Christmas is You

by Sylvia Blake

  Christmas is You

  A Rose Mountain Resort Book

  Sylvia Blake

  © 2017 by Sylvia Blake

  All Rights Reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author. No part of this publication may be sold or hired without written permission from the author, except for the use of quotes for the purposes of inclusion in book reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Epilogue

  STAYING IN TOUCH

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Chapter 1

  “Debbie! Stop it!” April ducked as another mug – plastic, thankfully – hurtled through the air towards her. “I’m not him!”

  Debbie let out another sob and made her way over to the couch, into which she promptly collapsed, her head in her hands. April rushed over next to her and engulfed her in a tight hug, rubbing her hair reassuringly.

  “Honey, I know it hurts, I know it does. More than anything. I couldn’t imagine what you’re going through.”

  Debbie let out a long, guttural cry as she looked up, her eyes red and raw. Her tear streaked face wore a pained expression, and her cheeks were flushed. She brushed a strand of limp, light brown hair out of her eyes. It was hard for her to get the words out, so she decided to cry it out rather than try to explain her feelings to her friend. She had just received confirmation that Jake, her fiancé of nine months, and the man she’d spent the last five years with, was leaving her for another woman.

  They were supposed to get married in two months; everything was booked and ready to go. They had two hundred guests who had already RSVP’d and were expecting an early February wedding. The whole thing was a disaster – there was no other word to describe it. Okay, so there were other words. Heartbreaking, devastating, soul-destroying. This was the man she loved and wanted to spend the rest of her life with, and now that dream was in shambles.

  She looked into April’s eyes and broke down again. April was her best friend and had always been there for her through thick and thin, so she felt no shame in losing her cool in front of her. She knew April had always had misgivings about Jake, but she had ignored her friend’s unease, because she was in love and when you’re in love, you see everything through rose-colored glasses. Right? She came to the conclusion that being in love was synonymous with being stupid. Never again. She would never be so naïve again.

  She looked out her window at the snowflakes blowing in the blistering wind. It was early December, but winter had already set in. The Christmas lights blinked on and off, reflecting off the windows and walls of the condo she shared with Jake.

  Christmas had always been her favorite time of year. She loved everything about it – the coziness, the family time together, baking cookies, the Christmas movies. And now he had ruined it for her.

  She composed herself and hugged her friend back, grateful that she didn’t say “I told you so”.

  “What do I do now, April? I’m 27, and I have to start all over again?” She felt so small and helpless. It didn’t help that she had just been laid off from her job. She had been the manager of a higher end women’s spa, and it was a comfortable and reliable job. Or at least she thought it was. She got the bad news last week, and was immediately escorted off the premises. She knew it was standard procedure to make people leave right away to prevent unsavory scenes, theft, and sabotage, but she couldn’t help but feel like a criminal.

  So much bad news at once was enough to break anyone, and she had never been a particularly strong person to begin with. It was something that she was working on, but for now, she was content to wallow in self-pity.

  “I’m not sure, Debbie,” April said, her eyes full of concern. “I think you need to take some time to grieve and think things through. We’re coming up to the holidays, so it might not be the best time to look for a job. How about getting out of town for a while? For a change of scene…”

  “That’s not a bad idea, but I’m pretty broke, and I’ll need to save money for a new place. Jake said I could stay here until I find something new, but why on earth would I want to be around all the reminders of him, and of our life together? He must have lost his mind, if he thinks I’d want to stay here.”

  She sighed, stood up, and headed for the kitchen. The condo was modern and open concept, so she could see and keep up a conversation with April while she got busy in the kitchen.

  “I’m making some hot chocolate. Want some?” she asked.

  April nodded and said, “well, how about somewhere close? You don’t have to go down south or anything. Just rent a car or take a train and stay in a little bed and breakfast somewhere. Get your mind off of things, you know.”

  “Hmm, I do have an aunt out by the Rose Mountain resort.”

  She got lost in thought, remembering her favorite aunt, Wendy, and how she had always told her that she could come stay there anytime. It was a quaint little resort town, centred around a large ski resort. It was a popular destination during the winter months, and on the weekends, it was usually filled to capacity with skiers and snowboarders dotting the mountain. Her aunt had moved out there when Debbie was still a child, and she had spent many summer weeks and winter holidays there.

  It was a truly magical place during Christmastime. The whole resort was decorated with Christmas lights, the hotels were booked to capacity, and the mountain was topped with a beautiful and peaceful layer of snow. The annual Christmas Market was her favorite attraction. Vendors from all over the state came down and displayed gorgeously handcrafted ornaments, and the food and drink options were irresistible.

  With a blush, she remembered David and the three weeks they spent together one summer at the resort six years ago, just before she met Jake. She had been visiting her aunt and had gone out to check out one of the local gift shops. She couldn’t help but notice him, tall and handsome, behind the counter. They hit it off, and she extended her weekend trip to three weeks. They had meant to stay in touch, but he went back to college and their phone calls and emails became less and less frequent, until there was nothing. Her family and friends wouldn’t let her live that down for a quite a while. Why did they always have to be in her business, anyways?

