Snowbound

by CJ Martín

  JJ nods his head in Gigs’s direction as she approaches. “You hook up with her?”

  “Who?” I sneer, even though I know exactly who he is talking about.

  “Shit.” JJ laughs. “The one and only Anders Vik struck out.”

  “Please.”

  JJ’s laugh is cut off when Gigs stops in front of our table. “Hey.” Her voice is timid and a touch hoarse.

  “Hey,” I reply, trying desperately to act unaffected by her.

  “I…” She pauses, takes a breath. “I just wanted to say sorry about before. I’m normally not an emotional train wreck.” She laughs, but it’s forced.

  “It’s okay.” I still don’t look at her.

  “I got some bad news earlier and it kinda took me off guard.”

  I don’t know what the hell to say. I don’t want to care, so I fight the urge to ask her what happened. Fight the urge to comfort her.

  When I still haven’t spoken, JJ pipes up. “It happens to the best of us.” I watch his sly smile out of the corner of my eye. He had better not be hitting on her. “I’m JJ.”

  “Elena.” The smile she gives him is genuine.

  “Nice to meet you. So what’s the story?” He shifts back in his chair and gestures for Gigs to take the seat opposite him.

  Her shoulders sag as she sits down and her voice is defeated. “Basically my internship fell through at the last minute, so now I’m pretty much screwed.”

  “What happened?” I sound a whole hell of a lot more concerned than I intended. She snaps her gaze to me. Her big brown eyes are warm and she gives me the same soul-searching stare from the other day. I shift, uncomfortable, and grasp my palms together in my lap. God dammit. Why can’t I keep my mouth shut?

  “Long story short?” She shrugs a shoulder. “Financial reasons. I don’t even fully understand at this point. But from what I do know, the university put a hold on my account, which affected my internship position. My spot was given to another student.”

  “Can’t you call them? Or get your parents to call them?” The words just keep coming out. Shut the fuck up, Anders.

  She sighs in defeat. “My parents? My dad is the one who promised the bill was paid. I don’t think he’ll be much help.”

  “I’m sorry.” I offer lamely. What else is there to say?

  “What type of internship?” JJ’s voice rises with interest.

  “It was with a big supermarket chain. The ironic thing is that it wasn’t even my top choice, but it was still an internship. I don’t even want to think about what will happen when I go home.”

  “What’s your major?” JJ asks.

  Why the fuck does he care so much?

  Gigs gives him a strange look, seeming as confused as I am. “Business communications.”

  JJ nods his head and chuckles. “Perfect.”

  Gigs looks to me for an explanation but I shake my head. I’ve no idea what JJ is getting at. Her eyes widen when she notices JJ smiling from ear to ear. She must think he’s nuts.

  “All right.” She sighs. “Well, I should go.” Her gaze drifts back over to her table of friends.

  “Elena.” JJ stops her before she can fully stand.

  “Yeah?” Her voice is hesitant.

  “My dad might be able to use you here at the resort.”

  “Use me, how?”

  “In the office, as a secretary or whatever.”

  “I’m not following.” She attempts to stand again. “If you’re offering me a job, that’s very kind of you—”

  “Look, I heard him telling the office manager that he needs another person during the busy season. How would you feel about doing your internship here? If it could be arranged?”

  Her mouth opens and closes. She begins to speak, but closes her mouth and tries again. “What?”

  His words come out in a quick jumble. “I’ll have to run it by my dad, but I’m sure it’ll be okay. What do you think?”

  “JJ the offer is sweet of you, but I don’t think it will work.”

  “Why not?”

  “It has to be arranged through my university. And like I said, right now my account is frozen. Plus, there are certain requirements that the internship needs to meet.”

  “All I’m saying is it’s worth a shot. What other options do you have?” JJ’s voice is not cruel, but matter of fact. He’s always been direct; it’s his best trait, but also his worst.

  She slumps down in her chair as the weight of his words wash over her. “Why are you doing this? You don’t even know me.”

  “I have a good feeling.” He winks at her.

