by Mia Mills
“No, I don’t love you. You may go now.” I feel that I sound like a dick now, kicking her out in the freezing weather as fast as I let her in.
I grab my phone and dial the number of my butler which is probably downstairs and will not hear me even if I scream in this huge place.
The blonde girl starts to cry and curse at me, but I know that she’s just desperate. A loud knock suddenly echoes my room. I open the door, and the butler peeks his head on the slight space between the door. He is carrying two beers in his hand.
“Your beer—” He starts to speak, but I cut him off.
“Nevermind the beer, please call the driver and get this lady home now.”
She continues to whine, but I ignore her.
“She’s acting like nuts,” I whisper to the butler.
“I see, she’s very frustrated.” He whispers back at me.
“I know. Please get her out.” I open the door and walk towards my bed and carries her.
“Put me down you jerk!” She screams and slaps my back, but she’s definitely no match for my strength.
I go down the stairs heading towards the door entrance as the driver of the limo is already waiting. The butler immediately opens the door, and I throw her inside.
“Please take her home,” I say to the driver.
“Will surely do, sir.” He nods as he opens the door to the driver’s seat.
“You can’t do this, Sean!” She screams.
“Already did. Good night, gorgeous woman who I will never see.” I wave my hand at her as the car leaves.
“Will she going to be alright, sir?” The butler looks at me with his face fills up with curiosity.
“Yeah, she’ll be fine,” I reply.
I go back inside and submerge myself in the hot bath to clean myself and thinks of what other fun things I can do tonight. There’s nothing to do but to go on skiing all by myself, and it might sound pretty depressing, but trust me, it is way better than being with the crazy woman.
Chapter 3
Mariah
“Maya, we can’t thank you enough for skiing with us today.” Mrs. Philips opens her arms as she pulls me into a warm hug.
“You’re always welcome Mrs. Philips, it’s my pleasure,” I warmly smile and hug her back, “I always enjoy my time with your whole family.”
Our tracks are imprinting on the snow as we all go all the way back to the ski lodge with smiles on their faces. It makes me actually glad that I get to make these people happy and satisfied with their experience here in the resort.
They invite me to stay with the whole family for a while as they settle inside the ski lodge resort in front of the big fireplace and warm themselves with cups of tea that Mrs. Philips like to make.
Mr. Philips walks towards me, and he is carrying something on his hands which is a pile of cash and hands over to me.
“Oh, thank you so much, Mr. Philipps.” I smile as I extend my arms and get the tips from his hand.
“No problem, Maya. You deserve it all the time.” He smiles as well and wraps his whole arm around Mrs. Philips.
“We actually want to invite you over for a lovely dinner with the whole family.” Mrs. Philips adds.
I find them really sweet. Mr. and Mrs. Philips are resort patrons, and I’ve known them for years. They have beautiful kids who are as generous as their parents. I secretly wish I have that kind of family as well. My mom and dad are the nicest people I know ever since, and I want to have what they have when I have my own family in the future.
“Please, we want to treat you. Learning to ski and keeping my family safe is more important than anything.” Mrs. Philips says as she looks at me filling his eyes with worries.
“Oh, that’s very kind of you Mrs. Philips, but I’m afraid I have plans for tonight.”
“You’re going back to ski again?” Mr. Philipps asks, looking so worried about me going outside in the cold air.
“You know me so well, Mr. Philips.” I flash a reassuring smile.
“I mean, don’t you get bored and tired of doing the same thing every single day?” He adds.
“Well…no, not ever. I always love the winter season since it reminds me of everything that is nice here.”
I smile suddenly thinking about the memories I have in this place. I like feeling nostalgia every time. Makes me feel happy and content that I chose this job.
“Okay then Maya, don’t worry. We understand. We thought you wanted some free time and darling, you actually need one. Just be careful out there, alright?” Mrs. Philips smiles at me.
“Yes, Mrs. Philips. I will be careful and stay out of trouble.” I chuckle, and the room fills out with laughter as I walk towards the door, reaching for the knob.
I walk outside the lodge and spots Khloe sitting on one of the wooden stairs like we always do during our breaks. She’s continuously poking on her phone, and she looks serious. I slowly walk behind her, trying to not make any other sound.
“Maya, I know you’re there.” Khloe says without looking away from her phone.
“How do you know I am gonna scare you?”
“Because I’m your best friend and the greatest person you will ever meet.” She then locks her phone and places it on her side and chuckles.
“How’s your day been?” I ask her as I bend my knees over and sit beside her.
“Just like…everyday. A normal one. How about you?”
“I got a big tip from the Philips again.”
“They really like you.” She laughs.
“I know, right. They even invited me over for dinner.” I place my hands inside the pocket of my coat.
“Why don’t you go with them for once and why are you still here?” She turns her head towards me and furrows her eyebrows.
“Don’t have to.”
“I always enjoy the view here in the mountains more than anything, and you know it.”
“Right. All the time.” She chuckles.
“Nah, you know that I always have an alone activity after work.”
