The Italian Ski Instructor

The Italian Ski Instructor

By Ann M. Streetman

Copyright 2013 Ann M. Streetman

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Author’s Note

About the Author

Connect with the Author

Chapter 1

Jennifer stepped inside the rental shop. She was shivering from her brief trek from the lodge at Heavenly Mountain Resort. What was she thinking when she agreed to meet Brooke here for a quick girls weekend in Lake Tahoe?

A tall man behind the counter asked, May I help you?

I hope so, Jennifer said. She released her long red hair from her black knit cap and gave her head a vigorous toss. She brushed the hair back from her face. Laughing, she said, Now I remember why I don’t go skiing very often. It’s too much trouble to stay warm.

He watched her, struggling to get out of her jacket. He stepped from behind the counter and helped her peel off layers of shirts and vests. She finally got down to a green turtle neck sweater that matched the color of her eyes.

Thanks, she said.

He paused a few seconds. She didn’t mind his discrete head-to-toe approving appraisal before he turned and went back behind the counter.

I need to rent everything. Boots. The works. I hope I’ll know what to do with the stuff. I just hope I haven’t forgotten everything I used to know about skiing, she said.

The tall good-looking man said, I know more about skiing than I do about renting equipment. I’m Matteo Soldati. I’m a guest ski instructor. I am licensed to teach skiing in the U.S., Italy, and Switzerland. He held his hand out across the counter.

She shook it and smiled at him.

My friend Josh will be back in about 5 minutes. He’s the rental expert. I was just…what do you Americans say…holding down the fort for him.

Jennifer admired his rich Italian accent.

She said, I’m Jennifer Robertson from San Diego, and I know a lot more about tennis than skiing. I truly hate the cold, and I may need your help to get through this weekend. Do you give lessons to just anybody? she asked.

He laughed. You are not ‘just anybody.’ You are Jennifer Robertson, and I would be honored to give you a lesson if my schedule permits. I have time for one or two private lessons this weekend, he said.

His reserved, but warm smile lit up his dark brown eyes.

Good. I’m feeling really unsure of myself. Can you give me a lesson early tomorrow? Jennifer asked.

Matteo checked the calendar on his smart phone. I could do one at 7 o’clock. Nothing after then, he said.

Jennifer said, 7 o’clock it is. Where shall I meet you?

At the ski school. Don’t worry. There’s a sign. First thing we will do is a quick equipment check to see if your skis are on properly, and that sort of thing.

Absolutely, I need a total refresher. I’m really nervous about skiing again, she said.

That’s natural, if you haven’t skied in a while and if you’ve never skied very much. Don’t worry. It will come back to you. I’ll help you, he said.

His smile and gentle tone reassured her.

Jennifer said, So, you’re a guest instructor here. Where do you usually teach?

In Davos, Switzerland, and sometimes in St. Moritz, he said.

Wow, you must be really good. I’ve heard about the black diamond trails in St. Moritz, playground of the beautiful people.

Matteo shrugged. The rich and famous may have expensive clothes and gear, but they have to work at skiing just like everyone else, he said.

Jennifer said, I never thought of it that way.

He smiled warmly at her. The Alps have a way of humbling people from all backgrounds, he said. The mountains help us put ourselves and our lives into perspective.

Did you grow up in Switzerland? she asked.

No, I grew up in the Italian Alps. Same wonderful mountain range, regardless of the politicians who divide it and imagine they own it. Politicians come and go. The mountains and Alpine people endure. The mountains have taught us to respect the beauty and power of their wind and snow. Living in the Alps requires self-confidence and self-reliance. Getting snowed in for long periods is a way of life. My family has lived in a tiny village near Saluzzo for generations.

Jennifer studied this man. He had the grace and presence of a professional dancer and the assurance of an athlete, and his candid opinions were disarming. What an interesting, unusual person.

What about this village? Where is it, she asked.

Matteo said, Our little village is not famous, but nearby Saluzzo is well-known for its old town bordered by the remnants of a medieval walled city. My brother and I loved to go to old town and pretend we were fighting off the invaders. My family runs a small hotel in our little village, just a nice little family hotel. Sometimes visitors to Saluzzo stay with us instead of the higher-priced hotels in the city.

So you work in the Swiss Alps and you grew up in the Italian Alps. When did you become a ski instructor? she asked.

Matteo laughed. Of course, I grew up skiing. To tell the truth, I can’t remember when I did not ski. I probably became an instructor when I was teaching my little brother to ski. I was 7 and he was 4, but I had a little help from my father. From him, I learned to be more patient with my students, he said. Patience is very important, he said.

