Free A Slippery Slope by Emily Harvale Page A

that.’
    Lucy shrugged again. ‘Jo told me that Josh has deals with a few
exclusive ski holiday companies but that some of the guests come independently.
It does say in the pack that we’ll be notified of alternative arrival times so
we’ll have to wait and see.’
    ‘At least everything’s ready for when they do arrive,’ Verity said
as they made their way downstairs. ‘I’m a little nervous to be honest. What if
they’re all lager louts or stuck up snobs or worse still, miserable gits.’
    ‘I hope you’re not referring to me.’
    Verity nearly jumped out of her skin and even Lucy was surprised
when they turned the bend of the stairs and found Josh standing in the hall.
    ‘No. But we were talking about you a few minutes ago,’ Verity
said, blushing. ‘We were wondering how the guests would be arriving tomorrow.
You’ll be pleased to hear that everything is ready. Lucy has planned some
wonderful menus. Would you like to see them?’
    ‘Lucy? Oh, you’re the cook Verity, and Lucy is the planner, is
that right?’
    ‘Um ... not exactly.’ Verity wondered if she should simply own up.
It was too late for him to sack her now, with guests arriving in less than
twenty-four hours.
    ‘We share all the duties,’ Lucy added, smiling sweetly. ‘We were
just about to make some coffee. Would you like some? I’ve ... we’ve made a
delicious chocolate and orange cake.’
    Josh looked tempted. ‘I can’t stop now, I’m afraid. I just dropped
by to check you were both okay and that you didn’t need anything. I’ll be
dropping off the first batch of guests tomorrow. They’re all regulars and
Etienne will be taking them out every day as they’re all expert skiers. It
should be a pretty easy first week for you.’
    ‘You don’t know how pleased I am to hear that,’ Verity said. ‘I
was just saying to Lucy that I feel a little nervous – but I suppose I
shouldn’t have told you that, should I?’
    Josh laughed and Verity wished she could think of something to
make him stay, even if only for a few minutes.
    ‘I have complete confidence in both of you, and from what I’ve
seen so far, Verity, I’d be amazed to find there was anything that could faze
you. Anyway, call me if you need me. My home and mobile numbers are in the info
pack. I assume you’ve read it?’
    ‘Were we supposed to?’ Verity teased. She could see by the look in
Josh’s eyes that he was joking. He obviously took it for granted that they had.
    ‘Yes. And there’ll be a test later. I must dash.’ He turned and
walked towards the door, hesitated, and looked back. ‘Actually, talking of
later, Etienne and I could pop round for a quick drink this evening to sort of,
launch your chalet hosting season – unless you have plans.’
    ‘No. We have no plans, do we Lucy? We were just going to have a
quiet night by the fire so yes, please do pop in. That’s okay, isn’t it?’
Verity glanced at Lucy.
    ‘Yes. That would be great. We haven’t seen Etienne for days. I’ll
cook supper if you like. Just something simple.’
    ‘It’s a date,’ Josh said. ‘Oh, I don’t mean a date kind of
date. I ... I just ... you know what I mean. Bye.’
    ‘He actually blushed!’ Lucy said with a grin when he’d shut the
front door behind him. ‘And he’s not the only one!’ She cast a worried look at
Verity. ‘Is there something you’d like to tell me, Mum?’
    Verity sighed. ‘Unfortunately not,’ she said, strolling into the
kitchen for her well-earned coffee break.
    ***
    ‘I’m sorry I haven’t seen you all week,’ Etienne said. ‘I’ve been
helping Josh with some stuff at one of the chalets, and showing a new ski guide
the ropes.’
    ‘Don’t you mean pistes?’ Lucy joked, grabbing glasses from the
shelf for the champagne Josh had brought.
    Etienne beamed at her. ‘Mais oui! How’s your week been? You’ve
been hitting the slopes every day, haven’t you?’
    ‘Good, thanks. Yeah, we’ve done quite a bit and Mum’s skiing