The Resolution - Friends!
Chapter 17
As the slow songs begin, the card game dissolves. Nick and Sally head to the dance floor, followed by Susie and Tom.
With the music now soft enough for conversation, Luce takes Jim’s hand and looks directly at Gregg. “Are you a Casanova?”
Gregg nearly chokes on his drink.
Caro and Jim exclaim in unison, “Luce!”
“We need to know,” she says, unapologetic. “I don’t want Caro getting hurt.”
Meg approaches to clear the table just as Gregg recovers. With a grin, he gestures to her.
“Meg, Lucy here wants to know if I’m a Casanova.”
Meg blinks in surprise, then laughs and sits down without meaning to. “What?!”
“How long have you known me?” Gregg asks patiently.
“Since you arrived — ten years ago.”
“And in that time, how many women have you seen me with?”
Meg makes a face. “Gregg, I don’t keep a scorecard!”
He runs a hand through his hair, exasperated.
“But if I had to guess?” Meg adds, smirking. “Maybe five in ten years.”
Luce jumps in. “So… he doesn’t hook up with a new woman every ski group?”
Meg raises a brow. “Gregg doesn’t teach the groups. He owns the ski school. He’s only on the slopes for fun.” She playfully swats his arm. “Also — he owns this pub. And he’s my boss.”
Everyone laughs.
“Any more questions?” Meg teases. “Some of us are working here.”
Gregg turns to Luce with raised eyebrows. Luce shrinks back, sheepish. Jim pulls her to the dance floor, leaving Gregg and Caro alone.
“Well… that was awkward,” Caro says.
Gregg smiles. “Not for me. I think it’s sweet how much your friend’s care. Ski instructors do have a bit of a reputation.”
“She means well,” Caro says, nudging him gently.
He turns toward her, blocking out the room behind him. “So… are we going to get to know each other?”
“How about a walk?” she offers.
“No way as it’s freezing outside, literally. But there’s a pub across the street — no music, and we can talk.”
“Perfect.”
She grabs her coat and bag, stopping by Luce on the dance floor. “Gregg and I are heading out for a chat. Don’t leave without me.”
Luce nods. Outside, Gregg places a hand lightly on Caro’s back as they jog across the icy street. Her inner voice shrieks: It’s bloody freezing!
Inside, they spot a cozy table near the fireplace. He fetches drinks and returns, handing her a glass of red. They clink, smiling.
Tell him straight, her inner voice urges.
Gazing into the fire, Caro says, “I’m not someone who does flings. Or one-night stands. That’s just not me.”
She watches the flames flicker, her tone serious.
Gregg nods slowly. “I understand. I’m not into casual stuff either. I want something lasting. A partner. Maybe a family.”
She turns to meet his gaze. He looks at her then, eyes clear.
“How about we start as friends and see where it goes?” he suggests.
Caro smiles. “That sounds right. We both know nothing can really come of this. I’m here for a week. You live here.”
Gregg gently takes her hand. “Then let’s just be mature and see what happens.”
He leans in and kisses her — soft, fleeting. Just enough.
Hmmm. “Friends,” she says. Sure, her inner voice whispers wryly.
Gregg releases her hand. “So… tell me about you.”
She shares a little about her job, her friends. But she leaves out the resolution and her recent dates. After they finish their drinks, she offers another round, but he shakes his head.
“Let’s go back to the others.”
They pull their gear on and dash across the street. Just before rejoining the group, Gregg stops her, turning her gently to face him.
“I look forward to getting to know you, Caro,” he says, hugging her. Then he leans in, brushing her lips with another gentle kiss.
When they return, the band’s on a break and everyone’s gathered at the table.
“I’m heading off,” Gregg announces. “See you at ten tomorrow.”
Everyone waves him off. Then all eyes shift to Caro.
“Where did you go? What happened?” Luce demands.
“Tell us, Caro!” Susie and Sally chime in.
Caro sits down, looking composed. “He told me he’s interested. But I’m only here for a week…”
“So what?” Susie interrupts.
“I’m looking for a relationship, not a fling,” Caro says, more firmly.
Tom wraps an arm around Susie, and she softens. “Sorry. You’re right.”
“And he’s based here,” Caro continues. “We agreed to just be friends and get to know each other. We couldn’t really talk in here, so we went across the street for a drink.”
“Just friends?” Luce presses, her eyes gleaming.
Caro nods, rising from the table. “Going to the loo. Then we should probably head back.”
Once she’s gone, Sally leans in. “So… odds they get together before the week’s out?”
Susie grins. “Define ‘get together’?”
The girls exchange looks. The guys watch, amused.
“Sex, obviously,” Luce smirks.
They laugh, and Tom pulls out his phone. “Five quid a bet. Closest to the right day and time wins.”
He finishes logging the last wager just as Caro returns — none the wiser.
The group finishes their drinks and heads out together, the night full of laughter, snowflakes, and a hint of something else.