  She had no idea whether he was still there, or if he had left town for a big city somewhere. In any case, those were just nice memories. She just wanted peace and quiet now, for a while at least, and she couldn’t have that while in the city, surrounded by reminders of Jake and their relationship.

  Maybe it was time to take Aunt Wendy up on that offer.

  Later, after April left, Debbie curled up on the couch with some cookies and ice cream. She was lucky enough to have had some of her favorite flavor on hand – Rocky Road. She chuckled self-deprecatingly as she thought about how apt it was in her present circumstances. Rocky Road – it seemed to be the story of her life these days.

  Normally, on any other Sunday night, she and Jake would be sitting on that couch together – they’d grab some snacks, or
just curl up with her head on his shoulder, and watch their favorite shows and discuss their day. But those were just memories now, and they left a bitter taste in her mouth.

  Outside, snowflakes were still drifting towards the ground, peaceful and oblivious to her worldly troubles. She sighed and looked around. She felt stifled, claustrophobic, and she didn’t want to spend one more day between those walls. She was going to go crazy.

  She picked up her phone and dialed her aunt’s number. The conversation was short. She wasn’t in the mood to chit-chat, but her aunt understood her need to keep it short and sweet. Her aunt had already heard the news of her breakup, and knew better than to dwell on it for any length of time with Debbie.

  Debbie, however, knew that this considerate attitude would be short lived. Aunt Wendy was as nosy as they came, and had no qualms about her meddling ways. She was always well-intentioned, but Debbie found it exhausting to deal with the questions and constant attempts at problem solving. She had no doubt that as soon as she was settled in, she’d have to face a veritable interrogation at the hands of Aunt Wendy. They would be accompanied by expressions of compassion and concern, but they’d rankle Debbie’s nerves just the same.

  Luckily, all Debbie had to say for now was that she needed to get out of town and her aunt immediately declared that she was expecting her as soon as the morning rolled around. She knew her parents and sister, Cathy, would be hugely disappointed that she wasn’t around for the holidays, but at this point she was tired of caring about what everyone else thought. She’d only be a couple hours’ drive away; she could always come back and visit for a holiday dinner.

  Debbie breathed a sigh of relief as she hung up the phone. Maybe, just maybe, she’d get through this holiday season with her sanity and heart intact.

  Chapter 2

  The monotony of driving was getting to Debbie as she sped down the freeway. She had considered taking the bus, but figured that she might need her car while she was at Rose Mountain. There was no reason to rent a car when she had a perfectly reliable VW Jetta. She lifted her mocha to her lips and took a sip. If she hadn’t been driving, she would have closed her eyes and licked her lips like they do in those commercials. It was her favorite drink, and very well deserved on these long drives.

  The bustle of the city had disappeared long ago, to be replaced by tree-lined landscapes and farmhouses. She noted that she had just entered the city limits of Collingville, which meant she was only half an hour away from the resort. She couldn’t wait, and turned the radio to her favorite station in an effort to make the time fly by even faster.

  She was singing along with one of her favorite songs when her phone rang. She reached to the console on the dash and answered the phone. It was April, which was a bit strange; after all, they had just spoken when she left the condo. She couldn’t help but worry that something was amiss.

  “Hello?” she said.

  “Hi Debbie, how are you?”

  “Oh, I’m still driving. It’s the never-ending drive. It’s pretty far. At least farther than I remembered, but maybe that was just wishful thinking.” She chuckled, actually grateful that she had someone to chat with during this long trek.

  “It’ll be worth the drive. I’m actually kind of jealous, if I’m going to be honest. I mean, you’re getting away from the craziness of the holiday season here, not to mention the slush and the dreadful commute in the city.”

  Debbie smiled, almost as if her friend could see her. “Well, you’re welcome to come down anytime. I’d have to clear it with my aunt, but I can’t imagine that she’d have any objection. You’ve always been welcome there.”

  “Actually, that’s partly why I called. I was just tidying up around my place, and noticed you’d left your laptop here.”

  Debbie let out an exasperated sigh. “Really? See, I’m so absentminded these days. Sorry about that.”

  “Don’t be sorry, hon. It’s just that I’m sure you’ll be needing it there – after all, how else will you keep up with your writing?”

  Debbie blushed. For as long as she could remember, she was always working on one novel or another. Some of them were completed manuscripts, but she was way too chicken to submit them to an agent. April was one of the few people that even knew about this hobby of hers.

  “You’re right. Hey – even more reason for you to come up here and visit. See? Everything happens for a reason.” As soon as the words left her mouth, she instantly wondered what reason there could have been for her jerk of a fiancé to cheat and abandon her the way that he did. She shook the thoughts from her muddled mind. She wasn’t intending to use this getaway to dwell on him and what he’d put her through. She didn’t want to think of him at all.

