For a few moments, no one spoke, and Tiffany wondered what her grandmother was thinking. This resort surely had the appearance of a five star hotel and that clearly hadn’t been the case when Judith left for San Francisco decades earlier. Was her grandmother sad that her parents never saw the potential of this resort, or was she happy that someone else had? It was hard to tell.
“Well, I’d like to help my grandmother get settled in for the night. Thank you, Mr. Watson, for showing us to our room—”
“Please, call me Chad, and be sure to let me know if there’s anything at all that you need.” He gave her a genuine smile as he headed toward the door to leave.
“We’ll do that.” Tiffany returned his smile with a slight blush. It was hard for her to look at him without doing so. Just as she was about to close the door he stopped it with both hands and popped his head around the corner.
“If you’d like.” He lowered his voice. “Some friends of mine, along with a few of our guests, are having a deck party tonight. We’re just outside the glass doors off the lobby. I’d be honored if you could join us.” The look on his face was hopeful.
Tiffany turned her head to look at Judith. Her grandmother had already begun to open a suitcase.
“I’ll see,” she answered quietly as she gave her shoulders a slight shrug. What do you mean? When a guy who looks like this invites you somewhere, I know I should show up.
“Of course she’ll join you,” Judith called out. “We’re on west coast time. It’s still early for her.”
Chad chuckled. “There’s nothing wrong with her hearing, is there?”
Tiffany's eyes met Judith’s, and the older woman gave her a smile. Had her grandmother seen her checking him out in the hallway just a few moments ago? It was hard to tell.
“No. Not much gets by my grandmother.”
* * * *
“So you’ve invited a super-hot chick to join our little party tonight?” Chad’s friend, Brian, took a swig from his bottle of beer and grinned.
“Whatever you do, do not call her a chick. Got it?” Chad raised his eyebrows for emphasis.
“Okay, relax. Chick is out. I’ll call her a babe instead,” Brian teased.
“And I’ll call an ambulance for you if you don’t behave yourself. Humor me please, and try to not be your usual moronic self!” Chad sighed.
“And what makes you think she’ll show up?” Brian gave his friend a punch in the arm.
Chad scrunched his face up in thought. “She might not. I guess I’m just wishful thinking.”
“Yeah, well wish away, my friend. You said she’s from California, huh? Do you know what that means? She’s probably surrounded by buff, tan surfer dudes, and trust me...you do not fit that bill at all. When’s the last time you worked out anyway?” Brian shook his head with a smirk.
Chad ignored the question, not wanting to admit that he hadn’t had much time for the gym since his parents put him in charge.
Brian took a long gulp from his beer before continuing, “Guys from L.A. work out all the time, so if you ask me—”
“They’re not from southern California. They’re here from San Francisco.” Chad corrected him.
“Oh, like that makes a difference?” Brian laughed.
“It might. Stereotypes can be wrong, you know. My mom told me this grandmother ran off to California in the sixties. She became a Vietnam War protester or something like that. She was actually a hippie, which is strange because she surely doesn’t look like a hippie anymore, although she did kind of sound like one tonight.” Chad scrunched up his forehead thoughtfully.
“Well duh, she’s an old woman. She’s probably gotta be like a hundred by now.” Brian shrugged.
“The Vietnam war wasn’t that long ago. Didn’t you pay attention to anything in history class?” Chad shook his head.
“Evidently he didn’t. And for the record, my grandmother is seventy-four,” a female voice interrupted them from behind.
Chad spun around so quickly that he almost bumped directly into Tiffany. As he did so, he did a double take. She had changed into a comfortable looking beige sweater. Her tight fitting jeans showed off her slender figure nicely. She tossed her head back, and he noticed that her long blonde hair was no longer in a ponytail. “Oh, hey, where did you come from? We were just...”
“Talking about me?” Tiffany tipped her head sideways. Her green eyes sparkled with amusement. He loved that she barely wore any make-up. In his opinion, she certainly didn’t need it.
