The Resolution - Anticipation
Chapter 18
The next morning, Caro is wide awake at 7:30. Looking out her window, she sees that it snowed overnight. The brilliant sun is picking up the snow diamonds, causing them to sparkle and dazzling her. The contrast of white snow against the clear blue sky feels energizing. With a smile, Caro decides she will walk down to the village for a coffee.
As she makes her way down, everything looks like a scene from a Christmas card—snow-covered rooftops, people smiling, all wrapped up in scarves, hats, and heavy coats, with the sun beaming down on them.
Caro is debating where to get her coffee when she suddenly hears her name. Turning, she sees Gregg across the road, heading in her direction.
Smiling brightly at him, she calls out, “Good morning! Isn’t it a beautiful day?”
“Yes, it is, and seeing you has made it even more beautiful!” he grins back at her.
She smiles in return, then leans forward, making a gagging sound as if she is nauseated by his words.
Gregg laughs and pulls her into a hug. “You know you love it really!”
Laughing, she asks what he is doing in the village so early. He replies that he had to check the ski shop and is now heading for breakfast.
“And what are you doing out so early? I thought the chalet served breakfast?” he inquires.
“It does,” she explains. “But I was awake and it looked amazing outside, so I decided to walk down to the village for a coffee.”
“Join me for breakfast,” he invites, wriggling his eyebrows suggestively. “We can get to know each other better.”
Smiling back at him, she nods. Throwing his arm around her shoulders, he guides her down a side street to a little café tucked away.
Opening the main door, he holds it for Caro as she steps inside ahead of him. Looking quickly around her, she catches her breath; it’s the coziest café she has ever seen. The walls are original stone, adorned with photos, pictures, and various bric-a-brac. The stone floor blurs the line between where the walls end and the floor begins. A large fire burns in a stove, providing warmth and light to the small café. The tables and chairs are painted in strong, vibrant colours, and each table has a candle already burning brightly. The light is mellow, and soothing music plays in the background.
“Morning, Gregg,” greets a man behind the counter.
“Morning, Stefan. This is my friend Caro.”
“Hello, Caro. Pleased to meet you. You must be a special friend if Gregg brings you here!” Stefan remarks.
Caro looks from Stefan to Gregg, who nods and shrugs.
“What is that supposed to mean?” her inner self asks.
Gregg leads Caro to a table in front of the fire, quickly removing his jacket, hat, gloves, and scarf. “What would you like to eat, Caro?” he asks, showing her a menu.
Deciding to trust him, she replies simply, “Whatever you’re having, please.”
He looks at her, nods, and smiles.
Stefan, who had been listening, confirms, “Coming right up.”
“I suppose the extra snow last night will make for great skiing today,” Caro says, hoping to keep the conversation flowing.
“It should. I’m planning to take you all up to the blue run this morning and pair the stronger skiers with others to keep the group together. Then we can decide on the afternoon’s activities over lunch.”
“Sounds great! I’m really looking forward to it,” Caro responds.
“How are your muscles this morning?” he inquires, concern lacing his voice.
“Not as bad as I thought they’d be,” Caro replies, her tone revealing her relief.
“It shows how fit you are,” he compliments.
When breakfast arrives, Caro's eyes light up at the sight of a bowl of porridge, topped with nuts, fruits, and a drizzle of cream.
“Excellent choice,” she comments to Gregg.
“It is excellent. Test for yourself,” he encourages.
With a spoonful, she closes her eyes, savouring the sublime sweetness of the honey-infused porridge. “Wow! This porridge could easily pass for dessert!”
Laughing, Gregg starts eating. In between mouthfuls, Caro asks, “What did Stefan mean when he said, ‘You must be a special friend if Gregg brings you here’?”
Gregg doesn’t immediately reply, focusing on his bowl until he finishes. Finally, he looks up and responds, “It means what you think it means, Caro,” he tells in her in a hushed tone, “I come here for breakfast two or three times a week, and I always come alone.”
Just as Caro places her spoon down into her empty bowl, Stefan arrives to clear the dishes. He returns moments later, carrying fresh, warm croissants and large mugs of creamy coffee.
They eat and drink in comfortable silence. Caro’s mind races, unsure how to break the quiet. Just as she gathers her thoughts, Gregg asks, “Are you an early riser?”
“Yes,” Caro replies, nodding.
“How about an early morning ski tomorrow before breakfast?” he suggests.
Her face brightens with enthusiasm. “I would love to!”
“Good. I’ll pick you up at the chalet at 6:30 tomorrow morning,” he says, his smile warm and inviting.
After saying goodbye to Stefan, they head back to the main street. Gregg drapes his arm across Caro’s shoulders as they walk. With the time approaching nine-thirty, Caro takes a lift back to the chalet with Gregg, feeling a thrill of anticipation for what the next day might hold.