By next year, we’d likely be strangers.

“Do you see the guys?” I asked, turning to search for Oliver.

“They’re probably taking practice runs or waiting at the top,” Mattie said, squinting to catch sight of her husband.

We positioned ourselves toward the side of the crowd, where we had a clear visual of the course. There were a few jumps, some bars placed into the side of the snowy hill, and a few other obstacles. I tried to imagine Oliver snowboarding down. I knew he must be pretty good, but I still couldn’t picture him doing all this.

There were a few snowboarders and skiers at the top of the hill. I squinted to see if I could make him out. Before I could distinguish any faces, a strong arm wrapped around my waist and I squealed on instinct. I’d recognize the feel of him anywhere.

“Oliver!” I swatted his chest, but he still had me pinned against him.

“Hi.” He grinned down at me before kissing me.

My whole body warmed at his touch. Typically, I had never been one for public displays of affection. But Oliver grabbing and kissing me, without a care in the world, had an excited bubble forming in my chest that was threatening to burst.

Oliver wore a tie-dye T-shirt and black sweatpants. Something about the way his shirt strained against his bare biceps while he still had on mittens, a helmet, and snowboarding boots really did it for me.

“Nice outfit,” I said.

“Wore it just for you,” he replied with a wink.

“Have you seen Giles?” Mattie asked.

Oliver pointed in the direction of the hill. “He’s already up top helping everyone get organized. I think we’re supposed to be starting soon.” He slung his arm across my shoulders and pulled me into his side as he spoke. Mattie raised an eyebrow as she took in the easy gesture.

“Shouldn’t you be up there?” I asked.

“Heading up now.” Oliver grinned before giving me one last squeeze and backing away. He saluted with one hand and carried his board with the other. “Wish me luck.”

“Good luck!” we both called.

As Oliver disappeared into the crowd, I looked back to my sister.

“I’d yell break a leg, but that feels too on the nose for this,” I said.

Mattie didn’t say anything but she studied my face, clearly chewing on a thought or two.

“What?” I sighed, meeting her gaze.

She tilted her head, looking like a detective searching for clues.

“What?” I repeated when she continued to stare and not say anything.

“You and Oliver are really…close.”

“Obviously.” I rolled my eyes.

“You’ve spent the night there almost every night this week,” she pointed out as if I didn’t already know where I’d been spending my time.

“Your point?”

“I’m surprised is all.”

My eyes scanned the hill, waiting to see Oliver pop up at the top in his bright shirt. “You were the one who encouraged me to have a fling,” I said, glancing back at her.