True L̶o̶v̶e̶ Story by Willow Aster Page A

down. What was I thinking? I do a few huge gulps, ignore that quivering that has returned in my guts and then take off down the mountain.
    A huge grin is waiting for me when I get to the bottom. Lars is so proud. I’m pretty sure my grin matches his. I’ve never felt such an exhilarated rush. We spend the next hour fine-tuning what we’ve learned. The last few runs, Lars shares the lift with me. He’s charming and makes me laugh, so the time passes quickly. After he’s finished up his last tip and told everyone to enjoy the rest of their stay, he skis up to me.
    “Looking great out there, Sparrow,” he says, still beaming.
    His voice reminds me of Owen Wilson. In fact, that’s who it is—I’ve been racking my brain the whole morning to figure out who it is he favors. He’s much younger and cuter than Owen, but the messy blond hair, nose that’s been broken a time or two and the constant smile lurking on his lips has him looking like he just stepped out of a romantic comedy.
    “Sparrow?”
    “I’m so sorry. What did you say?” I mentally kick myself for getting distracted for who knows how long.
    “I was just wondering if you want to meet up later? I know where the prime snow is … and some kickin’ places around town.”
    I see he has the surfer lingo down pat. Maybe that’s how skiers talk too.
    “Well … that sounds fun. You’ve been really … fun. I’m actually supposed to meet up with a friend later. But there are a bunch of us here—all better at this than me. You’re welcome to join us anytime.” If I say “fun” one more time, I’m going to choke myself. Give me too much attention, and I find a way to humiliate myself.
    “I’d love that,” he says. He reaches into his jacket and pulls out a card. “I’ll be watching for you, but here’s my number. I’m free most afternoons and evenings this week.”
    “Thanks,” I take the card and awkwardly tuck it inside my pocket.
    He pushes off with his poles and turns back over his shoulder. “There’s something about you, Sparrow. You’re gorgeous, but … it’s more than that. There aren’t many people coming through here that I want to get to know better … you’re an exception.” He lifts his pole up and does a little bow before taking off.
    I’ve just decided I love winter gear. I can splotch to kingdom come and no one will be the wiser.
     
    I feel loads lighter as I get ready to meet Ian. Knowing that I’m not going to fall every other step has put my mind at ease. Beyond that, finding something that I’m halfway good at in the athletic department makes me downright giddy. I never dreamed I could pull that off. I pig out, brush my teeth and sigh when I realize I still have about twenty minutes before we’ve agreed to meet.
    I’m absentmindedly putting my gloves on as I step outside. The brisk air feels so good after the heat in the Lodge. A high-pitched giggle grabs my attention and I look up to see Ian and Jade standing by the coffee bar. She leans over and pulls Ian’s face closer to hers to whisper something in his ear. He smirks and shakes his head, while Jade looks like the cat that ate the canary. She swishes her blond hair back and places her hand on his chest as she says something that requires feeling him up.
    I feel my eyes narrowing as my blood nearly boils out of my skin. I never thought I was a jealous person, but I just might be.
    They don’t see me, so occupied with their own little tête-à-tête; they are oblivious to anyone around them. I study them both and wonder what she is to him. Jade looks stunning. Her long hair is perfectly in place, the straight edge of her blond ends are in a perfect line across her pink coat. Her skin is rosy and flawless. Even from this distance, her eyes stand out. It isn’t her looks that make my green-eyed monster go on the prowl though, it’s the complete ease she has with him and the way he hasn’t even looked around for me once.
    I’ll give him five minutes and if