“No. Well, I mean, sort of, I...” Chad was glad it was dark out. Perhaps that would hide his reddening cheeks.
Brian promptly came to his friend’s rescue. “This idiot couldn’t talk about anybody even if he wanted to. Speech is definitely not his strong point!” He smiled and held out his hand as he introduced himself. “I’m Brian, and I’ve been keeping Chad in line since we were in the second grade. I was the one pummeling him with questions about you. My wife, Danielle, has always wanted to visit California.”
“Well, it’s a lot warmer there than it is here, that’s for sure.” Tiffany hugged her jacket tightly around her body.
“Let’s get you a hot drink.” Chad nodded toward the outside bar.
“Me too, right?” Brian held up his now empty bottle as he followed them to the bar. “Here’s a tip for you, Tiffany. Never turn down a free drink at this place. Their prices are outrageous!”
Chad wanted to say something sarcastic back, but figured he’d better not push his luck. Brian had just saved him from some major embarrassment in front of her.
“Uhm, you are old enough to drink, right?” Chad shifted his feet uncomfortably. “I mean, I hate to have to ask you that, but my old man would kill me if we served someone who was underage.”
“It’s okay. I’m twenty-five. I’m old enough to do lots of things.” Tiffany quickly covered her mouth with her hand. “I did not just say that! I mean, I did, but that didn’t come out the way I meant it!”
Good, now her cheeks are turning red as well, so we’re even! Chad cleared his throat to stifle a small laugh.
“Well, alright then...” Brian smiled slyly as he looked back and forth at Tiffany and Chad. They both quickly looked away from each other. “I’ll just take my free drink and go search for my wife.” He turned away and began to sing, “I wish they all could be California girls...”
“I hate that song.” Tiffany gave Chad a slight grin.
“Not a Beach Boys fan I take it?”
“They were a little before my time. You could, however, ask my grandmother.”
“I’ll pass. Your grandmother looks more like the Jimi Hendrix type.”
“That she was.” Tiffany sighed. “Hey, I’m sorry if I scared your friend away. I talk without thinking about what I’m actually saying sometimes. It’s one of my worst faults.” She took a sip of the steaming liquid from the mug Chad handed her.
“No worries. We all do it. Plus, it’s fine by me he took off. I see him all the time. It’s nice to see a new face here.” He touched her lightly on the sleeve.
“Don’t you see new faces here every weekend?” She glanced around at all of the people softly laughing and enjoying the music on the deck.
“Well, yes...” Chad didn’t know what else to say. But none as pretty as yours? No. That wouldn’t be appropriate. No point in coming on too soon.
Tiffany cleared her throat slightly as she breathed in the vapors rising up from the mug. “What’s this we’re drinking?”
“Oh, this is mulled wine. It’s supposed to warm you up. Apparently, it works pretty well.” He gestured toward a group of partiers who had just broken out in a boisterous song as they swung their mugs back and forth through the air. “Do you like it?” He lifted the mug to his lips as he waited for her response.
“It’s not bad actually, and those people over there seem more lit up than all these Christmas lights you’ve got strung around here. What’s in it?” She looked down at the dark liquid.
“It’s my mom’s secret recipe, although it’s hardly a secret anymore. Mostly it’s just red wine mixed with a little bit of brandy. Then you add sugar and spices and heat it all up. I guess in Nordic countries they call it Glögg.” He paused to take another sip. “It doesn’t keep you awake at night like coffee would.”
“No, I suppose with the alcohol in it, it wouldn’t.” Tiffany swirled the wine around in the mug.
Chad chuckled. “I guess I was stating the obvious, huh?” He wished he could kick himself right then and there for acting like a fool in front of her. Keep cool, he reminded himself. She’s not going to bite you. In fact, she seems a bit shy, even if she is from someplace far more glamorous than here.
Tiffany glanced around at all of the bundled up guests, holding their drinks with mittened hands. “I’m afraid I won’t be able to stay long though. I don’t have an actual winter coat... just this.” She looked down at herself and gestured to the waistcoat she was wearing. It definitely wasn’t designed for cold winter weather. “And I don’t even own a pair of gloves.”
