Page 9 (1/2)

The front of theview of Mont-Treht and festive as evening set in The Christet a fire truck to swing by and extend its ladder?

The tree was decorated in gold and silver, and the star on top shone An instrumental carol played softly, and the air smelled of cinnamon and fresh pine I enjoyed the holidays as much as the next person—presents, delicious food, and time off were all awesome—but this was, like, professional Christmas commitment This was next level

“Joyeux Noël! Merry Christmas!”

I turned to find a young wo out a small tray of full-sized candy canes and foil-wrapped chocolates At least I assumed they were chocolates since they were in the shape of truffles With a glea smile, she extended the tray

Her dark hair isted on her head, and I swear there was a faint dusting of gold on her brown skin—but maybe that was the reflection from the decorations Or expensive blush from Sephora

I stuffed loves in rowled, but I limited myself to one candy cane and two chocolates, which was probably still too many

She didn’t seey “Did you just arrive?”

“Yeah I took the bus up from Toronto My faht on Christmas Eve”

Not that she cared Why was I babbling? I eirdly nervous I guess I felt out of place in this hotel that I couldn’t afford? I realized I’d never really traveled without my family

“How lovely Are you a skier?”

I motioned to my puffy yellow and black-trimmed North Face jacket “No, it’s just for show And to stay war in Whistler a few times, but I suck”

She chuckled, all white teeth and smooth tone “If you’re interested in lessons, we’d be happy to arrange it”

“Oh, I can’t afford that I’ here” Suddenly I felt like she’d call security on my ass Why was I so jumpy?

But her suest?”