Chapter 27
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Nat sat cross-legged on her couch, watching as Sofia paced the small space of her living room. They'd excused themselves from her family's house, needing time to process everything that had happened.
"I'm calling him," Sofia said, pulling out her phone. "This is ridiculous. You were providing exceptional service. The best I've ever had at any lodge, anywhere. He has no right to fire you over this."
Nat couldn't help but laugh, though it came out slightly hollow. "Maybe don't phrase it exactly like that. He'll just assume it was a different kind of exceptional service." She raised an eyebrow. "Which, to be fair..."
Sofia stopped pacing and turned to her, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips. "Nat, I'm serious. This isn't funny."
"I know, I know." Nat sighed, running a hand through her hair. "But there's no point arguing with him. The rules were clear - no personal involvement with guests. I knew what I was risking." She patted the space beside her on the couch, and Sofia finally sat down.
"Still, it's not fair," Sofia said softly. "You shouldn't lose your job because of me."
“Technically it was because of Carla,” Nat said with a sigh.
She took Sofia’s hand, studying their intertwined fingers.
The truth was, while she felt a flutter of panic about the lost income as well as the loss of future income, she couldn't bring herself to feel truly down.
Not with Sofia here. "You know what's weird?
" she said. "I should be devastated right now, but I'm not.
I mean, yes, I'm worried about the money, but that's mainly because. .."
"Because of your parents' bakery," Sofia finished for her.
"I know. And speaking of your parents...
" She turned to face Nat fully. "They're wonderful, Nat.
Your whole family is. I've rarely met such warm, genuine people.
The way they welcomed me, and that beanie your mother made.
.." She trailed off, emotion catching in her voice.
"They liked you too," Nat said. "And Zoe loves you.” She reached up to cup Sofia's cheek, her thumb brushing against her skin as their eyes met. "They see what I see – an amazing woman who's kind and genuine."
Sofia shook her head, leaning into Nat's touch.
"They deserve the world, Nat. I've never.
.." She swallowed hard, struggling to find the words.
"I've never seen such love within a family.
The way your parents look at each other, how they support Zoe's dreams, how proud they are of you. .. it's beautiful. You're so lucky."
"I know," Nat said softly, understanding the weight behind Sofia's words.
She thought about Sofia's upbringing, the strict household she'd described, the absence of celebrations and warmth.
It made her heart ache. "Listen," she said, scooting closer.
"I'm not going to pretend losing my job isn't scary, because it is. But being with you, it’s worth it. More than worth it." She shrugged. “And I’ll find another job, even if it’s just a temporary one. Hospitality always needs people.”
Sofia looked at her questioningly, and a smile tugged at Nat’s lips despite everything. Because somehow, sitting here in her apartment with Sofia, even unemployment didn't seem insurmountable. It felt like a door opening rather than closing – she just had to be brave enough to walk through it.
"Listen," Sofia said, her tone growing serious. "About the bakery. I could help your parents. It wouldn't be any trouble for me to-"
"No," Nat cut her off gently but firmly. "They'd never accept that. They're too proud. Besides," she added, "it's not your problem."
Sofia's brow furrowed. "But it is my problem. You lost your job because of me. Because Carla called your boss and complained. Because I showed up at your parents' house on Christmas Eve and stayed for Christmas morning. Everything that's happening is because of me."
"Sofia." Nat turned to face her fully. "I made my own choices. Nobody forced me to invite you for Christmas, or to stay at the lodge that first night, or to..." She felt her cheeks warm. "Well, you know. Everything that happened between us - I wanted it all. I still do."
"I want it too," Sofia whispered. "But you’re the one paying the price."
“Having more free time to spend with you isn’t paying a price. You’re leaving the day after tomorrow. At least now we can walk around openly together. We could go skiing, or I can show you around town.” Nat squeezed Sofia's hand, already mentally planning places she wanted to share with her.
Sofia bit her lip, a hint of nervousness crossing her face.
"Actually... I've been thinking about that.
About leaving, I mean." She took a deep breath.
"I don't have to be back at work until January second, and I was wondering if.
.. if maybe I could stay with you until New Year's Day?
If you don't mind, that is. I know it's a small space, and-"
"Yes!" Nat interrupted eagerly, making Sofia laugh. "I mean... yes, of course, you can stay. I'd love that."
"Really?" Sofia's entire face lit up.
"Of course. I want you here. Do you need to get your luggage?"
"I'd rather wait until check-out day if that's okay. It’s clear Carla’s still there since she…” Sofia set her jaw and shook her head. “Well, since she got you fired.” She hesitated. “Would it be terrible if I borrowed some of your clothes until then?"
Nat laughed and stood up. “If you're going to be raiding my wardrobe, I should warn you,” she teased, “my ‘winter collection’ is very exclusive. High-end Aspen chic.”
“Oh, I’m sure it is,” Sofia said with a smirk, standing up and following Nat toward the bedroom. “Do I get a sneak peek at this legendary wardrobe? I can’t wait to see what I'm working with.”
Nat swung open the door to reveal her closet—a humble, somewhat cluttered mix of well-worn jeans, flannels, and thick sweaters. She scratched her head sheepishly as Sofia’s eyes widened. “Yeah... it’s not exactly couture. I’m more of a ‘stay warm and don’t overthink it’ kind of girl.”
Sofia studied her clothes with an exaggerated air of fascination. “Oh, this?” She reached for a bright, oversized Christmas sweater with a blinking Rudolph nose. “This is art. No question.”
Nat burst out laughing. “My grandma knitted that for me years ago. It lights up. You wouldn’t dare.”
“Oh, I would.” Sofia slipped off her shirt, revealing a toned midriff, and pulled the gaudy sweater over her head. It engulfed her, the sleeves hanging comically past her hands. The blinking nose lit up, casting flashes of red on her cheeks. “How do I look?”
“What can I say? You pull it off. Would you like the matching knitted leggings to go with that?” Nat shot her a humorous look.
“Hmm… I don’t want to be rude, but do you have anything less likely to blind me?”
“Let me see what I can do.” Nat rummaged through her dresser, eventually pulling out a pair of jeans and a decent-looking navy sweatshirt.
“Here, these are comfy. If the jeans don’t fit, I have other pairs you can try.
Oh, wait. And you’ll need underwear and socks.
” She was relieved to find a set of matching sports bra and panties.
Sofia took the offered clothes. “Perfect. This will work.” She looked Nat up and down and settled her gaze on her lips. “Now... I believe we spoke about a shower earlier? Something about environmental responsibility?"
Nat grinned. "Did we?"
"Mmhmm." Sofia stepped closer, her fingers playing with the hem of Nat's sweater. "Very important cause. Saving the planet, one, long, hot, steamy shower at a time.”
"Well, when you put it that way..." Nat wrapped her arms around Sofia’s waist, visions of them naked under the running water filling her mind. "Why are we still standing here?"