Page 27 of Stuck on the Slopes

“Do, pray tell, explain to me how this looks like Disney World.”

“Well, there’s Blizzard Beach, for starters. And Expedition Everest. Oh, and one of the mini golf courses has a winter theme. Shall I continue?”

Juniper groaned and leaned back in his chair. “Should I have? Is this guy gonna blast us on social media?”

“Maybe,” I said. “He looked pretty upset. Thanks for the save, Edgar.”

“Happy to help.”

I glanced behind me to see the man sitting with his daughter. His back was to me, but she’d finally dropped her hands from her face. Her cheeks were almost as red as her hair—if I had to guess, from embarrassment.

“I should at least say hi, huh?” Juniper rubbed his eyes. “I’m trying to get better at this.”

“Just go so you don’t beat yourself up,” I said. “Snap twice if you need emergency rescue.”

He nodded and told Sasquatch to stay put as he stood from the table. “Thanks for saving my ass. Both of you.” Juniper nodded at Edgar and then, to my surprise, made eye contact with me. “That’s twice now you’ve covered for me. Maybe I’ll have you and Rick meet so you can both force me into some media training.”

“Not a bad idea,” I called after him. As he walked toward them, he turned to look at me, stuck his tongue out, and extended his middle finger. Edgar and I both laughed at the gesture and watched closely as he began talking with the family. Hoping to hear them, we both remained silent, but all we could hear was the occasional sound of laughter.

After they took a selfie on her phone, I saw her ask him something while pointing at her feet. He shook his head and began talking with his hands, but the girl and her dad both nodded. The girl scooted her chair back and then took her snowboarding boot off. Juniper chuckled as one of his hands moved behind his head.

“Do you have a permanent marker?” I asked Edgar. He patted his apron and then procured one from a pocket. I took it from him and jogged over so Juniper would have something to sign with.

“Thanks,” Juniper said. His gaze had softened since he got to the table. As he signed the girl’s boot, he said, “This is my Assistant Manager, Rachel. She keeps me in check.”

“Nice to meet you both!” With my elbows close to my ribs, I gave them a small wave.

“Here you are,” Juniper said to the redhead. “I appreciate your understanding.”

“I told him it wouldn’t be nice to catch you off guard,” the girl said as she put her shoe back on, giving her dad a pointed look. He held his hands up in defense. “Thank you again.”

“Sure thing.” Juniper nodded.

“Are you opening soon?” The girl’s eyes were wide with wonder. “I’d love to come back once you do.”

“Early next year,” Juniper said. “Lots to do in the meantime, though. We should get back to it.” He handed me the Sharpie. “Shall we?”

I nodded and then smiled at the man and his daughter. “Have a great rest of your day, folks.”

When we returned to our table, Edgar had set our meals out for us already. Sasquatch placed his head back on Juniper’s leg the moment we sat down.

“What did they say?”

“Apparently, Allison and I inspired her to snowboard. Not sure if I told you about them. We had the same agent and went to a lot of the same tournaments and events. You’d like them.”

“That’s sweet,” I said. “I’m glad you went over.”

“To save face?”

“No, because I’m pretty sure you made her day. Doesn’t that feel good?”

Juniper scoffed as he smirked. “Yeah, just call me Cinderella from now on.”

“You strike me more as an Elsa, but I mean, if you really want…”

“Good God, please don’t.” He took a bite of food and then, once he finished chewing, said, “Thank you. Seriously. I’ll get my shit together one of these days.”

“Hey, I get it. I’m sure it’s not easy.” I offered him a sympathetic smile. “There’s no saying how any of us would handle it, so I don’t judge you.”

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