Chapter Nine

Holly

“There you are,” Merryweather said as soon as Holly walked in. “I was afraid you were going to be late.”

“For returning my gear?” Holly asked, handing the skis, poles, and helmet off to Merryweather.

“No for your hair appointment,” Merryweather replied. “I’m managing a couple of stations today. The snow has us a little short-handed.”

“Oh.” Holly nodded as she sat down on a small wooden bench and took off her boots. She groaned with pleasure at the sensation of loosening the boots. They fit perfectly, but they were still ski boots and made to keep her ankles immobilized. It felt good to move them again.

“Come with me,” Merryweather said, motioning Holly to just leave the boots on the floor. “I’ll take you up.”

Holly slid on her regular snow boots from the small storage area and followed Merryweather into the lobby. They went past the check-in desk and up a wide staircase. The hotel was quiet.

“What do you think of the snow?” Merryweather asked as they walked. “The weatherman is s