Flash Fiction #3: Wrapped Up In You

Ready for a fun day of shopping, Trinity confidently clutched her purse and descended the winding staircase overlooking the Silver Peak Lodge main lobby. Garlands covered in twinkling white lights encircled the room, and a towering tree glittering with red and gold ornaments stood in a far corner. Floor to ceiling windows flanked both sides of the tree, providing endless views of snowy mountains and ski slopes. A fire crackled in the fireplace on the opposite side of the lobby.

This was Trinity’s first stay at a ski lodge. Her sister Emily chose a beautiful place to get married, and they had arrived a few days early to enjoy a long weekend away from work. Successful data security analysts, Trinity and Emily owned a business together, and they treated their family to this celebration reunion. She wished she could have taken advantage of her plus-one option for the event, but supporting her sister and spending time with her family made her happy.

She wrapped a scarf tightly around her neck as she walked through the lobby door into the morning chill and sunshine. The nearby shops were full of holiday treats, winter clothes, and irresistible baubles. Trinity spent the afternoon handpicking gifts for family and friends.

When she returned to the lodge, a sign in the lobby read: Gift Wrapping Event Tomorrow Morning. Trinity smiled. Perfect.

The next day, Trinity joined the wrapping event and set her gifts on a table beside several rolls of shiny paper and a box full of ribbon. After wrapping her first few in glittering snowflake paper, she grabbed a roll of shiny gold wrapping paper but felt resistance. A man at the next table had also grabbed the same roll!

“You first,” the man said, releasing the roll and stepping closer. He had soft brown eyes, and his blond tousled hair was cute. “I’m horrible at wrapping, but you’re doing a great job.” He motioned toward her handiwork on the table. “I’m jealous.” His smile was infectious, and he smelled of cinnamon cookies.

Was he flirting?

Trinity surveyed his crumpled package. “I … can give you a few pointers,” she offered.

He gave her a broad grin and nodded. “I’ll take any help. I definitely need it. By the way, I’m Mason. Nice to meet you.”

After Mason cut a new piece of paper, Trinity walked him through a few tips and tricks for smooth paper and sharp corners.

“Are you on vacation?” Mason said.

“Sort of. I’m here for my sister’s wedding and a family reunion.” Trinity clipped the end of a ribbon for him and tied it into an intricate bow. “How about you?”

“Snowboarding trip with some of my buddies,” Mason said. “We get together every year.” He took another piece of ribbon and tried—mostly successfully–to repeat the steps she’d shown him. “And the present is for a white elephant exchange party at work next week.”

Suddenly, she felt out of place in the conversation. She’d never learned to snowboard or ski. Changing her focus, she carefully wrapped the items for her family's gift exchange.

They talked about their wrapping skills, and she explained her unfamiliarity with the winter sports scene. Mason made her feel at ease with his warm smiles and his enthusiasm for his snowboarding adventures, and she relaxed.

When they finished wrapping their gifts, Mason bought them hot chocolate and sandwiches from the hotel café. They sat near a window and watched kids playing in the snow as they chatted about family holiday traditions and Mason’s love of snowboarding adventures.

“Why haven’t you learned to ski or snowboard?” Mason gently teased.

Trinity laughed. “I don’t visit the mountains often. I’m considering going snowshoeing with my parents tomorrow,” she admitted.

Mason shifted in his seat. “Would you like to hit the bunny slope with me? I could teach you snowboarding basics.”

Trinity nibbled her lip nervously. Spending the day with Mason sounded fun. But snowboarding? “What about your friends?”

“My buddies are going ice climbing tomorrow. It’s not my thing. And I’d like to spend the day with you.” He gave her a hopeful look.

Trinity was unsure but intrigued. She agreed to meet him for a beginner's lesson.

“You’ll love the magic carpet,” Mason said. “I promise it will be a fun day.”

The next morning, Trinity and Mason rented equipment for her before venturing out to the bunny slope. Mason was patient and encouraging, as he guided her onto the "magic carpet" lift for a ride up the hill with their gear. She wobbled a few times on the swift conveyor belt, then Mason held her elbow to steady her. She soon felt sure of her footing.

With Mason’s help, Trinity gained confidence and guided the board slowly down the shallow, sloping hill. She tipped over more times than she could count. And each time he was right there, helping her and showing her how to stand up with both feet still strapped into the snowboard.

“I’m sorry. This probably isn’t how you usually make it down the mountain.”

“This is a pleasant change from the adrenaline-pumping snowboarding scene,” he told her.

“I’ve never had this much fun in the snow,” Trinity said. “But I’m exhausted!”

After the lesson, they retreated to the lobby, warming up by the fireplace with mugs of cocoa. Then Mason walked Trinity to her room, where they lingered outside her door. Trinity didn’t want the day to end.

“I should go,” Mason said. “Can I see you again before you leave?”

Trinity smiled and nodded. “I’m free Sunday after the wedding.” She felt this snowy meet-cute might just turn into something more.

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