“Hey, I’ve got an idea. Wait right here. I’ll bring you something better you can wear. I’ll be right back!” If keeping her warm meant that she would hang out for a bit, then he was eager to help. Chad wanted to get to know her a little better. He raced back to the office by the front desk and grabbed up a long coat that had been accidently left by a previous guest. He then took his work gloves out of his desk and hurried back outside.
“Here, let’s see if this fits. It was left a while ago by someone who never bothered to claim it.” Chad helped her out of the flimsy excuse for a coat she was wearing and held up the coat he brought.
“That looks huge,” Tiffany gave him a dubious look.
“Well, yes, but it will keep you warm,” he encouraged as he helped her put it on.
After zipping it up, she looked down at herself. Chad held her old coat then backed up and put his hand on his chin as he examined it on her.
“It’s white,” Tiffany announced.
“Yep. It’s white, but lots of coats are white.” Chad tried to conceal his amusement as he continued to survey her.
“It’s lumpy.” She looked around at the others who were laughing and conversing amongst themselves in their designer parkas and snowmobile suits.
“Well, you’ll be easy to find.” He shrugged as he smiled.
“And it’s huge on me.” Tiffany put her mug down. The sleeves of the coat hung over her hands.
“Then you’ll be spared from wearing my work gloves.” His smile grew bigger as he shoved the old gloves into his pocket.
“And it’s puffy.” This time she made a pouty face that sent him over the edge with laughter.
“Okay, I confess. You do kind of look like the Michelin Man in that thing! But you gotta admit, you’ll stay warm.”
Tiffany grinned back at him. “What is it they say? The right tire changes everything? Do you think it’s the same with outerwear?”
“If only that were true.” He gave his head a slight shake. “If something as simple as changing a coat would also change my life, I’d welcome it. I could use some change right about now.” Chad took a step closer to her, and she quickly looked down before nodding in agreement.
“So could we all.” She turned toward the water. Was he unhappy with the direction his life was taking as well? Maybe that was something they both had in common. Or was he just lonely like her? It was hard to tell. “Hey, is that the lake I hear?”
“I suppose so.” He looked out into the darkness at Lake Superior. “I barely notice the sound. I guess I’m just used to hearing it.”
“The waves sound big, like they’re coming from an ocean.”
“Well, it is the largest freshwater lake in the world, so it can generate some pretty large waves. I guess it is kind of like the ocean, come to think of it.” Chad took another gulp out of his mug as he considered this. “There are some pretty big chunks of ice floating in it though. The ocean in California probably doesn’t have that.”
“I’m going to walk down there and see it.” Tiffany started toward the lake.
He quickly put her old jacket and his mug down to follow her. “Right now? In the dark?”
“The walkway’s lit, right? And it looks shoveled. Plus, I want to get some use out of this fabulous coat I’m wearing.” She spread her arms out and twirled around once.
As he walked with her down the path, Chad thought she was quite possibly the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. But how do I tell her that when we’ve only just met?
Then he got a thought. “Do you know who you remind me of?” He didn’t wait for her response. “When I was little, my grandfather used to tell me tales about the winter wood fairies. I don’t actually remember most of the stories, but I always had this picture in my mind of what I thought they should look like. And you know what? They looked like you.” He hoped she could tell he was trying to pay her a compliment.
Tiffany stopped and turned to look at him with a doubtful smile. “Really? Fairies wore puffy white coats that made them look like they’d just consumed 200 pounds of marshmallows?”
“No. In my mind they had white hair that sparkled in the moonlight.” He reached out and brushed a wisp of her long hair away from her face. “Kind of like yours is doing now.”
Embarrassed, Tiffany turned toward the water and began to scale up the side of a large flattened boulder that lined the shore. “Could they climb on rocks?” she called out over her shoulder.
“Hey, be careful! It’s icy up there. Besides you never know when...” His warning was cut off by what happened next.
