Chapter 3
Eddie
The dreaded time has come. We are on our way to Mynt Peak Resort for their Mynt to Make a Difference charity event.
I know it sounds heartless for me to hate Christmas, but I have my reasons.
My fists clutch my phone. Since I can’t hold my preferred emotional support item—my tennis racket, my iPhone will have to do.
Our car rolls to a stop outside a building that reminds me of a gingerbread house. There’s a snow-covered rooftop, lights strung everywhere, and I can already hear the faint sound of Christmas music.
My chest begins to tighten and I shudder. I close my eyes and force myself to take a calming deep breath.
“Eddie, you good?” I sense Roger’s gaze boring into me.
My pulse races, but I try not to show it.
Roger continues, “C’mon, man. Staying at Mynt Peak Resort is what Christmas dreams are made of. Look at this place…It’s like we drove into a Christmas card. I hope they have hot cocoa.” Roger practically skips out of the car.
I frown. He’s a guy in his mid 40s, but he’s suddenly transformed into a twelve-year-old kid. What kind of holiday magic is swirling around this place?
Good thing I have antifreeze in my veins. This chilly winter wonderland won’t affect me. Not one bit.
A teenage boy working as a bellhop brings a cart out and unloads our luggage with a friendly demeanor. “Merry Christmas, welcome to Mynt Peak.”
“Thank you.” I nod.
“Right this way to check in.” He guides our luggage cart through sliding glass doors.
Breath catches in my throat. After traveling the world, I’m not easily impressed. But wow, the lobby could easily be mistaken for the North Pole…if I believed in that kind of thing.
“Would you look at this place!” Roger’s eyes are bright. “This is gonna be wonderful. I’ll go get our room keys. You just enjoy this magnificent view.” Roger nods toward a giant picture window framing snowcapped mountains.
The sun casts a warm glow. One might even say it’s majestic, but not me—I detest the winter. I prefer palm trees and beaches to evergreens and ice.
I make my way closer to the window. To my right I notice a giant stone fireplace with a roaring blaze.
Plopping down in a plush armchair, I want to sulk, but the warmth from the flames is frustratingly soothing.
I close my eyes. A nap right here would be perfect, if all the other people would leave that is.
I’m about to doze off when I hear Roger’s voice.
“There you are! We’ve got to get settled in our rooms right away. The Mynt Mingle and Jingle is starting in an hour.” Roger points at a paper in his hand.
“The Mynt what?” All I heard was some rhyming mumbo jumbo.
“The Mynt Mingle and Jingle. It’s like a get to know you mixer for all the athletes and VIP fans.”
“Uh…” I groan.
“Did I forget to mention there is an itinerary full of required activities?” Roger feigns innocence.
I scowl.
“Sponsorship.” Roger fans me with the papers.
I resign with an exhale. “Sponsorship,” I repeat to myself.
As much as this whole thing irks me, I need this sponsorship. I’m grateful for it. I am. All this jingle and mingle…is just a lot. I need to train. And I need my mind to be clear.
I usually avoid Christmas at all costs. It brings up memories that I have worked very hard to forget. Now I have to get through this holly jolly junk without breaking. I’ve suppressed my emotions for this long. I can do it for one more week. I’ve got to.