Coop and I made our way onto the resort bus that took us to our section of the slopes. We always had to reserve a spot off the side for kids coming in to avoid any of the adults coming down too fast.

Sitting side by side with our equipment between both legs, Cooper turned to me. “So, what’s your plan with this one?”

I took women to the slopes, or met them at the slopes, on the regular. Sometimes Coop and I would be a hype man for the other during those times. But, I had a feeling my regular tricks weren’t going to pass Olive’s standards.

“I don’t know for sure. She’s…complicated. It’s kind of a long story, but I basically told her I would pretend to be her boyfriend while she’s in town so her family wouldn’t be on her case the whole time. I thought she would be excited or at least grateful but instead she acted like she was disgusted by me or something.”

For some reason, Coop thought this was the funniest thing he’s heard in weeks. His loud laugh barked through the bus, and I was grateful it wasn’t very full. “So, she’s playing hard to get?”

“Not even hard to get. She’s unattainable. It’s driving me insane.”

Even after buttering up her parents and wearing my best-looking suit, she still told me no. It knocked me down a few pegs, but thankfully I have ego to spare.

“Well, maybe today will change her mind. I got mad hype skills going to waste since you’ve been out of town.” He flexed his arm, as if I could see anything under his ski gear.

I looked out the window at the snowy slopes we were nearing. “I dunno, maybe. She’s really not interested in anything it seems like.”

Coop pushed my shoulder. “I think you’re underestimating yourself, Finny. And my ability to talk you up.”

We hopped off the bus loaded down with ski gear and tiny orange caution cones. I placed the cones in our designated section as Cooper took our bags and equipment to the row of bar height seats behind us. Our flags were placed, and our normal spot was reserved when we were done. I still had an hour before Olive’s family was supposed to arrive, so I grabbed my phone from my jacket pocket and sent her a quick text.

Me: Text me when you get here, and I’ll meet you at the bus entrance.

Shortly after, I received a text that made me smile to myself—I had forgotten about Olive's contact in my phone.

Lil Grinch: Still can’t believe you are making me do this. I hope an avalanche comes for us.