It seemed that everything had calmed down after Emily kicked the shit out of Peter. Everyone was just enjoying the fact that everything was over. I would not leaver her side for a second, and I guess the guys noticed. They kept nudging me and giving me that knowing smile. I knew I was in for a long discussion with them once I’m alone. That won’t be happening for a while. Even though it was cold and I had just been checked three times for injuries, I was just happy being around her. Emily’s friends were very protective and never left her but I soon gained their trust. The day was rapidly getting darker and we realized that we had no accommodations. Howie, being the ever-reasonable one, suggested we go to the ski resort. Everyone was staring but Emily didn’t seem to notice so I chose not to also. It seemed like out of the shadows came a man, who I assumed was the owner.
“Ahh, you must be the couple that was stuck in the cabin. I am dreadfully sorry that had to happen. How may I help you?” He said politely.
“Well, you see, we need some accommodations for the night. Do you have any rooms available?” Emily stepped forward.
“No, I’m sorry, we don’t. There’s nothing I can really do to help. But here is a free pass for the next time you decide to visit.” He handed us the slips of paper and started to walk away. The nerve of that guy. We were stuck in his cabin and he wouldn’t even do the courtesy of helping us find a room for the night. Emily didn’t seem daunted though. She walked over to Kevin and whispered something I couldn’t hear in his ear. He smiled and nodded. She came up to me and then quietly said, “Play along.” Suddenly she grabbed my shirt and started sobbing hysterically. I wrapped my arms around her and pretended to console her. The owner ran back, shocked and embarrassed by the scene that she was causing.
“What’s wrong with her?” He looked frantic. It took all my strength not to burst out laughing right there.
“She’s upset. She has every right to be. She was stuck in a cabin under tons of snow; not knowing when she was going to get out and all she asks of you now is for a lousy room. It’s your fault that they got stuck. If it wasn’t for the terrible location of that cabin, you wouldn’t be in this mess. Now, I’m getting fed-up with all of this. Are you going to do something or do I have to call my lawyer.” Kevin’s voice rose with each word and he towered over the owner who was a good head shorter than him. Emily looked up briefly then started crying again. In my mind I was laughing and doing a happy dance though my face was completely serious and sad.
“Please, no need to make a fuss. Look, there is a five star hotel a little down the mountain. I will make reservations for the best suites there. On the house.” The owner was now sweating. Emily looked up from me and made a big show of wiping her tears and putting a brave smile.
“Thank you, sir. Bless you. You are too kind.” She kissed him on the cheek making him blush.
“Well…let me go make the reservations.” He smiled and turned. He came back a few minutes later. “It’s all set. I hope it’s to your satisfaction. I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”
We all thanked him and left. Piling into the big van that Brian got, Emily wiped away the rest of the tears and started laughing.
“Works every time.” She smiled.
“How’d you learn to do that?” Howie asked.
“Please, dear, she’s been doing that since first grade. She’s the master at getting what she wants. I bow to you, oh manipulative one.” Jack said and made an exaggerated curtsy. Everyone followed suit.
“Please, please. No autographs at this time.” Emily laughed and I wanted to pick her up and kiss her. I didn’t though. I’ll have time for that later.
We arrived at the hotel and was put in our respective suites. Claudia snatched up room keys with Emily before I could say anything. I felt bad that I couldn’t share a room with Emily. I voiced my opinion and she only smiled and said she was going to go downstairs. I smiled back and went into my room. I was sharing with Brian, but he didn’t go in yet so I was by myself. After a few minutes I decided to take a shower. It was invigorating and I felt better. When I got out I heard the door shut and figured Brian was back. I threw on a towel and walked out without a second thought. Smiling, I opened the door of the bathroom and looked around.
“Hey, Bri, I—“ My smiled faded when I saw Emily sitting on the bed. I could see she was as shocked as I was.
“Um…hi.” Her voice was strangely small.
“I thought you were Brian. Isn’t he rooming with me?” I was so surprised that I didn’t realize that I was practically naked.
“I was downstairs and Claudia came up to me and handed me this key. I thought she and I were rooming so I didn’t say anything.” Her eyes went down to her lap. I looked down and blushed when I realized my lack of clothes.
“Maybe I should get some pants on.” I turned and walked to the bathroom. I threw on a pair of boxers and some sweatpants, leaving my upper body bare. I re-entered the room to see she was standing now and still awkward. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other. I was awkward too. I couldn’t get the image of our little interlude before the rescue out of my mind. My blood heated up when I saw her still blushing.
“So…what now?” I blurted out. I couldn’t believe I said anything at all. She looked at me shocked and still dazed. It took her a minute to answer.
“I don’t know…” She blushed deeper.
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