CHAPTER FOUR ALARA
CHAPTER FOUR
ALARA
“Why does your brother look so . . .”
“Sad?”
“Different.”
As Gaby finishes up my order, placing a lid on a paper cup, she follows my gaze to Diego, who’s standing across the street, the wind rustling his hair.
He glances around, and I wonder if he’s looking for me.
I’m a bit surprised to see him already waiting in front of the store, because he’s been late all week long.
“Why do you say that?” She pushes the cup toward me, along with a pastry in a bag I didn’t ask for.
“I don’t know.” I look back at Gaby as she wipes the countertop.
It’s not usually this calm at the Latte Lounge, but since it is, I grab the opportunity to steal some of Gaby’s time.
Unlike me, she’s found a job, but she doesn’t start until the spring, so in the meantime she’s working here to make some extra cash. “He’s so quiet. Reserved.”
Subdued, sometimes angry – but these are thoughts and observations I keep to myself.
Diego hasn’t spoken much these past few days nor has he engaged with the staff unless one of us comes up to him. I’ve seen him interact quite a lot with my dad, though, who seems to be the only person he tolerates.
The vivid memories I have of Diego are the exact opposite of the impression he’s currently giving.
He used to be loud, he had energy for days, and a smile was constantly etched on his face, with a laughter that boomed louder than anyone else’s.
He always grabbed my attention when I was at Gaby’s for tutoring and he would come home from practice.
He’d kiss his mom on the cheek, punch Gaby’s arm, tickle Valentina, and smile at me before running upstairs.
At school he was terrifically popular. Had tons of friends.
Loved to make everyone laugh. So I can’t help but wonder what happened to the Diego I used to know.
“He’s got a lot of shit going on.”
Prying into people’s business isn’t my thing, but Gaby knows me best, and from the way I’m fidgeting, she knows I’m dying to know what the hell all of this is about.
I’ve been tempted to walk up to Diego and ask what his deal is. Obviously, he’s indifferent to my kindness, so maybe being blunt and straightforward is what he needs to open up.
“Your dad didn’t tell you why Diego is here?”
I shake my head, glancing at the time on my phone.
I have five more minutes before I have to open Rock Snow.
“He just told me to look after him, which I still think is an odd thing to ask me. I’ll do it, though, but I’m just wondering why he needs a baby-sitter, and why it has to be me of all people.
You don’t have to tell me either. I just wish I knew what to do to make this better for Diego.
He doesn’t talk at all, but he does all the tasks we ask him to do without complaining.
” My voice wavers, and I force myself to clear my throat.
If Gaby notices the sadness that has crept into my tone, she has the decency not to verbalize it. “But I know he’s not having fun.”
“Don’t take it personally,” Gaby says softly. “He’s having a hard time accepting the fact he can’t go to training, let alone get on a board. He was basically forced to come here against his will.”
I frown. “How bad did he mess up?”
Gaby sighs, glancing at her brother. “His coach asked him to come back to Blue Ridge during his recovery time. He has to go to physiotherapy three times a week and, well, you already know, but he has to work with you at Rock Snow and at the lodge. He’s supposed to clean up his image, or something like that.
Don’t ask me – he gave me too much information all at once. ”
Right. As much as I’m excited to start giving skiing lessons again, the dread clawing at my chest doesn’t go unnoticed, and I think it’s down to the man standing on the sidewalk.
I might faceplant in the snow and let out a frustrated scream if he acts like I don’t exist and doesn’t utter a single word.
I understand that he’s been coerced into being back and that he hates everyone and everything, but does he have to be so . . . grumpy?
“How serious is it?”
“His injury isn’t that bad. But if he doesn’t follow Coach’s instructions, he could be off the team, so .
. .” Gaby winces, like it physically pains her to think about her brother’s future.
“It’s his last chance. He’s had some highs and lows these past seasons, but – long story short – Coach is not happy with Diego’s general behavior. ”
I did notice how he keeps rubbing his knee every so often, even if he does it discreetly. Knowing he carries this weight on his shoulders, this pressure, makes me want to help even more. Because that’s who I am deep to my core – a caretaker.
He’s adamant about keeping me at arm’s length, but does he know how determined I can be once a challenge is thrown my way?
We might have started off on the wrong foot, but I’m not spiteful enough to hold it against him. Trying to put myself in his shoes makes me realize how hard it must be to be back here, forced to stay away from the one thing he loves, especially when it’s within reach.
