Page 69 of Counting Down To You

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I head over to the hotel later that morning, after packing a small bag of overnight essentials. And after obsessing for longer than is healthy about what outfit I should wear once we change out of our ski gear. I also pack, after careful consideration, my least practical pajamas: silk shorts and a black lacy vest top. I threw them in as part of the rush-pack when I decided to come out here, and on reflection realized they were somewhat impractical for a month in the mountains. I try not to think of the reason I shove them into my overnight bag. Try not to think of the feel of Leo’s mouth on mine, or the way he’d immediately offered to come with me today.

It doesn’t mean anything, Ali. But it doesn’t hurt to be prepared, does it?

I head to the bar at the hotel, checking that the champagne and Betty and Louisa’s favorite wine have been set aside for Refuge later. Elodie, by some magic, is organizing all the supplies to be sent over ahead of time.

I’m at reception, which feels a little lonely without Lucie, and checking on who my VIPs are over Christmas, when Stuart walks in. I glance up as he strides over to the desk.

“Welcome to—” Johann starts, but Stuart waves him away.

I work up a smile. “Hi.”

“Hello.” He gives me an assessing look as he says it.

“Ah…Did you want Leo?”

“No. I came to talk to you.”

“Oh. About New Year’s Day?” I wonder if he’s having doubts. The thought sits uncomfortably in my gut. I don’t want him to. I want this to work, want to help him get back to doing what he loves. Even more so after he opened up to me about Alex.

“Have we had much interest?” Stuart asks.

“Well, I’ve not had much time to talk to guests about it yet…but,” I say firmly, backtracking immediately, “I think we’ll easily get the interest. Two people I spoke to last night will book on for sure.” Okay, I’m not sure, but two new guests who checked in yesterday did seem interested in the idea.

“So we’ll go above six?” Stuart asks.

“Er, I thought you said six was the maximum.”

“If we’re launching with a bang—as you put it—then I’ve been thinking. We should do more. Take ten people, make it feel more of a group. I just need a backup guide.”

“Right.” Well, at least he’s not backing out. “Do you have someone you used to work with or…”

He’s looking at me pointedly, and I trail off, understanding his meaning. It was said in such an offhand way yesterday, I didn’t take it seriously.

“I’m not a guide,” I repeat.

“No reason you couldn’t be,” he says gruffly. “I can show you the route, once I’ve planned it. You’re already clued up a bit, I can tell—and you’re better with people than I am.”

Well, it’s kind of hard to argue that last point. I don’t say that out loud, though. Instead, I say, “I might be needed here.”

“Leo will let you off for the day,” he says with a wave of his hand. It’s probably true.

I look at him. He looks back at me, waiting. I tap my fingers on the reception desk in front of me. And I take a deep breath. “Okay.”

He blinks, the only sign of surprise he gives. “Okay?”

I can’t help grinning. “Let’s do it.” Because I’m thinking of asking Stuart yesterday, why hiking, and of his answer: I like it. Maybe, for some things, it really can be that simple. I like hiking too. I’d like to spend New Year’s Day out in the mountains, something I might never get to do again. And I’d like to be a part of helping this man, who lost his person, find his way back to himself.

Stuart nods in that jerky way of his. “Okay, then.” His lips lift into a small, almost smile. “Good.”

He turns to leave, as if that literally settles that, but glances back at me. “Look, I’ve also been thinking…Leo might have been right. I might need some help, to get the business going again.”

“Okay…” I say slowly.

“I know you’re not sure what you’re doing with your life.” Blunt and to the point. “But if you do end up staying out here for a bit, you could, you know…”

“Help you?” I ask, trying to fill in the gap.