Page 59 of You Had Me at Chateau
‘I’ve never skied before,’ I admit, wobbling slightly.
‘You still haven’t,’ he teases. ‘You’re just standing still.’
We’re at the bottom of the slopes, standing on relatively flat land, in hired ski gear that does not look cool in my opinion. Around us, seasoned skiers glide by with ease, their colourful jackets creating a vibrant blur against the white snow. And then there’s me, standing still, and just about upright – probably not looking cool at all.
When Caleb said that taking some pictures of some ski content might be good for him, to unlock future opportunities, I said that I was happy to help. It turns out I am neither happy nor helpful, though.
‘In that ski mask you could pass for Annabelle from pretty much any angle,’ he jokes. ‘It’s a great time to take photos – in fact, it’s a shame you can’t wear it all the time.’
‘We just need to do more masked activities then, I guess,’ I say – obviously not serious. ‘Fencing, perhaps?’
‘Good idea,’ he replies. ‘Maybe a bit of bondage? That could be good for your book. Two birds.’
‘Two birds, ay?’ I tease him. ‘We’ll see if I survive this first.’
He moves closer, positioning himself behind me.
‘Okay, here’s what you need to do,’ he says. ‘Bend your knees slightly, lean forward just a bit, and keep your weight centred.’
Fuck, is this supposed to be so hot, or am I just sex-starved? I swear, his hands are warm through my jacket as he helps adjust my stance, like he’s leaving a big, hot handprint wherever he touches me. It feels kind of nice having his hands on me, guiding me. Jeez, maybe it really has been too long since I had a boyfriend.
‘Like this?’ I ask, my voice wobbling, as I try to do what he’s telling me.
‘Perfect,’ he says. ‘Now, just pretend you know what you’re doing. Smile for the camera.’
Caleb snaps a few photos, and I try to look as natural as possible, which is harder than it sounds when you’re balancing on two thin planks of… wood? Plastic? Either way, they don’t feel at all sturdy. Still, perhaps if I act confidently, I’ll be more balanced, whereas if I’m timid and shaky I’ll probably make a mistake.
It turns out trying to be confident in skis is the mistake.
I slip almost immediately, and as Caleb lunges to save me, he loses his balance too. We both go down in a heap of skis and limbs, landing on the soft (ish) snow below.
It feels like the world is spinning, and for a second I panic because I can’t see out of one eye – only to realise that my goggles have got turned around a little.
Finally certain that we’re okay, we both burst out laughing.
Caleb turns to me, snowflakes clinging to his face.
‘Are you okay?’ he asks.
‘Yeah,’ I giggle. ‘I think so. Wow, skiing really is an adrenaline rush.’
‘You still haven’t skied,’ he laughs as he grabs me, pulling me close.
True.
‘How about we take a selfie?’ he suggests, holding up his phone.
‘Oh, go on then,’ I reply. ‘Cheese.’
We both grin at the camera, our faces close together – so presumably this photo is for personal use, rather than for his Instagram.
I’m surprised to admit it but I’m having a great time. It feels so nice, having someone to share this with. To be goofy with, to roll around on the floor with. Of course, Caleb isn’t actually my boyfriend. He’s just pretending. I need to remember that. Still, it really is nice.
30
I don’t mean to sound like I’m exaggerating when I say this, but the food here at this resort restaurant (one of many) is nothing short of incredible, and this might be one of the best meals I’ve ever had in my life.
This place is the complete package. The vibes are great, the music is just the right level to be enjoyable when you listen, but ignorable when you want to chat. The cocktails are amazing and the company isn’t bad either.
