“Oh, sorry.  I didn’t mean to…I’m sorry.  I’ve definitely seen worse…oh, no…that’s not what I meant.”  Why am I such an idiot?  “Hey, I’m sure you’re great.” 

“No, you’re right.  I’m not that great.  Skiing’s easy – I don’t even remember learning.  But this…well, it’s different.”

We laughed.  “Yeah, it’s not exactly skiing.  Look, when we get up the mountain, I could give you a few pointers.  Teach you a few things?”  I looked at her, hopeful that we could spend some more time together and that this chairlift wouldn’t be the last time I saw her. 

“Oh, no, that’s not really necessary.  I’m sure you have better things to do.  It’ll probably take me a half hour to get down the mountain, and it’ll probably take you five minutes,” Spencer actually sounded nervous.  I could get used to this. 

“No, seriously.  I’m here with a bunch of guys.  I’d be nice to hang out with another girl for a little while.  And I’m a good teacher, I promise.”  I gave her an expectant look.  I hope she doesn’t think I’m desperate. 

“Okay.”  She said as she did her head-thing again.  I think I’m in love. 

The chairlift came to the top of the mountain and I glided off the chair.  I came to a stop and looked back.  Spencer was slow, and a little shaky, but not too bad overall.

“Sorry,” she mumbled half smiling nervously.  “First time on the lift.  Don’t they slow it down at all?” 

“Oh, shit. I should have told them to slow it down.  Next time,” I said and she smiled back. 

“Okay, basically the main idea is to always stay on your edges, front or back, and shift your weight quickly – or you’ll fall,” I explained as I strapped my boots in.  “You got that?” I nodded at her boot strap. 

“Oh yeah…I, it’s, I just have to take my glove off.”

“No, wait.  You have to learn how to strap it in with your glove on.”  I flipped over onto my knees and crawled over to where Spencer was sitting.  I strapped her in and then looked up.  Wow, she had beautiful eyes.  “You’ll learn, don’t worry.”  I pushed myself up and then reached down to help her.  “Okay, ready, Spence?  Just follow me.  I’ll go slow – well, as slow as you need me too.”