“My dad? Oh, he’s always got to be doing something, so you won’t find him sitting idly at the breakfast table drinking coffee or anything. When they quit the real estate business and moved up here, Mom thought they’d travel and see the western states. I think they were barely here six months when he applied for a job at the ski resort,” she said with a smile, remembering that argument between her parents.

“Winter job?”

“No, the resort is open all year. They have lots of summer activities too. Actually, they’re busier in the summer than winter. There’s competition for skiing in the area. There’s a resort in Angel Fire too and it’s only thirty miles from Red River. Taos has skiing too.”

“And I guess this area isn’t exactly on a main route either.”

“Right. If you’re on this road like we are, you’re either going to Red River, Angel Fire, or Taos.” She pointed up ahead. “We’re coming up on the intersection. Left will take you to Angel Fire. I’m, of course, partial to Red River because that’s where I grew up skiing, but I’ve done Angel Fire too. They’re similar but Angel Fire is better suited to beginners,” she said, glancing at Nic. “It also has some nice alpine skiing. If you find Red River too challenging, I won’t mind taking you over to Angel Fire. And if you don’t want to ski at all, that’s perfectly fine too.”

“Oh, we’ll see. If we need an escape, maybe you can take me out and show me around.”

She slowed when they got into Eagle Nest, which was a tiny village that catered strictly to tourists. At the intersection, she stopped.

“Eagle Nest. Not much to it. The lake over there,” she said, pointing to their left, “is great for seeing elk in early evenings. We can take a drive over one day if you’re interested.”

“Sure.”

She turned right, heading to Red River—and her mother. Even if Nic wasn’t nervous, she certainly was. Because the only thing worse than being here alone—having to endure Holly and Aaron together—would be for them all to find out that Nic was only her fake girlfriend. How humiliating would that be?

“What’s wrong?”

Abby glanced at Nic, then back at the road. “Nothing.”

“You have a death grip on the wheel.”

Abby smiled and made herself relax. “So, you’re not nervous. But I am.”

“I think we’ll be fine. And if your mother asks questions that we’re not prepared for, we’ll just make something up and go with it. It’ll be okay.”

“Well, you certainly sound confident.” She took a deep breath. “I just need to relax. I’m sure after the initial introductions, I’ll be fine.”