  Her cheeks flush but her eyes light up with the possibility. “Do you really think this could work?”

  “I don’t know. Let me talk to my dad. I’m sure he can make some phone calls if need be.”

  “Ohmygod. Thank you.” Her words come out in a rush and she jumps out of her seat and lunges at JJ, embracing him in a full body hug. My fists clench at my sides.

  “You’re welcome.” He pats her back like he would one of the guys. Thank God.

  “But wait, where will I stay? We’re scheduled to leave tomorrow and my internship was supposed to start the following Monday.”

  JJ deflates a little bit. “Oh.” He exhales as he thinks. “I can probably help you find a place. The hotel isn’t an option—it’s booked solid until after President’s Day weekend. And Vik is in the loft. Maybe we can—”

  “She can stay with me.” My voice cuts him off.

  “What?” Both she and JJ say at the same time, snapping their heads toward me.

  “It’s no big deal.” I shrug and look away. It’s a fucking huge deal. I’ve never had a roommate. Never so much as took a girl home to my place. Ever. I’m in over my head.

  “Anders.” Gigs’s faces me again. “That’s very kind of you to offer, but…”

  Out of the corner of my eye I see JJ’s mouth open and eyes widen at the use of my first name. I choose to ignore it.

  “Not forever,” I backpedal. Why the hell can’t I just stay out of this? I realize how harsh my last comment sounded, so I soften my tone. “Just until you get settled and can find a place of your own.”

  “It might take a while. You know how properties are here.” JJ smiles.

  My eyes narrow at him. “Fine. She can stay as long as she likes.”

  JJ whistles through his teeth. “Wow, Anders, that’s very generous of you.”

  Fucker. “Just trying to help a friend out.”

  “Is that all?” He instigates, but I don’t rise to the challenge.

  “Okay, well I’m going to head back to the room and try to figure this out.” Gigs’s comment ends any discomfort. “I have to call my mom. Would you let me know when you talk to your dad?”

  “Sure,” he agrees.

  “Okay, do you want my number?” She blushes. “I mean, so you can text me or call me to let me know?”

  “Give it to me.” I’m already pulling out my phone.

  JJ grins. Gigs looks shy and unsure.

  “So we can discuss if you’re staying with me or not,” I say, by way of explanation. JJ is not buying it.

  Thankfully, Gigs agrees. “Right, that makes sense.”

  She rattles off her number and I immediately send her a text message so that she will have mine as well.

  “Well, thanks again. And if your dad needs to see my résumé or transcripts or anything I can get them to him.” She rambles on.

  “I don’t think that will be necessary, but I’ll let you know for sure.”

  “Okay. Well, bye.”

  I watch as she walks away, and can’t help but notice the slight bounce in her step. She seems happy. Relieved.

  I turn hard eyes on JJ. “What the fuck was that about?”

  His eyes are bright and a slow smile forms on his lips. “What?” His tone is innocent but he is anything but. “Just being a Good Samaritan.”

  JJ, a Good Samaritan? Yeah, right. Plus, I’m pretty sure that’s not the m
ost appropriate use of the term. My mind reels, but then I snap my fingers in understanding. Tamara. I search my memory for the conversation when JJ bitched that his stepsister might be staying in Seven Pines longer than anticipated to help out during the busy season. That has to be it, and I tell him as much. “You sure it has nothing to do with Tamara?”

  JJ’s smile is gone and his eyes darken. “No.” I chuckle as he stands. “I’ll text you after I talk to Dad.” His tone indicates that he doesn’t want to discuss this any further.

  “Okay,” I agree, but I remain seated.

  “Later.”

  “Bye,” I shout after him, but he’s already out the door.

  It’s fine with me because I really don’t feel like talking either. I’m too trapped in my own mind thinking about Gigs. About the possibility of her living with me.

  Us. Living. Together.

  I don’t know how long I remain sitting there before the enormity of the situation hits me. I offered to let a girl move in with me. Not just any girl. Gigs. A girl I barely know. A girl that tempts me beyond reason. A girl that messes with my head.