Splash! A large wave crashed up onto the rock just as Tiffany reached the top. Her instant scream, followed by an immediate intake of air from her, were confirmation that she had just gotten wet.
“It’s...it’s...Oh God! I...I...” It sounded to Chad as though she could barely breathe, let alone talk.
“Here! Quick! Let me help you!” Chad quickly scoured up the rock. The last thing he needed was for her to fall down the other side and into the icy water of Lake Superior.
“It’s cold!” She sucked in a huge breath of air. “There’s ice!” Her voice chattered uncontrollably. “I d...d...didn’t know!”
“Yeah, it’s winter! C’mon, let’s get back to the lodge. Geez, your coat is soaked! We’ve got to get you out of these wet clothes...” Before he could finish, Tiffany lost her footing on the slushy ice-coated rock and slipped forward and down, tumbling face first onto the walkway. As she rolled over to get up, Chad saw a little blood on her hands where she tried to catch herself. Her forehead, which had hit the pavement, also had a scrape on it. Tears immediately welled up in her eyes.
Chad jumped down from the rock and helped her to her feet. She stumbled forward a bit, and then stopped. She seemed unable to walk, and her body trembled with cold.
“I’m...I’m... s...s...sorry.” She quickly brushed away a few tears. He shook his head a bit. God, please don’t let her cry. He hated it when women cried, even when they had a good reason. It made him feel helpless to do anything.
“Don’t try to speak. Here, I’ve got you. It’ll be okay.” He scooped her up easily into his arms. She buried her head into his jacket as he swiftly carried her back to the lodge. Even wet, she was as light as a feather. Her hair smelled wonderful, although there was no way he was telling her that now. As he crossed the deck, he called out for Brian to get the door open. Crossing the lobby, he gently placed her in a chair in front of the crackling fire.
“Let’s take a look at you.” Chad quickly helped her remove the wet coat as Brian and a young woman hurried over with a blanket.
“What happened here?” The woman asked as she knelt down next to Tiffany and wrapped the blanket around her trembling shoulders, shaking from the shock of the frigid conditions.
“She took a fall on the rocks by the lake,” Chad explained.
“I’m f...f...fine, r...r...really,�
� Tiffany’s voice still chattered with cold. “I’m not used to being this frozen, that’s all.”
“This is Danielle. She’s Brian’s wife, and she’s a nurse.” Chad knelt down beside her as well.
“Does it feel like you might have broken something? Can you walk?” Danielle’s voice was filled with concern.
“Yeah, I’m sure I can walk. I was just so stunned. That water caught me off guard. It was stupid of me really.” Tiffany brushed her hands off onto her damp jeans as her body continued to tremble.
“Should I call Dr. Hendrickson?” Chad pulled out his cell phone.
“No! Really, I’m just scraped up a bit. I’ll be fine.” Tiffany looked uncomfortable with everyone’s eyes on her. “It’s nothing that a hot shower won’t fix.” She held out her hands for them to see. “I’m not even bleeding really. They’re just scraped up a bit.”
“How does your head feel?” Danielle leaned forward for a closer look.
“It barely brushed the pavement when I fell.” Tiffany reached up to feel the abrasion on her forehead. “It doesn’t feel bad.”
“Hmm. I guess it doesn’t look too bad really. But if you hit your head hard—”
“I didn’t. I promise,” she insisted. “What I need right now is to get in a hot shower.”
Danielle looked down at the wet coat, now heaped on the floor. “Your coat is pretty wet. It may not dry out overnight. Maybe Chad can toss it in the dryer for you.” She stood and picked it up as Chad got to his feet as well.
“Sure, that’s no problem.” he reached out to take it.
Tiffany began to slowly stand, and Chad immediately grabbed onto her arm to help steady her. “No need to trouble yourself. When it dries, you can return it to your lost and found box. My grandmother wants to go into the town tomorrow. Maybe I can buy a warmer coat then.”
Frozen: A Winter Romance Anthology Page 24