The thought alone makes my chest tighten.
“Yeah, I can see how it must feel like torture to him.”
She wipes her hands on her apron. “He’ll get over it. Like I said, don’t take it personally. He doesn’t open up to us either and, honestly, it kills me to see him like this.”
“I think he just needs time,” I assure her.
Gaby rolls her eyes. “Or maybe a slap around his oversized head.”
Diego’s typing furiously on his phone as I peer over at him once more. I grab my order, ready to head out.
“How’s his mood today?” I subtly tip my head toward her brother, just in case he’s looking through the window. I know he isn’t, but a girl can dream, right?
Gaby grimaces. “Sour, so good luck. You’re a good woman for putting up with him.” She slips a double chocolate chip cookie in another bag, handing it to me with a grin. Her smile makes me narrow my eyes with suspicion. “Al . . . you’re sweet and super kind, aren’t you?”
“Thanks for the compliments. What do you need?”
The desperation shining in her eyes makes my chest ache. I would do just about anything for my best friend, and she knows she’s got me by my big, stupid heart. “Will you help Diego out? He needs to unwind, and you’re the only person I see him opening up to.”
At the sound of snow crunching beneath my boots, Diego turns around as I march over to him. With his hands buried in the pockets of his jeans, snowflakes falling atop his hair, and an unimpressed look plastered to his face, he’s the perfect portrait of indolence.
“Did you fall out of the bed?” I ask, amused.
“I wish I hadn’t,” he grumbles, staring me down as a rogue lock topples over his bunched brow.
I lift the cup meant for him. “I have exactly what you need.”
If he has noticed the overt cheeriness woven into my tone, he doesn’t let on. “Might need thirteen of these.”
He doesn’t look particularly exhausted, though. Bored? Yes. Annoyed? Definitely. Grumpy? That must be his favorite look.
“Rough night?”
His response is a little shrug.
Okay, then.
To say I’m offended is an understatement.
I don’t know what I’ve done to piss him off, to have him ignore me when I simply try to engage in a friendly conversation.
Though my dad didn’t specify the terms he and Wyatt have set, he did ask me to keep an eye on Diego, just to make sure he has everything he needs.
I know that I’m too nice at times, that I let people walk over me and take my kindness for granted.
Diego is exactly the type of man I should stay away from, because it’s clear as day that he’s not interested in talking to me, but there’s just something about him that has piqued my interest. Something that makes me wonder why those walls are so hard to penetrate.
And it’s not because Gaby asked me to help him.
I’ve felt this sense of intrigue ever since his arrival.
“Where are your keys?” The deep baritone of his voice sends a chill racing down my spine.
“Sorry?”
Oh shit, was I staring at him?
“Keys,” he repeats grimly. “Unless you want to stay here in the snow.”
I arch a brow. “You don’t like standing in the freezing cold and making small talk with me?”
“Is there an option to skip this question too?”
“And is there an option where you could be more delightful?”
The corner of his mouth twitches – the smallest, barest motion – before he tightens his jaw and lets out a small sigh that creates a small cloud under his nose. “Did you decide to be massively annoying today?”
I laugh dryly. “That’s what I’m getting for buying you a coffee? So charming. You deserve to be stranded in the middle of a snowstorm.”
“As long as I’m snowed in with you,” he jests. Is that amusement twinkling around those dark irises of his?
My heart is thundering, almost battering its way out of my body, but being able to make a semblance of a smile touch his lips is really satisfying.
“Are you hitting on me right now?” I tease.
Surprise skitters through me when he chuckles. He looks away, shaking his head, but I don’t miss the faint tinge of rosiness that appears in his cheeks. “Clearly you haven’t properly flirted with someone if you think this is me hitting on you.”
I smile sweetly just because I know it irritates him. “Humor me, then.”
Oh my God, am I actually flirting with this guy?
When he flicks his gaze my way, I wonder what he’s seeing. I’m an open book – the exact opposite of him. Does he notice that the intensity of his curious appraisal makes me feel like I’m standing under the summery, beaming sun?
“Keys?” he asks again, this time in a whisper like it’s meant just for me. I have to admit I’m slightly disappointed that he’s moved on, but his next words feel like balm to a wound. “I don’t want you to catch a cold.”
“Look at you being sweet and caring,” I chastise, which earns me a dry laugh. Moving to reach into my pocket, I realize my hands are full.