Page 53 of Mountain Grump

I laugh under my breath. “So, Cali isn’t a model employee.”

Levi opens the folder on the computer with the flash drive and turns the screen so we can both view the content. He goes through the first video, which showcases Blue Sky Resort, and the video footage is on the slopes, with kids and families laughing and having a good time. There’s a video of the lodge, the restaurant, the food at the table, and the shop. The review is positive and upbeat.

I stand, having seen enough. “She must have known she was coming in for an interview for my resort.”

“I don’t think that’s possible. The job listing didn’t mention it, and it wasn’t until yesterday that we officially made the internal transfer for another position, or else you would have had another candidate for the job.”

I don’t know who the other candidate is, but it has to be better than dealing with Cali every damn day. “I want the other candidate,” I say.

“That’s not an option. We mentioned to her that the position would require her to move to Montana, and she refused. She asked if she could switch to the new division for our international social media projects. Given her experience and years with the company, it was the best decision for everyone.”

“Everyone but me.”

“I found you a spectacular candidate. I can’t help that the two of you hate each other.”

I open my mouth to object and tell Levi I don’t hate her, except I can’t. I’m angry. Bitter. Resentful.

“Why did she really leaveVacationer’s Paradise?” I ask.

“You’ll have to ask her that question,” Levi says. He starts the next video clip, and it’s similar to the last, the text is different, but it’s another five-star raving review. “But it’s clear in the creative content that the video on their website, she didn’t create. She may have filmed the clips, but that’s all she’s responsible for doing. The text is different, the design layout.”

“How the hell did they get surveillance footage of her fall?” I ask, remembering the original had a clip of her falling from the ski lift, which was shown repeatedly.

“A lawyer didn’t reach out to you?” Levi asks. “I assumed someone requested the footage as part of an ongoing lawsuit.”

“Nothing.”

He exhales a heavy breath and strokes his jaw. “That’s odd and interesting at the same time. I don’t think Cali is behind it. She doesn’t seem the type.”

“She tried to destroy my company with a single video. What makes you think that she’s not the type?” I growl.

Levi stands and approaches a mini fridge in his office. He opens it and grabs two bottles of water.

“I’m not thirsty,” I say.

He shoves the bottle into my hands. “You’ve had enough caffeine, and it’s too early to be drinking anything available at a bar. Water,” he says, like it’s a command.

Damn him.

I unscrew the lid and take a swig. “That woman irritates me, Levi. I can’t work with her.”

“She’s quite talented.” He ignores me and plays the third video clip from the file. There are more graphics, text, and a voiceover featuring Cali.

I suck in a breath, and my fingers involuntarily crunch the open bottle of water in my hand, splashing myself. I curse and jump up, removing my suit coat. “Any chance you have paper towels lying around?”

“There’s a hand dryer in the bathroom.”

I grumble and stalk out of his office, my shirt soaked. I get a few strange looks on my way in, but thankfully the water didn’t land on my crotch. That’s the only thing that could have made this day worse.

After work, Levi and I head to the bar to blow off some steam. Amelia is with Clare.

“How are you and Clare doing?” I ask, wanting to talk about anything other than Cali and the interviews. We had two interviews, including Cali’s, and it was clear that she was the girl for the job. But I’m convinced anyone else would still be better than butting heads with the beautiful vixen who stole my heart and stomped on it publicly for everyone to see.

At least, that’s how it feels.

I’m a tad overdramatic, but I can’t help that I’m angry with her, and the only way to erase that pain is with a few drinks. At least it’ll dull it.

“Clare is good. We’re both taking things slow,” Levi says.

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