Free Love 'Em or Leave 'Em by Angie Stanton

couple next in line. "As soon as the chair passes, they just glide into place with one push of the poles. Nice and smooth. You can do this." Ashley talked to her slowly and reas suringly, as if Liz was a child who needed coaxing to try something new.
    "Are you ready?"
    Liz nodded nervously. "Okay, I'm ready. Now I just glide."
    "That's right."
    They settled onto the chairlift with a huge sigh of relief from Liz.
    "Okay, now the reward" Ashley pulled the flask from her jacket. She had tucked it under her arm and next to her breast, the only spot with any extra room. "Here, drink this."
    Looking at her, Liz asked, "What is it?"
    "Trust me. It's guaranteed to calm nerves on any ski hill."
    Liz eyed her skeptically and hesitated.
    "Come on and drink up, Evel Knievel. You need to relax so you don't embarrass yourself." Ashley unscrewed the top. "Liquid courage, and it can't be beat! Listen, if it makes it any easier, I'll join you. I could use some, what with my having to wear this getup"
    "All right, if you really think it will help." Liz took the flask from Ashley and tipped it up, pouring the liquid into her mouth. She swallowed and started coughing and choking. "Is this hot chocolate?" she croaked.
    Ashley giggled. "It's a combination of dark chocolate, hot cocoa powder, and steamed milk."
    Liz took another drink and savored the flavor. "This is really good"
    Ashley stole the flask back and took a drink. "Guaranteed to cure anything." She smacked her lips, then tucked the flask under her coat and prepared to dismount the chairlift.
    Fortunately, the first run was a green beginners' hill. Several of the group hadn't been on skis for a while and were happy to start slowly. They surrounded Luke, looking around awkwardly until he said, "What the heck, it's only snow" and led the way.
    Everyone followed. Ashley stayed with Liz while her friend found her ski legs. They glided down a nice gradual slope. Nothing scary. The day was gorgeous with almost no wind. Ashley slalomed gracefully down the hill, the sun on her face and the wind blowing through her hair. The saleswoman was right. She felt like a vision in her sexy black outfit.
    Everyone was in great spirits as they lined up for the chairlift again. This time Luke sat with Cricket, and Ashley stayed with Liz. As soon as they settled on the lift, the flask reappeared. They passed it back and forth twice before they got off. Liz became more confident and steady on her skis with each run, or perhaps the sugar high was having the desired effect, and she just wasn't as worried.
    After the next successful hill, they found a different chairlift that took them farther up the mountain and dropped them off at a beautiful chalet overlooking the ski hills and neighboring mountain peaks. The majestic snow-covered mountains in the distance jutted up into the blue sky, demanding attention. Having grown up in the Midwest, where there were no mountains, no oceans, and no deserts, Ashley couldn't help but be awed by the landscape. Wisconsin was beautiful, but nothing like the majesty and power that nature had created here.
    They removed their skis and entered the Swissthemed chalet. Inside, a fire blazed in the center of the room. A huge bar lined one entire wall, surrounded with tables. The decor included broken ski tips hung throughout the building.
    Ashley nudged Liz. "Should we add ours to the collection before we leave?"
    "Sure, why not?" Liz smiled.
    The group followed one of the producers up to a private loft area where the camera crew set up. All of the hats, ski gloves, and jackets came off. Ashley no longer felt concerned about her ski-bunny outfit and comfortably slid the jacket off as she approached the table. She couldn't help but notice Luke gazing at her as he held a chair for Megan. Ashley usually kept a low profile, but this outfit was anything but. The fresh air had exhilarated her and the warm tingling in her face told her that her cheeks must be very rosy indeed. Ashley slipped