Free What Happens in the Alps... by T A Williams

although the depth of the powder hadn’t built up quite enough by then. It was only a degree or two above zero, but the unbroken sun warmed them through their clothes. By the time they stopped for a late lunchtime sandwich at the mid station restaurant, all three of them were boiling hot. By a stroke of really good luck, as they reached the chalet-style wooden building, a group got up from one of the tables on the terrace and the girls found themselves sitting in the sunshine gazing out over a natural spectacle of rock and snow that was hard to beat. Around them, people were stripped to their shirtsleeves, lapping up the sun even though they were in the depths of December. Annie took off her jacket and relaxed.
    â€˜We’re lucky people.’ Paolina was in no doubt. Annie could only agree.
    â€˜What a day. It’s good to be alive.’ And it was. Annie closed her eyes for a moment, glad of the concealment afforded by her dark glasses. There had been times over the past two years when she had seriously questioned just how much she had to live for, after Steve’s death had smashed her whole world apart. Now, out here, two years on, she could almost feel the shoots of new life growing inside her. Her eyes stung and a tear rolled down her cheek, but this time it wasn’t a tear of abject desperation. Steve had gone, but her own life would go on. She reached up and rubbed it away just as their food arrived. Annie picked up her glass and held it out. ‘
Cin cin
. It’s been a great day.’
    They were accompanied through their meal by a small group of totally fearless sparrows who flitted around beneath and sometimes on the tables, picking up and devouring any crumbs that fell from the plates of the guests. Annie had just finished her toasted sandwich and was beginning to think about a return to her unpacking, when she felt the lightest of touches on her shoulder. She glanced up.
    â€˜
Ciao, ragazze
.’
    It was Paul, the ski instructor. He clumped around the table in his heavy boots, leaning down to kiss Rita and Paolina on the cheeks. As he kissed Paolina, Annie clearly saw her cheeks redden, so, she thought to herself, maybe the schoolgirl crush was still operative. When he got to Annie he pulled off his glove and held out his hand. She reached up and shook it. It was warm and strong.
    â€˜Ciao, Paul. We saw you with your flock of little kids.’ He grinned and Rita grabbed his arm.
    â€˜There’s a spare seat, Paul. Do you want to join us?’
    He glanced at his watch and accepted the offer. ‘I’m taking a Russian oligarch and his “niece” for a tour of the pistes in ten minutes’ time. I’d better not be late for him or he’ll have me bumped off.’ He looked over at Annie. ‘Last time I saw you, you had a very cold bottom. Tell me it’s warmed up now.’
    Annie saw the expressions on the faces of the other two girls as she struggled to mask the fact that she had been thinking about his bottom only a couple of hours ago. What was happening to her? This interest in men’s bottoms was a very recent development. She cleared her throat and hastily explained to Paolina. ‘Paul came to rescue the dog involved in the hit and run accident last week.’ She returned her eyes to Paul. ‘And, yes, my bottom and the rest of me are as warm as toast after a fine morning’s skiing.’
    They sat and chatted and Annie thoroughly enjoyed his company. From the look on Paolina’s face, so did she. Before long, Paul glanced at his watch and stood up. ‘And now, if you don’t mind, I have to go and meet my Russians. I hope to see you all again.’
    Once he had left, Annie caught Paolina’s eye. ‘You know, Paolina, I rather get the impression Paul fancies you.’
    Paolina scoffed, but her cheeks reddened as she did so. ‘Don’t be so silly. He hardly looked at me.’
    â€˜I’m not so