Page 16 of Rise After Fall

“Sounds amazing.”

We continue chatting, and Leeza tells us all about the Cantina and the authentic Spanish menu they have created for the resort guests.

I catch Morris’s eye through the flames of the fire as he tosses horseshoes with Scooter, Clay, and another guy I don’t recognize.

I raise my glass at him, and he winks.

And I enjoy the night.

Morris

Graham and Weston pick me up on Sunday, and we head to meet Langford at the chairlifts.

A team of workers is busy unloading materials off a flatbed truck.

“What is that?” Weston asks Langford as we join him.

“It’s called Snowflex. It’s a matting system used for dry skiing. It’s like artificial turf but for slopes.”

“Does it work?” Graham asks.

Langford shrugs. “It’s the best thing on the market at present. We have to cover the beginner’s slope with it and use a misting machine to keep it wet.”

“And you are doing this why?” Graham asks.

“So Zoey can have the instructors train together for a couple of weeks. She requested this and a few individual trampolines.”

“Trampolines?” Weston repeats.

“Yep. I have no idea what they’re for, but she’s the professional, so I trust she knows what she’s doing,” Langford explains.

“I’m guessing you called us here to help you get those things up the mountain,” Graham says.

“You’d be right. These guys are unloading and dropping it here.”

Graham blows out a breath. “I’m gonna have to get some extra equipment up here. Let me call Pop.”

He walks back to his truck to get his phone.

“You want me to call some of the other guys to assist? It’ll go faster with more hands,” I suggest.

Langford shakes his head. “No, I don’t want to risk any of the instructors getting hurt before our season even starts. Our insurance rates went up enough just because we bought this damn contraption.”

“What about me? I’m an instructor,” I point out.

He clasps my neck. “Yeah, but you’re also my brother, so it doesn’t apply to you.”

I frown. “Of course not. The rules only apply to me when I ask you for favors,” I gripe.

“Exactly.”

Pop shows up with a trailer, carrying a forklift and a large toolbox with my nephews, Caleb and Tucker, in tow. Caleb is Graham’s stepson, and Tucker is Langford’s boy from his first marriage.

A truck with two of Graham’s employees pulls in behind him.

Graham owns Tuttle Contracting. A company started by my father and grandfather. When they decided to retire, they passed the reins to Graham.

All of us boys have worked for Tuttle Contracting at one time or another. Pop and Granddad made sure we all knew how to use tools and our own two hands to build and repair, so we all know our way around construction equipment.