Page 62 of Rise After Fall

I’m sure it has.

“Did you guys need something?” I ask.

“We just came to look over the schedule for the rest of the week so we can plan the wood delivery for the deck,” Clay replies.

“Oh, I just emailed it to you all, but here.” I turn my computer screen around so they can see the school’s calendar.

“Looks like I can help you move the anchors tonight, and both Scooter and I have a few hours in the afternoon tomorrow.”

“Good. I’ll tell Graham he can swing by, and you guys can help him unload,” Morris says.

He turns the monitor back for me.

“I gotta run. I have a student meeting me in ten. See you guys later,” Clay says before sprinting out of the office.

“You have plans tonight?” Morris asks.

“Nope. I just want a hot shower and my bed,” I admit.

“Rough day?”

“Just extra busy. You know what I’d really love right now?” I ask.

He looks down at his watch. “I have an appointment at eleven, but if we’re quick about it, I think I can squeeze you in,” he says.

I pick up the pen on my desk and chuck it at him. “Not that.”

“What would it be, then?” he asks.

“To soak in a warm bath.”

“A bath, huh?”

“Yeah, I miss baths, but all we have here are those small walk-in showers. I haven’t relaxed in a tub since I left Denver,” I whine.

He walks over and presses his lips to my forehead.

“I have an idea,” he says.

I look up at him in question.

“Just give me a couple of hours, and I’ll get back to you,” he says.

“Okay.”

Langford and I spend the latter half of the afternoon holed up in his office going over numbers and coming up with a plan to expand the ski-school hours in December, giving each instructor an additional ten hours per week.

He and the investors are very pleased with the resort’s first three weeks of official operation.

“Our success is in no small part because you agreed to be here. I know it’s too early to talk about next year, but I hope you are willing to consider coming back to Tennessee,” he says.

“I’m flattered, but I honestly have no idea what my plans are,” I admit.

“Zoey, I know we’re small potatoes compared to the other resorts that would give their right arm to have you work with them. It was a fucking stroke of luck that you agreed to work here in the first place, and I’m not asking you to make any decisions right now. I just want you to know that you are wanted back at Misty Mountain, so think about what you need from us for that to happen and let me know.”

I stand. “You know you’re not the onlyname your pricespeech I’ve gotten,” I tease.

“I have no doubt. Just promise me you’ll consider us when the time comes.”