Lucky for me, Jennifer said. But, I warn you. I’ll probably test your patience with my flailing.

He laughed. How long has it been since you skied?

Jennifer said, I don’t know. Let me see. It must have been 10 years ago, she said.

You will definitely need a refresher. The trails here are not for beginners. How did you happen to pick Heavenly? he asked.

My friend Brooke picked it. We both live in California. I live in San Diego and she lives in San Francisco now. She’s a good skier. She insisted that we do a girls ski weekend to celebrate. I warned her that I might spend more time in the lodge in front of the fireplace with hot chocolate than on the slopes. It’s OK. She understands, Jennifer said.

Ah, it’s a celebration. That’s good. What are you ladies celebrating? Matteo asked.

Jennifer frowned. Actually, it’s not good. We are celebrating my divorce being final. The only good thing about it is that the dread is over. The waiting and wishing are over. It’s done and done. She couldn’t believe that she had said all that to a perfect stranger. She must have lost her mind.

Matteo said, I am sorry. I understand.

Jennifer looked him straight in the eyes and said, Only a person who’s been through an unwanted divorce can understand.

I do understand, said Matteo. His smile softened a bit as he held Jennifer’s gaze. Unfortunately, I understand all too well.

Jennifer quickly checked his ring finger. Nothing there.

It was as if he had seen her checking out his ring finger.

He said, Yes, I am divorced, and it was painful, very painful. So I do understand why you don’t feel like celebrating. I did not. At least, I have a wonderful 5-year-old son who lives with my parents in our little village. I don’t know what he will be when he grows up, but we are trying to teach him love and respect for the mountains along with love and respect for his family and friends. If he has that, he will be all right, wherever he goes and whatever he chooses to do.

Jennifer said, That’s a beautiful sentiment.

Matteo said, He is a sweet child inside and out. I’m sorry that his world became complicated by divorce.

A young man came through the front door.

Matteo said, Good. Here’s Josh. He will help you with the equipment. He will get you, eh, all squared away. Now I have one more lesson to give today. Please excuse me, Ms. Robertson. I will see you in the morning.

Jennifer watched him walk to the door. She was feeling lucky to have such an experienced ski instructor. He looked back and smiled. Until tomorrow, he said. She nodded. Experienced and intriguing. She wasn’t interested in getting involved with anyone. Not yet. But she wanted to get to know Matteo Soldati a little better. Just a little better. He was different and solid somehow.

Josh said, You will be in good hands with Matteo. He was practically born on skis in the Alps, and he is a gifted instructor. I wish he could be with us throughout the season. He adds unmistakable European class and charm to our instruction staff. And, he is a good friend.

Have you known him long? Jennifer asked.

This is his second time to be a guest instructor, Josh said. We became friends the first time. He invited me to visit him in Davos, but I have not found the time to go. It would be interesting to see him working there. But, when he is working there, I am tied up here since we have such a long season. He also invited me to visit him in the summer in his village in Italy. I wish I could swing it.

Jennifer said, Well, I guess we’d better get down to business. I need everything. All the gear, and I don’t have a clue, Jennifer said.

When Josh had her set with the rental gear, he asked, Would you like me to send these things over to the lodge for you?

Jennifer said, I have a rule about shopping. I never buy more than I can carry home myself.

Josh said, That sounds like a wise rule. We appreciate your business. Enjoy the weekend.

She paused at the door and said, I hope your friend Matteo is a miracle worker.

Josh said, You can count on it.

Chapter 2

Jennifer struggled to get her gear into the elevator and down the hall. How silly she had been to refuse help. Stubborn and stupid. She didn’t need to prove anything to the rental guy. She was turning her key in the lock when Brooke threw open the door.

Brooke hugged Jennifer and said, Hi, Jen. Did you hear the report? We’ve got six inches of powder. It’s going to be great.

Hi, Brooke. I just got back from the rental place. I hope I’ve got all the right gear. You know, I’m not really much into skiing," Jennifer said. She turned back to the hall and brought her gear into the room.

Brooke said, Great. Let’s see what you’ve got. She examined each item and pronounced everything OK.

Jennifer said, I don’t know what you had in mind about starting out in the morning, but I’ve signed up for a 7 o’clock lesson.

Yikes. It’s a little early for a relaxing weekend, but lessons are always good. Especially since you’re not that experienced, Brooke said. How did you get connected so quickly? she asked.

