Chapter 8 – Stella
STELLA
The cold stings my face. I catch my breath, dragging the crisp, mountain air into my lungs at the bottom of the ski trail.
It’s our second day at the cabin in Flagstaff.
What I had hoped would be a nice, quiet weekend with my sister is more like an endless football team party with a winter backdrop.
Six of us crammed into the small, two-bedroom cabin is comical.
But watching Holly and Teddy circle each other, like maybe the two of them might actually admit their feelings to one another, has made it totally worth it.
I have all my fingers and toes crossed for that.
Talking with Beau every day, all day, might have turned me into a romantic. I want Holly to feel the same way I am.
Felix stops next to me, spraying me with snow. He lifts his goggles to the top of his head. Emmett, Lucas, and Teddy are right behind him. “We’re going to head in and warm up, grab something to drink.”
“Good idea,” I say. “I forgot how cold it gets up here.”
I brought my ski pants, coat, gloves, hat—the usual, but I need more warm layers. I’m not used to the cold from living in perpetual summertime my entire life.
Holly came with us today, but stayed in the lodge to read and hang out.
She’s curled up in a chair next to the floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the mountain, a book in her lap.
Felix and the guys are slower to peel off their gear, and I’m the first to plop down in the chair in front of her.
“I missed this place.” I glance around at the holiday decorations inside the lodge—a giant Christmas tree, the roaring fireplace with garland hung above it, and elegant wreaths with red and green bows expertly placed throughout the space.
It’s the kind of holiday vibe that feels like you’re in a movie.
“Me too,” she says as she looks up from the pages, blinking several times like she was lost in the fictional world.
“Already on your second book?” She brought two for the day at the lodge. Reading is her sport.
“Yeah,” she says as Felix and Teddy join us. Teddy takes off his coat and gloves, and then rubs his hands in front of him. The big, lovable guy did as much falling as skiing. It was his first time, and he should probably stick to football, or at least bring his pads next time.
“I need to dry off,” he says as he takes a seat.
“You only get wet if you fall.” Felix grins. “I’m gonna get a drink. Want anything?”
“Nah.” Teddy sneaks another glance at my sister. These two are freaking adorable but also infuriating. The vibes between them are ridiculous. Just kiss each other already.
I bring a hand to my mouth, wondering, not for the first time, what it’d be like to kiss Beau. It’s weird not seeing him in person, not being able to touch him, kiss him, but it’s also allowed me to really get to know him.
“I’ll come with you.” I get to my feet to go with Felix.
Holly’s eyes widen, as if being stuck with her crush is a real inconvenience.
I know she stresses about saying or doing the wrong thing, but I don’t think that’s possible when it comes to Teddy.
“I need something hot. I’m frozen to the bone. I should have packed warmer clothes.”
Lucas and Emmett are talking to a couple of girls on the far side of the bar, while Felix and I take a seat a few chairs down.
“Man, I missed this place.” Felix rests his elbows on the bar.
“I was just saying the same thing to Holly. What has it been? Two years since we were here?”
“Yeah.” He nods. “I think so. The year before I left for college.”
The bartender comes over to take our order. I get a hot chocolate and Felix gets coffee. We linger at the bar as we take the first sips. Warmth spreads through me as I drink the hot liquid.
“I’m sorry we ruined your plans to hang at the cabin and have a chill weekend, but it’s cool to see you.” He nudges me with an elbow. “I see you almost every week, but it never feels like we have time to talk.”
“Yeah,” I agree. “And it’s not so bad having you guys around.”
One side of his mouth lifts in a smile. “How’s diving going? That idiot ex-boyfriend come groveling back yet?”
“Diving is good, and definitely not. He’s still dating that girl on my team.”
“Ouch.” Felix’s face twists with his displeasure. “I’m sorry. That has to suck.”
“Actually, not really. Not anymore. I told you I met someone.”
“The guy from the airport?” His brows lift. “You’re still texting? I figured that was already over.”
Nodding, I push down the apprehension that’s kept me from telling Felix a lot of the details. “He’s really cool. I think you’d like him.”
His head tilts to the side. “I don’t know, Stell. What do you really know about this guy? He could be a total loser.”
“No. Maybe at first I would have believed that, but we’ve talked too many times for him to be hiding a psycho alter ego.”
“Where’s he go to college again?”
I run my finger over the rim of my mug. “Colorado. He’s a history major and a gamer. He’s into watching speedrunning. You guys have a lot in common, I think.”
I feel like I’m championing a bit too hard, telling Felix all the things I know about Beau that will convince my brother to give him a chance, but leaving out the one big thing that could ruin everything.
“His college sucks, but otherwise, he sounds all right.”
I roll my eyes. “You think every college sucks besides Valley.”
“Nah, that’s not true.” His head bounces side to side. “Okay, it’s a little true. But Colorado’s football team is one of the worst. Those guys play dirty. Ask Garrison. He missed most of the season thanks to that fucker, Beau Ricci.”
The hairs on the back of my neck rise.
“Beau Ricci?” His name comes out in a whisper. I fight to keep my voice calm and even as I add, “What happened?”
“The guy is a total prick. That’s what.” Felix shakes his head. “You remember that game when Garrison got hurt?”
I can’t find my voice, so I nod.
“That was him. That was Ricci.”
Felix’s words stick with me all day. I don’t want to believe them, but, admittedly, it’s having some effect on me because I haven’t responded to any of Beau’s texts since this morning.
There’s another party at our cabin tonight. Felix invited some guys that live local to drive up for the night, and Emmett and Lucas told the girls they met at the resort earlier today. Word spread fast and our living room is packed full of people, most of whom I don’t know.
Beau
Hope you’re having a good time.
He attached a photo from the Cardinals game he’s at. He ditched his glasses and has on a red beanie pulled down low over his ears.
Me
Sorry, long day. We went skiing and now the cabin is filled with people I don’t know. I’m about to hide in my bedroom and watch a Christmas movie.
Beau
What’s your favorite Christmas movie?
Me
Home Alone 2. You?
Beau
I don’t think I’ve seen that one all the way through.
Me
*GASP* You think you know a person.
Beau
I’ll add it to the queue this break. I like A Christmas Story.
Me
You’ll shoot your eye out!
He replies with a GIF from the movie. My lips pull into a smile as I stare down at the screen.
It’s so easy between us. I’m giddy just talking about our favorite holiday movies.
I feel like we could really have something, and I refuse to give that up over some stupid football rivalry. Felix has to be wrong about him.
Me
I want to see you over break.
Beau
Same.
Me
Then let’s do it.
The dots start and stop.
Beau
Are you sure?
Me
Positive.