  “Truer words have never been spoken,” April said. “So, why don’t you speak to your aunt about my visit, and let me know if it’s ok.”

  “Sure, I’ll talk to her when I get there. I left pretty early today, so I should be there by lunchtime. I wanted to avoid driving in the dark.”

  “Good call. Anyways, I don’t want to take your attention off the road for too long. I just wanted to let you know about your laptop. We’ll have plenty of time to catch up once I’m there.”

  A sign declaring the exit towards the resort caught Debbie’s eyes. She was sorry to let her friend off the phone, but it was as good a time as any. They said their goodbyes just as Debbie departed the freeway and turned off onto a long winding road, lined on each side by snow covered trees.

  Eventually, the snow topped peaks of Rose Mountain came into view. The skiers flying down the runs looked like little ants on a slippery slope, zig zagging their way down the perilous mountainside. A chill went down her spine. As much as she loved spending time at the resort, she had never managed to work up the nerve to tackle any run more daring than the bunny hill. It was a constant joke among her family and friends every time the season rolled around.

  “Debbie, you’ve forgotten your bunny ears,” her sister would tease, screwing up her pretty face and having a good chuckle.

  Debbie just bit her tongue, but had vowed that one of these days, she would show them. They’d have to eat their words. Maybe this year.

  Her aunt’s chalet was a few minutes’ drive past the mountain on a small side street that was rarely traveled. She slowed down as she turned onto it. The snowplows didn’t always make it out that far, and she had every intention of making it out there in one piece. She didn’t come out here only to go home in a body cast, or worse. That was the one advantage of the city – at least you knew the basics would be taken care of.

  Well, there it was. She gingerly pulled up to the chalet, struggling to carefully get her car over a small hill of snow. She’d have to help her aunt out with the shoveling, she figured with a shrug. It was a classic and imposing chalet, of a warm brown wood that instantly brought to mind images of bright fireplaces and steaming hot chocolate.

  Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the heavy door, with a brightly decorated wreath already hung up, swing open, and out popped her Aunt Wendy, with a heavy shawl around her shoulders and warm knee-high boots pulled up over a pair of faded jeans. Her smiling blue eyes lit up her face, and she started towards Debbie with a skip in her step.

  “Be careful, don’t slip!” Debbie called out as she haphazardly stepped out of her car. She steadied herself with her hands on the car as she shut the car door.

  When she turned, Aunt Wendy was already by her side, ready to engulf her in a warm hug and plant some air kisses on each cheek. It was a habit she had picked up from her late Belgian husband. He passed away ten years ago, and Aunt Wendy had lived alone in that chalet ever since.

  Aunt Wendy ran a hand through her short salt and pepper curls as she surveyed Debbie. She clucked disapprovingly and raised an eyebrow.

  “Sweetie, we’re going to have to take you shopping. Those boots and light coat won’t do out here. Not at all. I thought you’d know better.” Before Debbie could respond, Wendy turned and headed towards
the trunk of her car. “Let me help you with your bags, honey.”

  Debbie hobbled over to Aunt Wendy’s side and opened the trunk. “It’s ok, auntie, I can manage. I don’t want you to hurt yourself. They’re so heavy.”

  “Do I look like an old helpless lady to you, miss Debbie?” her aunt replied, hoisting out the largest piece of luggage as if to make a point. “You’re the one who should be careful, sweetie. I wouldn’t want you to break a leg in those shoes that you city girls call boots.” With that, she also grabbed a duffel bag and headed towards the house. “Come on, missy!” she called out towards a bewildered Debbie.

  Shaking off her initial shock with a shrug, she grabbed the other piece of luggage and the remaining duffel bag, and followed her aunt, taking slow step after slow step, making sure not to slip on any icy patches.

  She was relieved to finally enter the warmth of the chalet, and set her bags down in the front foyer. She barely managed to take two steps into the house when the resident feline of the house, Leo, snuck up on her and weaved around her legs, rubbing his face and sides against her ankles.

  “Hey, big boy! What do you think you’re doing, trying to trip me up?” She leaned down and ruffled the fur on his head. He was a Maine Coon, with a full coat of shiny fur and a fluffy tail that resembled a raccoon’s. “Have you missed me?” He mewed in response and ran to the door, clawing at it.

  “Oh, he’s constantly begging to be let out, but I’m afraid it’s just too cold today,” Aunt Wendy explained while helping Debbie out of her coat.

  “So, here you are! I’m so glad you decided to come up here – it’s been a while. But it’s really a shame about what’s happened to you, I have to say,” she started, but stopped when confronted with the expression in Debbie’s eyes and its unspoken message. “Alright, we’ll leave that for another day. But don’t think you’ll get away without a good talk and cry on my shoulders, young lady,” she continued, wagging a finger.