“Yeah, you really love skiing even it’s after work already.” She looks over the horizon. “I love skiing as well, but don’t your legs get tired of the snow?” She asks.
“Nope. I don’t get tired of doing things that I actually enjoy doing.” I get up and go inside the ski lodge to gather my equipment for my last out in the snow.
I start to put on my skiing gear to prepare myself for my after work leisure. I go out of the lodge and Khloe helps me to check in case I am missing anything that I should bring along with me.
“Be careful out there. It’s getting dark.” Khloe says as she waves her hands.
“I’ll be fine. Plus, you should know that I’m dangerous and other people out there should watch out.” I say out loud as I approach the ski lift to start my leisure on top of the mountains.
I manage to get on the ski lift which brings me up all the way to the tall mountains of Eagle Point. Although I always do this after working the whole day, I still get exhilarated about the view that I get to see. I think this is the perfect time to ride on the ski lift since the sun is almost setting that no one wants to go out the resort.
I try to ignore about Khloe’s warnings earlier. I’m working in this ski resort for a long time now, what bad can happen to me? I know what to do in case of an emergency, and I’m also careful of exploring every trail in the whole area. I know about the place and can even describe even though my eyes are closed shut.
I know this place like the back of my hand.
The freezing wind blows on my cheeks as the ski lift starts to move slowly. I lift my head to peek at the sun, now almost hiding behind the mountains, and the moon and stars start to appear on the dark blue sky. I suddenly feel forlorn from the idea of the sun setting down. For me, sunset means that something has to end, whereas the moon will start to appear and I should be glad for that.
I prefer the sunrise because it signifies new hope and a new beginning for all of us but since I’m so busy
with work, especially this season, I don’t have spare time to relax and enjoy the sun. I turn my head towards the other ski lifts, and most of them are now empty. Everyone is going inside, getting a warm bath because they can’t take the cold breeze every night.
What could go wrong tonight?
I know people are just getting all panicky with me going alone on top of the mountains. I understand that they only care about my safety and I am thankful that people like Khloe and the Philips family still exists in this modern times where people tend to think about themselves only.
As the ski lift already reaches the top, I look down for a full view of the mountains. They look like chocolates with confectioners’ sugar from my perspective. I feel a craving for sweets from inside me right now, but I have to shrug it off for now since duh, I’m on top of a high peak.
I pity those who have a phobia of high places, for they will never see the sights that surround me now. I will never be afraid of heights even as a little girl, or maybe my mind just got so used to it since I often went to early morning hikes with my dad when I was younger.
Now somehow, I can’t even be with my family during Christmas season which kind of makes me sad and feel alone at the same time. I may have Khloe to celebrate with, but being with my family during the holiday season is more important than anything else.
As the ski lift that I am occupying already reaches the top of the mountain, I notice a person who is slowly getting out of a ski lift as well. I can’t see who the person is since it started to get foggy on top of the mountains now that the sun has gone down.
I wonder who he is? There aren’t many people who can take the freezing wind and dare to ski at this time of day. Is it a guest?
Well, it looks like I’m going back to work so soon, I’m glad I got to enjoy the view somehow. I feel kind of happy inside since it looks like I’m not going to explore the mountains alone tonight.
I patiently wait for the ski lift to stop to get out of it. When I finally got down off the lift, I immediately approach this person, and as the fog thinned, I notice that he is actually a guy. Probably a guest that wants to explore the mountains by himself, just like what I do every single day after work.
His back is facing me, and from my view, I can see that he’s very tall with an athletic built, making him look capable of staying in the cold for some time. I can’t actually see much of him, since he’s covered all over, with thick and multitude layers of clothing underneath to survive this freezing air.
I walk towards him and tries to approach this guest, who is possibly my last guest for the day. But hey, I’ll take him on any day because he looks very handsome to me.
“Hi, my name is Mariah. The ski resort is almost in closing hours. Are you lost? Do you need help, sir?” I confidently ask, like what I usually do every day.
He turns his back to face me, and that’s when I can see his face clearly. He has thick dark eyebrows, red and luscious lips probably from the cold weather, well-defined cheekbones, a strong jaw and gorgeous hazel eyes that illuminates the moonlight. My heart sinks while I manage to smile sheepishly.
“Um…no, thank you. I’m a grown man, I can ski on my own.” He reaches down for his skiing boots and ties it tightly on his skiing board.
“I believe you need some help. Don’t worry, I’ll guide you. I’m one of the resident instructors here.” I insist as I stare at him while he prepares himself to ski.
“I don’t need any help. Not from a woman.” He aggressively says.
“Excuse me?” I cross my arms and raise an eyebrow.
“Are you deaf or are you playing stupid? Just leave me alone please.” He starts to put on his blue ski goggles.
“Besides, I bet I’m a way better skier than you.” He places his hands on his hips as he lifts his chin in the air like he's proud of himself.
What a big jerk.
