Holly Berry Inn: Christmas at the Inn - Book 18 by Nancy Fraser

Author:Nancy Fraser [Fraser, Nancy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Books From a Romantic's Heart Publishing
Published: 2022-12-09T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

One Last Day and Counting

At half-past eight the next morning, Kirsten made her way to the lobby, her skis polished and ready for at least one run down the mountain before the rest of her friends were even out of bed. Last night’s party went until the wee hours, the time taken up by gossip and planning their big trip to Paris, rather than any risqué behavior.

She caught a ride on the third series of lifts along with a young snowboarder named Mike who regaled her with his dream of becoming a professional. “And...” the young man said breathlessly, “...that’s how I plan to get to the Olympics.”

“It certainly sounds like a decent plan to me, other than possibly the way you are going about getting endorsements. I’m not sure local bars are the best source of funding when you’re eyeing an Olympic dream.”

“I’m open to other suggestions.”

“Take it from someone who’s had to apply for grants and ask for donations before, a sponsor is more likely to support you if they have something to gain from the relationship, other than just helping you,” she explained. “Do you have an agent, or a manager?”

“No, not so far. I’m kind of on my own. But, I’m good. Real good.”

“Have you won any competitions?” Kirsten asked.

He shook his head. “It costs money to enter, and I’m barely making tuition and expenses.”

They were nearing the top of the mountain when Kirsten caught sight of a familiar and most welcome face. “You said you go to State, right?”

“Yep, I’m a junior in the engineering program, but I’d give it all up for the circuit.”

The moment they reached the top and disembarked from the chair, Rick glided close to her side. Leaning even closer, he teased, “A little young for you, isn’t he?”

“Shush. Come on, I’ll introduce you.” She tugged on the sleeve of Rick’s jacket, pulling him toward the snowboard hopeful.

“Mike, this is Rick Madison. Rick, this is Mike. He’s hoping to become an Olympic snowboarder. And, he goes to State.”

Rick shook off his glove and offered his hand to the wide-eyed boy, the simple gesture giving Kirsten the warm fuzzies.

“You’re Rick Madison?” Mike asked in subdued awe. “The former NFL star, and football scout at State who recruited Ty Baker?”

“Guilty as charged,” Rick responded. “How many races have you won so far?”

The young man’s expression fell. “I’ve been timed with some of the best on the Michigan circuit, but haven’t been able to afford the entry fees.”

“How old are you?” Rick asked.

“Nineteen, twenty in February.”

“No sponsors, agent, or manager?” Rick’s questions repeated her own with uncanny precision.

“No. Like I told Miss Collins, I’m on my own pretty much. My parents can’t afford to help me, other than paying for my books and not tossing me out of the house.”

Their turn on the slopes was coming up, but rather than move forward, Rick nodded toward the closest break in the trees and motioned them in that direction. Kirsten wondered if she should go ahead and take her turn down the hill and leave Rick and Mike to talk.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.