Page 21 of Full Send

Why have I never looked at Tanner that way? He was always cute, maybe a bit awkward and lanky when he was younger. But he was always Collin’s best friend too. It always just felt like there was this invisible line between us that neither of us would cross. I’ve just known him forever and kind of assumed he’d always just be here, a good friend we’d see when we’re in town.

I let out a breath it feels like I was holding way too long. “Ok. I mean yeah, Tanner glowed the fuck up, Lizzy. But I’m not his type.”

Lizzy snorts a very unflattering laugh. “Not his type? V. He was looking at you practically every chance he got last night.”

I furrow my brows and look at her. Ok, yeah. She noticed that too? That is a new thing with him, or at least one I’ve never noticed. I was starting to think I was a bit crazy. “He’s always been hyper-protective of Collin and me. So it’s not that weird for him. We just haven’t seen each other in a long time.”

She finishes the last bite of her snack bar, fitting in words while still chewing. “Well V, if he’s not into you, what is his type then? He might not be a cowboy, but I’d take a ride on that mustang.”

If I was drinking, I would have spit out whatever was in my mouth or choked on it. “I swear to God Lizzy. You can’t help yourself, can you?” I shake my head in disbelief and roll my eyesunder my goggles. “You know what? Go for it. You might be in luck. Allegedly his type is blonde, attractive ski girls. Basically you, Lizzy. Shoot your shot.”

I groan again at the thought and immediately regret my words. This should be interesting.

Chapter 11

Veronica

Frisky Fox

It was another great day on the slopes. Another day to recharge what I felt like was missing in me, a sense of adventure and belonging in a place that makes me feel whole.

After dropping our ski gear off at the condo and changing, Lizzy and I head back to the village to meet the boys at the bar. I changed into some comfy leggings, decent boots for walking, a cowl knit sweater, and rebraided my hair before throwing on a beanie.

Lizzy is always on, as usual. She threw on some thick wool tights, but also put on a cute short black sweater dress. A perfect ski-lodge look.

Walking into the bar, I’m hit with all the memories of past nights spent here. We snag a high top right next to the bar on the first floor. At this time of day, the après crowd is rolling in and the place is electric.

A band is warming up on the stage in the corner, but they’re drowned out by everyone in the bar talking about theirhighlights of the beautiful day. The latecomers now are heading upstairs to the second floor bar overlooking us. I smile looking up there at the balcony, laughing at the life size stuffed moose hanging from the ceiling, pulling a sled.

If you came to the Frisky Fox without knowing the history of it, your first reaction would be that it was the result of a cliché attempt at making a Wyoming ski dive bar, a theme park caricature. Sure it gives off that vibe, with its wood paneled walls covered in taxidermied animals, old skis, antique tin signs, and other knick knacks.

Except for the fact that it’s the real genuine article, having been here since the sixties. Oddly enough, it started out as an admittedly unusual combination of an opera house, spaghetti restaurant, and saloon. These days it’s known for killer après ski food, steaks, and margaritas.

God those margs are dangerously good.

Collin and I have been coming here, more often than not with Tanner, since we turned twenty - one. It’s a staple for us anytime we’re in town, regardless of the time of year.

“Spicy margs, right? I’ve been told that’s the drink here,” Lizzy says practically shouting over the noise looking for confirmation, as if we haven’t been talking about this all week.

“Yep. That’s it. Grab me one too. I got next round. Thanks, girl.”

While Lizzy goes up to the bar, I look down at my phone to check the time. It’s 4:15 but I wanted to get here early and grab a table before it’s too crowded. Plus I can grab a drink with Lizzy before the boys show up.

Before I can even put my phone away, I feel it buzz in my hand. I swear if this is Jeffagaintoday. Oh, that’s… weird. It’s not Jeff, but an email from Cindy at Earth SnaX, my main client contact there. She normally goes through Jeff, but does occasionally come straight to me for some things.

My anxiety starts to race.

Why is she reaching out directly? They’re based in Oregon, so it’s not that unusual for me to hear from them later in my work day with the three hour time difference. But it’s the Saturday after Christmas. What could she want?

Ok, my anxiety is going to get the better of me. If I don’t check this, I’m going to be consumed by wondering what she wants.

Hi Veronica!

First off, this is not urgent, so I hope you don’t see this messageuntil you’re back from your well earned vacation! Jealous you’re out skiing, I’m more of a Colorado girl, but I’ve heard Jackson Hole is amazing.

When you’re back, I’d like to set up time to get your input on some ideas, unrelated to the upcoming presentation. Looking forward to hearing all about the slopes and catching up!

Cindy

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