The waiter swept away Conrad’s empty plate then questioned if I was finished with mine. At this point I was only pushing the remaining halibut around my plate so relinquished my plate, also. Conrad tapped his empty wine glass signally for more but I declined.

“Will there be any dessert this evening, Sir?”

“I highly doubt it, My Friend. Her mood has definitely soured. Please bring the check, thank you.”

“What did you expect, Conrad? We plan this trip annually and now mere days in advance you tell me you can’t get away from Global Industries for one long weekend? I made sure I didn’t schedule any clients so I would be free. I have loads of decorating decisions to make to complete projects but they will wait until after the holiday.”

“Oh, for the hell of it!”

“What did you say? Are you cursing me under your breath?”

“. I was thinking. That’s all. We came to this overpriced seafood place for the halibut yet all you did was push yours around on your plate. Never even asked for a doggie bag so you could enjoy it later.”

“You ruined my appetite with your announcement. We’ve gone skiing over the break for at least five years now. I thought you enjoyed it.”

“And I have. Come over here closer. Let me hold you. Have a little more wine then we’ll go back to my place and discuss it all you want. Come on, Sweetheart. It’s our night together. Don’t spoil it.”

“For seven years we’ve spent one night a week together. Dinner and a booty call is all you want out of this? That leaves me cold, Conrad. Call an Uber for me. You’ve drank too much to drive me home. I think we’re done here.”

>>>

“So that’s how it happened, Sis. I’m done with Conrad but I have two tickets to Vail. Since you’re on holiday break from university want to come along? Can’t promise we’ll meet any hot guys but you never know. Our eight year age gap may be a problem still I won’t make you hang around with me the whole time.

“There’s always a wonderful Christmas parade. You’ll love all the classic activities like sleigh rides, hot chocolate and Christmas decor. All more important now without Mom and Dad. We’ll even go shopping there for any ski outfits you need. Okay? Meet me at the airport. I’ll be the one carrying skis.”

>>>

“Oomph! Excuse me. So sorry. These ski’s are longer than I realized. So crowded I can’t turn around without bumping someone. Trying to get to the place where I can check them in. Can you tell which line is United?”

“Same one I’m going to so follow me but be careful of my tripod. I’m having the same problem you’re having.”

“That is a long one. Don’t they usually fold up?”

“This is folded up. Must be excited to meet you.”

“What?”

“Oh, pay no mind to my dry humor. Trying to make a good impression.”

“Ouch! You did. That will leave a mark!”

“Exactly! My name is Mark. Pleased to meet you. You are…”

“Whitney.”

“To which United flight will you be dropping those off.”

“The one to Vail.”

“Excellent! That’s the one I’m headed for. Gonna photograph the big parade there for People Magazine. Maybe some famous faces. You on the other hand must be going skiing. Only a wild guess. You anyone famous?”

“Not yet. Working my way up through the interior decorating ranks, though. Maybe some far away time in the future.”

“Don’t give up on your dream. Lots of designers became famous on HGTV shows. You simply need the right connections. Right?”

“You may be right. I’ll keep it in mind. Right now we need to make these connections. You’re next.”

“Please go on ahead of me. But do wait up for me. I’ll show you to the gate.”

“Oops. Pardon. Thank you. So good to get these skis out of my arms.”

>>>

“Whitney, were you texting a traveling companion while waiting for me? Silly me, I should have figured someone as beautiful as you would not be alone.”

“Yes, Mark, I did. Thank you for the compliment but, no, it’s not what you assume. I was trying to find out if my sister is already at the gate or not here yet. Hard to see in the crowds.”

“A sister? Is she as pretty as you? How could I get so lucky?”

“She’s much prettier than me. Meredith is in her last year of college so hasn’t got all the world-torn scars I have, yet. There she is now.

“Meredith, so good to see you, finally. Feels so wonderful to hug you. This gentleman helping me with my bag is Mark, a photographer for People Magazine. He’s headed to the same place we are. Mark this is my sister, Meredith. Didn’t I tell you she’s better looking.”

“You did, but I’ll have to withhold judgment. You two could pass for twins. Looks like we made it in time to start the boarding. You’re in first class, I see. Above my company’s pay scale. Maybe we’ll run into each other at the end of the flight when we’re collecting those long checked weapons. I need to know which hotel you’ll be staying at so we can enjoy a drink or dinner together if you want. Made my day to meet you both even if you’re double trouble.”

>>>

“Whitney, that man has sass all over his face. Why are you letting him follow you around? You aren’t hard-up yet. You’ve barely wiped Conrad off your boots. Although he is kinda cute. A photographer for a major magazine. Um, you could do worse, I guess.”

“We haven’t signed any permanent contract if that’s what you’re worried about. We nearly speared each other with our baggage. And someone with baggage is not what I need in my life right now. I’ve enough of my own. Let’s plan to enjoy whatever the weekend springs on us, shall we? Never have gotten to spend quality time with you since you’ve grown up. I want to learn to appreciate this new you.”

“Does that mean no more telling me what I can and can’t do like you used to?”

“It’ll be a hard habit to break but we are equals now. If you see me heading for another train wreck like Conrad you have permission to try to steer me straight. Or if you sense Mr. Right and I don’t, let me know and I’ll do the same for you. Agreed?”

“Agreed. Can’t wait to hit those moguls! And you know? Mark may actually hit the mark.”