  My heart rate picks up speed and I suck in quick breaths. I can’t breathe. The space feels too small and I jump from my chair and rush outside. I double over, resting my hands on my knees. The cold air bites my lungs, but I’m grateful for the burn. I focus on the sting and allow it to bring me back to myself. Allow it to take me out of my head. After a few minutes I start to feel better.

  One thing is certain. If she does move in, she will be off limits. I don’t date. I don’t do relationships. She will not be an exception. My chest lightens and I shake my head out.

  It will be fine. It has to be.

  The past few days have been a whirlwind of activity, and I think my mind and body are still in shock. After I left the café, I immediately called my mother to tell her what happened. To say that she was furious would be an understatement. My parents had a deal; she received no child support from my father after the divorce as long as he provided my college fund. My mother didn’t want anything from the man, but since she never went to college, my going was a huge deal, hence the concession on her part. The past three and half years have been touch and go, but ultimately the bill always got paid. At least up until now.

  My mom didn’t have the money to pay the bill in full, but she did call the university to see what could be done. At first the financial aid office refused to speak to her, and they had to three-way call me to acquire my permission. But in the end the call was futile because they presented her with the same options they did me in the email. Perkins Loan. Parent Plus Loan. FAFSA Application. Re-apply for a new placement in the fall. All of which would delay my graduation by more than eight months.

  I filled Mom in on the opportunity presented to me to intern here at the resort. She wasn’t happy with the alternative, but I played the guilt card big time. Though to be honest, it wasn’t much acting on my part. I was upset. My dad had been unreliable most of my life, and that was putting it kindly. Mom made it her mission to overcompensate for what my dad lacked. So she agreed, albeit rather hesitantly, that if this placement panned out she would support my decision to stay.

  Regardless of what my mom advised, in my heart I knew I would accept the position if the university approved it. The pros outweighed the cons in a big way. I would complete my internship hours in my field. I’d be able to graduate on time with my friends. I’d have free housing. It seemed like a win-win all around. And even though I didn’t say it aloud, I am an adult. I didn’t need my mother’s permission. Well, mostly.

  Also, I may have fibbed a little in regard to the living quarters. I may have led her to believe that I was staying in the loft sans roommate. I may be an adult, but I’m not stupid.

  I glance up from the computer screen when I hear Anders enter. “Hey.”

  “Hey.” I click out of the browser. “Thanks for letting me use your computer.”

  “No problem. Did you get the application filled out?”

  “Yeah.” I roll my shoulders in an attempt to ease my cramped muscles.

  “So it’s all good?”

  “Hopefully.” I stand and take my cup to the sink. “The loan officer said the approval process only takes two to three business days to review the application. Fingers crossed that there are no hiccups, and the university will have their money by the end of the week.”

  “So that’s good, right?”

  “Yeah, I’ll start my placement a week late, so I’ll have to work some weekends to make up the hours but yeah, should be okay.”

  “Good.” He nods. “Jensen took care of everything then?”

  “Yeah, he’s been very kind. He submitted a letter and everything on my behalf. It’s all still a bit surreal.”

  Anders tips his head in agreement. Since I moved in five days ago, he’s been much more reserved. Much like the first day I saw him on the slopes. Back to being an asshole.

  Just when I thought all hope was lost, he asks, “Need help with anything?” It’s obvious that he’s just going through the motions. He wants to help me about as much as I want to talk to my dad, which is not much at all.

  “Not really.” I let him off the hook. “I only have the one suitcase. Maria shipped most of my stuff yesterday. I should be all settled before I start the internship.”

  “Cool. I’m heading out.” He walks toward the door and grabs his coat off the peg.

  “Oh.” I try to keep the disappointment out of my voice. Anders and JJ are the only people I know here, and JJ went back to Boulder two days ago. That leaves Anders. I don’t want him to hold my hand and babysit me, but spending a little time with me would be appreciated. In the past five days I’ve seen him a total of two hours. At most.

