Heat shot down from my scalp into my chest, but I kept my expression mild. “Really?”
He leaned a half-inch closer, and his voice grew serious. “Here’s the thing: I don’t think it’s a rumor.”
“It’s not that funny, either.”
“Nic.” He nudged my shoulder.
“What?”
“Are you Veena’s bodyguard?”
I made myself laugh, but it sounded forced. “Are you serious?”
He shrugged. “Okay. I thought I’d ask. You know, you show up at Veena’s mountain school mid-year, but you don’t ski or ride. You’re always with her, watching her back. You can take out a guy riding probably ten miles an hour past you no problem. Still, I see I was wrong now. You’re definitely not a bodyguard.” He paused and leaned in again. “But if you were, that would be sick.”
My lips slid up; I couldn’t help it. “It would be. Sounds like a fun job.”
I couldn’t tell the truth. This was Veena’s secret, not mine. But I so wanted to.
He pushed his back against the wall, his arm against mine. I could feel the warmth of his body. “I’m just saying, if you were a bodyguard, and you got in a sticky situation, you could count on me.”
“Thanks. That would be good to know,” I paused. “If I was a bodyguard.”
Veena saw Connor and me then, and she gave me an enthusiastic thumbs up. Thankfully Ali hadn’t noticed us, and Gage was still at the bar.
“Where’d you hear a rumor like that anyway?” I asked.
“Vail’s a small town. Stuff gets around. Did they teach you to tackle like that?”
“Who?”
“You know, them. Whoever trained you to be a bodyguard.”
I laughed. “I played tackle football on a boys team in middle school.”
“Yeah?” He looked surprised.
“I held my own in sixth and seventh grade, but my teammates came back after the summer before eighth looking like they’d been shooting human growth hormones. Taking them down wasn’t so easy and being tackled hurt. But I didn’t forget the technique.”
“Clearly. I guess I better watch my step.”
“Why?”
He rubbed the back of his neck, his expression suddenly serious. “In case I ever piss you off.”
I grabbed the chance to turn the spotlight off me. “So, what about you? Did you play football? I know you snowboarded.”
“I grew up hunting with my dad. I liked being out in nature and learning how to handle a rifle, but the whole killing part got to me after a while. So, I only shoot at the range now. And with a pistol.”
That made me forget Veena for a second. “What do you use?”
“Glock G19. What about you?”
The words gushed out of me like a flash flood. “A Sig Legion 9 mm. I don’t have it yet, but I’m getting it after this—”
Amusement danced on his face. “This what?”
“Year,” I finished lamely. “You know what, forget I said any of that.”
He winked. “It’ll be our secret.”
I cursed to myself. Some secret. I don’t know why I bothered to keep my job under wraps. Everyone seemed to already know. A few boys joined Veena and Ali to dance; I kept my eye on them.
“How old are you, Connor?”
He leaned back against the wall. “Twenty-three.”
“That’s pretty young to be a ski patroller and working for the U.S. Snowboarding Team, isn’t it?”
“I did grow up riding, so that part wasn’t a big deal. I worked as an athletic trainer at my high school, and I did a six-week EMT training program when I graduated. I’ve done first aid, outdoor emergency education, that kind of stuff, over the last couple years.” He waved a hand. “I don’t get paid much, but the experience is what I’m after. And I’ll get to go to Laax with the team.” The stage lights flashed, illuminating the strong angles of his face. “Anyway, I could say the same for you. Not working as a full-fledged bodyguard at your age? How’d you pull that off?”
“I didn’t, remember? I’m not a bodyguard.”
“I know, but still. Impressive.”
I shook my head. This conversation made my head hurt. “Look Connor, this has been . . . confusing, but I have to get back to not working now.”
He winced as the lead singer hit a particularly aggressive twangy note. “Okay. I better head back to my table anyway. See you, Nic.” He mock whispered in my ear. “If that’s even your real name.”
I tried hard not to appreciate the athletic way he moved as he walked back to the other side of the bar. Veena and Ali came over a few minutes later, sweaty and panting. Ali had her phone out, texting.
“I need to use the restroom,” Veena yelled. I went with her, but Ali stayed behind.
“How’s Connor?” She drew out his name as we walked.
I ignored her, focusing instead on creating a narrow pathway to the back hallway where a line of girls had formed at the bathroom door, waiting. At least it was a little quieter back here.
Veena talked about the show as boys shot in and out of the other restroom, banging the door as they went, but my attention was drawn to a girl kissing a guy in a dark corner beside the emergency exit. I tried to look away, but there wasn’t much else to focus on. They both moved sluggishly, and when they spoke, their voices were slurred.
The girl kept slumping in the guy’s arms, and after a minute, she tried to pull away from him. He gripped her arms hard, leading her toward the exit door.
“No, it’s cold out there. No.” She pulled back again. The other girls in line exchanged worried glances. My muscles tensed as the metal box inside me, stuffed with memories I’d rather forget, rattled.
“Stay put,” I muttered to Veena. Then I stepped toward the couple and spoke to the girl. “Do you need some help?”
“No, she’s good.” The guy tugged on her arms again.
I shoved the sudden, blinding rage down. I needed to stay focused on Veena, even in the bathroom line, but I wouldn’t leave
