Page 14 of Stuck on the Slopes

“Flare up. It’ll pass.”

Returning with my medication bottle in his mouth, Sasquatch betrayed my words. Rachel glanced from the Newfie then back to me. “You sure?”

“Yeah, it’ll be fine.” Since I’d taken a larger dose of my medication this morning, I knew it would go away again within a few minutes. I took the bottle from Sasquatch, though, and took another for good measure. “By the way, when I say meds, it’s, uh, just weed. I hate smoking, so I use an oil. I’m glad it works as well as it does. I know others can’t say the same.”

“Oh! You know, being in Colorado, you’d think I’d have thought of that sooner. Good to know.”

“It was either marijuana or prescription painkillers for the rest of my life. And I hold no love for our healthcare system, so, you know. The less I have to fight with my insurance about if I actually need pain relief or not, the happier I am.”

“Can’t say I blame you. Let me know if I can help, alright?”

“Despite how it looks, I am self-sufficient but thank you.”

Rachel rolled her eyes. “Forget I asked, then.”

We continued to decorate in awkward silence. I fought through my pain out of spite, not wanting to feel any less capable than I already did. My physical therapist warned me that people may look at me differently, especially considering my past career. Now, I didn’t want anyone to look at me at all.

After a few minutes—I wasn’t sure if it was three or thirty—Rachel broke the silence. “Hey, um, I didn’t mean to imply anything. Sorry if it came out wrong. I tend to be the ‘mom friend’ type, you know?”

As I hung the last photograph, I paused. “It’s fine. I appreciate you saying that.”

“But you don’t have to do everything alone anymore.”

She was right, though I’d never admit it. After four years, I’d gotten used to doing everything by myself, save for Sasquatch’s help.

“And besides, Mia Farrow won’t be showing up to call for help,” Rachel said. “So you can lean on me, that’s all.”

My brows furrowed. “Mia Farrow? Like the actress? Why would she call for help?”

“Oh, it’s a movie reference. Have you ever seenAvalanche? It’s from the 70s.”

I shook my head as we made our way to the elevator to head back downstairs. “I’m not exactly caught up on old movies.”

“Okay, if we’re going to do this whole ski lodge renovation thing together, then I’m forcing you to watch it with me. Besides, I think they filmed it somewhere in Colorado. Who knows, maybe you’ll be familiar with the set?”

“What’s it about? Never mind, that was a dumb question. Let me guess, an avalanche taking over a ski lodge.”

“Yeah, but it’s, like, pretty bad. The movie, that is. Well, the avalanche is pretty bad too, but you probably could have guessed that.”

“Why would I want to watch a crappy movie? Sounds like a waste of time.”

One of her thick brows rose as she spoke matter-of-factly. “You will sing a different tune after watching a crappy movie with me. Plus,Mystery Science Theaterriffed on it, so there’s funny commentary.”

My knee-jerk reaction was to say no, but the way I saw it, I had two options: I could either reject Rachel’s offer of a movie night and set the tone she and I would have a strictly professional relationship, or I could accept. While itshouldstay professional, we also would be spending a lot of time together for the next few months at least, potentially years. Other than Edgar, we were alone here, and as AJ said, we’d need to actually like each other in order to have a successful working relationship.

I looked at Sasquatch who was nudging Rachel’s hip in the elevator. Even though I didn’t put his vest on today, I brought him along to fetch a few things; he was never truly off, but I didn’t want him to feel overworked, either. Rachel looked at me as Sasquatch nudged her again. Once I gave her an approving nod, she scratched between his ears. Sasquatch’s long tongue fell out as he smiled wide, the sound of his happy pants filling the elevator.

I really need some friends who can actually talk back; AJ sassing me didn’t count.

So, I said, “Alright. Fuck it. But know I’m only doing this to boost employee morale and because Sasquatch likes you.”

“Jokes on you,” she said, matching my energy. The shift in her tone caught my attention, the sarcasm giving me gooseflesh. “I’m only inviting you for your dog.”

I allowed myself to chuckle. Maybe a movie night wouldn’t be too terrible after all.

Chapter 5

Rachel

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