kind of weather I despise.”
“Why come here?”
“I told you, for work. I’m an influencer.”
“Right.” I can’t imagine who she’s influencing. Who would listen to her? “Your job makes zero sense. Aren’t you supposed to try something out before judging it?”
“I’m not reviewing the ski slopes.”
“But that’s why people come to Blue Sky Resort. They don’t come to the lodge because of the coffee or the jackets at the shop down the hall. They come for the experience of skiing or snowboarding on the slopes.”
“Agree to disagree,” Cali says.
I can’t take much more of this woman. My espresso is ready, and I grab it from the machine. I should head back to my office. “On second thought,” I say, sizing her up. “With your ankle injury as a result of your heels, you’re a liability. Stay away from the slopes.”
Her eyes narrow, and her nose twitches. “Why do you care? Do you work here? Wait, are you Logan Henderson?”
I bring my espresso to my lips and turn, heading out of the lounge before she can assault me with any more questions.
“Dad!” Julianna chases me down the hallway. I slow down to let her catch up while I sip the last of my drink. “Oh my gosh, Cali is so awesome!”
I groan, wishing that menacing woman had never showed up at the lodge in the first place. Who comes to a ski resort and doesn’t plan on skiing?
“Not now, Jules,” I snap at her.
Julianna stops walking and folds her arms across her chest. “Dad, do you have to steal the joy out of everything?”
Her words cut me deep. I didn’t mean to do anything offensive. Why is she barking at me? “What is it?”