He might look good on the outside but definitely very arrogant on the inside. I might as well leave this guy alone since he’s so proud anyway, but there’s something about him that makes me feel that I want to stay and ski with him. I shake my head from such unpleasant idea.
This guy is now staring at me since I wasn’t leaving him alone to do his thing.
“Look, Shania—”
“Mariah.” I correct him immediately.
“Whatever your name is… You may leave now and let me enjoy the view.” He places his hands on both sides of his hips now.
I think this guy needs to learn a lesson, it may not be about skiing, but he needs to learn to not be arrogant.
“Look, sir—”
“Sean.” He looks at me with his angry-looking eyes.
“Whatever your name is,” I smirk on him, knowing I win this small fight.
He turns his back on me once again as he starts to slowly walk in the snow since his snowboard is starting to bury in the thick snow.
“I can prove that I can scale the slopes better than you.” I announce, slightly raising my voice.
He stops walking for a second. My words probably surprise him. Gotcha.
“Are you challenging me, Miss Mariah?” His face slowly turns to me.
I know your weakness now, and I just met you a few minutes ago.
“Yes, Sean.” I confidently reply while placing my hands on my hips.
“Alright, how do you want me to prove myself that I am better than you?” He raises an eyebrow.
He looks so handsome when he’s pumping up from my words.
“Hmm, what about this…” I look away over the horizon. “Let’s have a small competition.”
“And what is the prize?”
“Why does that matter? I’m challenging you since you say you’re boasting, and I feel like you’re all talk and no bark.” I point my finger at his chest, expressing each word.
“So, there’s no prize? That’s absolutely ridiculous! I call your challenge bullshit if there’s no prize. We’re just competing for nothing…I’m wasting my time. I’m out of here.” He lets out the words out of his mouth like a machine gun.
“What about…” I look upward and rubs my chin with my thumb and index finger, trying to be quick on my feet just because I’m feeling competitive. I don’t want to lose to this guy tonight.
“Whoever loses the challenge must treat the other one for dinner.”
“What?” His voice echoes all over the area.
“Coward. Just as I expected. You’re all talk.” I may sound a bit rude now, but his arrogance just needs to stop immediately.
“That is not true, woman! I just didn’t want to play with those who aren’t on my level.” He says through gritted teeth while clenching both of his fists.
I feel my cheeks heat up and blood rushes to my face right now. I hold my laughter in as it’s going to burst anytime soon and just by seeing how ridiculous he really looks right now, I can’t help but let out a small chuckle.
“Stop laughing at me, lady!” He flashes me his anger more and more. “Well then…fine! Deal. I’ll go race with you.” He seriously says as he prepares his gear for today’s challenge.
“Okay, remember, don’t be such a pussy, okay?” I chuckle once again, and this time it turns into laughter.
“Alright cutie, it’s on.” He responds as he is trying to get back with my insults.
I never thought this will be the most exciting night for the first time in my life.
Chapter 4
Sean
“You’re so going to lose, lady.” I joke around at her.
We approach the top of the mountain towards the start of the Olympic skiing track. This is one of the harder courses available in the resort, and my most favorite.
I have plenty of memories here. My mother and father used to take me here when they practiced for their Olympic and World ski competitions. This was even before they bought the property from the previous owners.
I smile as I remember the days when we were still happy as a family.
How did it come to this thoug
h? Just a few moments ago, I was minding my own business and thoughts to myself. I just wanted to do some soul searching, to think about what I’m really doing with my life.
Now, I’m being challenged to a race by this lady.
She’s stunning though. I’ll give her that. Her long, brunette hair sticks out of her helmet. She has this very adorable smile and a hot body. I’m glad we have a very eye-catching instructor in this facility.
I like her confidence to take me on too. She seems to enjoy what she’s doing. Her physique tells me she’s been training a lot too.
However, as much as I want to lose (first, she’s a girl and second, ‘cause I want to take her out on a date), I can’t bring myself to. I’m the owner of this ski resort. If I lose to her, that’ll be embarrassing on my part. I mean, these are my slopes.
I can’t lose to her here. Anywhere but here.
She has no idea who she’s dealing with.
“You do know this is an Olympic ski trail, right?” I ask her, trying to get her to reconsider.
She looks at me with a scowl. “Yes, I do. I work here, remember? And I go through this particular trail all the time.”
I blink and look at her in disbelief. “Really? All the time?”
“Yes, every after shift. I love skiing. That’s what I do in life.” I hear her tap the underside of her boots on the ski plate. Her shoes jam into the bindings.
Her eyes fall on me, expecting. “Well?”
I drop the ski plates on the ground. I scrape my boots on the bindings to get rid of the snow clinging to it and click my boots in place. I take my ski poles in both hands and survey the path in front of me.
From memory, I know there are several jumps on this course. The middle part will be very bumpy and icy. The entire trail requires precision and top physical performance to successfully run.
I increase the brightness of my headlamp and turn on my trusty GoPro to record the race, as I do with all my downhill ski practice.
“So, first one down the mountain will be treated dinner, correct?” I confirm the details of the race.