“Yes!” Lila squealed at the same time as Harrison groaned, “Camping?”

We chatted for a while longer, ironing out the details of when they’d visit before I finally hung up. I checked the rest of the notifications on my phone. My brother, Nathan, had texted me, and I had a couple missed calls from my mom. I really didn’t want to talk to her right now. Sighing, I cleared the notifications and pulled up my message thread with Frankie instead.

Oliver: Wish you were here.

Frankie: Stop distracting me.

Oliver: You should come over here for a bit. I’ll help you practice your interview questions.

Frankie: Somehow, I doubt you actually will.

Oliver: Or I can at least help you decompress.

Frankie: I’ll come to you for decompressing after I nail this tomorrow.

Oliver: Pleeasseee come over.

Frankie: You’re a bad influence. Turning my phone off now.

I stood from my couch and started to pace. Lessons had just ended and I was already bored.

Without thinking, I headed out the door to my apartment, walked the short walkway to the lodge, and stepped inside the lobby.

To my relief, Bev and Giles were both there, leaning against the front desk and chatting.

“Ollie.” Giles lifted a hand in greeting as I joined them.

“What are you doing here?” Bev asked.

I shrugged. “Figured I’d come see if you need any help since lessons are over now.”

Bev chuckled. “They just ended.”

I shrugged. “And I’m already bored.”

“Of course you are.” She pointed to Marie’s. “You can help out at the lounge if you want. It’ll be slower now that the ski hill is closed, but the last of the seasonal workers are leaving this week, and I’d personally love to take a break from working there every night.”

“You got it, boss,” I said.

Giles smirked. “I think the local female clientele will go up when word gets out you’re bartending here.”

Bev nodded. “Tips’ll go up too.”

I had no experience bartending, but considering Frankie worked there, I figured I’d be fine. She was still messing up drink orders and getting flustered all these weeks later. It was honestly fucking endearing. I loved watching her during her shifts. And now I’d get a front row seat. Honestly, the only thing I really cared about right now was spending every second I could with her, so this worked out perfectly.

“I’m surprised you aren’t gallivanting off to the next mountain town,” Bev said.

“I’ve got a rafting gig lined up in June, but not a lot going on until then. Key Ridge has some awesome mountain biking trails too. I’m excited to check those out now that the snow is almost gone,” I said.

“Right.” Bev had a glint in her eyes. “I’m sure a certain girl has nothing to do with your desire to stay.”

Giles chuckled knowingly and I smiled. “She definitely isn’t a detractor.”

I was hung up on the girl. What did I care if people knew? She was way out of my league and I’d proudly claim her for as long as I could.