  I’m lonely. We don’t even have to talk. I’d be happy to just sit and watch TV with another person.

  “See ya tomorrow,” he calls before he slams the door.

  “Night,” I call back, but he’s already gone.

  I root around in the pantry cupboard and find the Frosted Flakes. I pour myself a big bowl and add whole milk. I smile despite my sour mood. Even though it’s my favorite, I never buy whole milk because of the calories. Apparently Anders doesn’t hold the same sentiment. This is all he has, so I can’t even feel guilty as I douse my cereal.

  I grab Anders’s computer off the counter and head back into the living room. I plop down on the sofa which doubles as my bed. It’s not the most comfortable, but it’s free so I’m not complaining.

  To be fair, Anders all but insisted that I take the bed upstairs, but I refused. I’m already inconveniencing him and messing up his routines by staying here. He’s training for an upcoming snowboarding competition in Boulder and I don’t want to screw up his sleep schedule on top of everything else.

  So the couch it is. It has been a little disconcerting knowing that Anders’s bed is right above me in the open loft that overlooks the living room. So far he hasn’t brought any girls home, but I wonder what’s going to happen when he does. Maybe he’ll set some ground rules. Maybe he’ll do it, bring a girl home and have crazy, wild monkey sex and I’ll be forced to listen. Oh God. Heat rises to my face and despite myself, my legs clench together at the thought of him naked and sweaty. What the hell? I definitely need to talk to him. Soon. Very soon.

  I finish my cereal and place the bowl on the coffee table. I reach for the laptop, open the web browser, and pull up Skype. Maria has been my lifeline these past few days, keeping me sane and easing some of my loneliness. The call connects almost instantly. The wonders of modern technology.

  “Hey girl.” She smiles.

  “Hey.” I try to sound happy, but my voice falls flat.

  “You okay?”

  “Not really. What the hell am I doing?”

  “What do you mean? What’s wrong?” The screen distorts as she shifts on her bed to sit cross legged.

  “Everything. I don’t know anyone. JJ’s back in Boulder. Anders is always ou
t. I start my internship in a few days. I don’t know. What the hell do I know about the business operations of a ski resort? I mean, I never even stepped foot on one until two weeks ago!” I’m rambling but past caring.

  “Whoa. Relax. One meltdown at a time.” She waits while I take a few breaths. “So you’re definitely starting next week? The paperwork went through?”

  “Not exactly. But I finished the application today and the loan officer seemed fairly confident that everything was going to go through.”

  “That’s awesome.”

  “Yeah.” I agree, but my voice lacks emotion.

  “It is awesome. It’s hard right now because you didn’t start the internship yet. Once you do, you’ll meet some new people and get into a routine. Give yourself some time. It’s overwhelming because it’s all still so up in the air.”

  “You sound like my mom.”

  She snorts. “Yeah, I doubt she’d be encouraging you if she knew the living arrangements.”

  I snort too. “Yeah, I know.”

  “You still haven’t told her?”

  “I will,” I hedge. “When the time’s right.”

  Maria glances away from the screen and then comes back into focus.

  “Besides, it’s not like I’m lying. I’m always here by myself. Might as well be living on my own.”

  “What a shame. Such a hot, hot guy. Opportunity wasted.”

  “Are you serious right now? I’m hanging on by a thread here. I don’t need to add relationship drama. Especially with a world-renowned player.”

  “Maybe he’s just the distraction you need.”

  “Can we change the subject please?” I can’t control my eye roll.

  “Talk to your dad yet?”

  “Nope.”

  “Is he still calling and emailing?”

  “Every day. I have nothing to say to him. You know what he said on his last voicemail? He said he’d hoped that I was mature enough to realize that the world doesn’t revolve around me and that I’d be able to understand that he and Sara deserved a vacation.”

  “Wow.”

  “Wow.” I mimic her word. “Thanks for the subject change by the way. You really cheered me up.” My tone is dry, but my lips curl in a smile. I love Maria. Offering comfort is not her strong point, but she always tries.