I ran into a ski instructor in the rental shop. We got to talking and, well, I signed up. He’s very experienced. I’m lucky to have run into him, Jennifer said.

You seem to know a lot about him, said Brooke.

He’s a guest instructor. He usually teaches in Davos, Switzerland, and sometimes St. Moritz. He grew up in the Italian Alps. His name is Matteo Soldati, and he is a very interesting person.

Brooke raised her eyebrows. Interesting? Interesting as in tall handsome Italian man sweeps divorced woman off her feet?

Jennifer said, Don’t be silly, Brooke. You know I’m not ready for anything like that. My divorce was just finalized. It’s way too soon to be thinking about getting involved. Way, way too soon.

Then how about a little light-hearted fling? Brooke asked.

Stop it, Brooke. If I didn’t know better, I would think you were serious, Jennifer said.

Brooke rolled her eyes and sighed. OK. We’ll stick to the wholesome stuff like hot chocolate by the fireplace, but now that your divorce is final you need to start thinking about getting back on the market.

Jennifer squirmed. You make it sound so sleazy. I might as well be a working girl in lace stockings standing on the corner, looking for the next trick. She raised her voice. I was married to Larry for 7 years. I can’t just turn that off. Most of the time I still feel married.

Jennifer began to cry. Brooke put her arms around her. She said, I’m so sorry, Jen. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I just want you to be happy again. Sometimes I get a little carried away. You know me.

Jennifer said, I know, Brooke. I guess it’s just going to take some time. I can’t just pretend those 7 years didn’t happen. There were good times. Years of good times. We loved each other. At least, I loved him.

Brooke said, I know. I know. You’ll gradually get over him.

Jennifer said, Get over him. You get over a bad boyfriend. You don’t get over a husband. At least, I don’t know how you do.

Brooke said, I’m sorry, Jen. Poor choice of words again. I’m batting a thousand bad here.

Jennifer said, I’m sorry, too.

Brooke said, I’m unpacked. How about we go in search of some dinner. OK?

Jennifer blew her nose. Sure. That’s a good idea. Just give me a minute.

Brooke asked, Do you want to just go to the lodge dining room or scout around a little?

Jennifer said, If you don’t mind, I’d like to keep it simple. Just go to the lodge.

The lodge it is, said Brooke.

Jennifer refreshed her makeup. OK. I’m ready. Let’s go.

They were seated at a table next to a window.

Jennifer looked around the lovely rugged dining room and then looked out the window. Lights twinkled across the snow. The mountain is beautiful. I hope I don’t break my neck on it, she said.

Brooke said, You’ll be fine. That instructor will get you into shape before you hit the slopes.

While they were waiting for their order, Jennifer said, I’m not sure I want to stay in San Diego. Mom’s there. Connie’s there. A ton of friends are there. But a lot of those friends were couples friends with us. Sometimes I think I should just make a clean break. Move away from all those memories of being a Navy brat marrying a Navy brat and assuming we would live happily ever after, bringing more Navy brats into the world.

Brooke said, That’s a tough call. I’m not sure what I would do. Of course, if you moved to San Francisco, it would be great. We could do a lot of things together.

Jennifer said, Yeah, we could. You know, I wanted a baby real bad. When we first got married we dreamed about seeing the world together and then settling down and raising a family. But, he just kept saying that we weren’t ready to settle down to parenthood. He just kept pushing it off. I wonder if he ever really intended for us to have a baby.

I didn’t know about that, Jen. I’m sorry. I didn’t know, Brooke said.

Well, it’s a good thing that we didn’t have any babies. I used to think it would be OK if Larry was a little reluctant to be a father. Navy brats always got used to their dads being away for long periods of time. That’s when I thought Larry still loved me. To tell the truth, Brooke, I don’t even know how I lost him. I don’t know why I didn’t measure up. I don’t know what I could have done differently.

Nothing, Brooke shot back. You’ve got to quit second guessing yourself. Nothing you could have done would have stopped him from leaving you. I wasn’t there, but I know you inside and out. You gave him and the marriage everything you had.

But it wasn’t enough, Jennifer said.

Damn it, Jen. Quit saying that. The man left you for his own stupid reasons. The problem was with him, not you. Remember that. You’ve got to remember that and stop yourself every time you start thinking about the ‘what ifs.’ You just can’t wallow in this. It will kill you, and it won’t change a damn thing.

Jennifer said, You’re right, Brooke. I’m sorry. I’m being an ass, spoiling our getaway weekend. Saved by the waiter. Here comes our dinner.

Brooke said, It looks great.

Jennifer asked, So what’s new with you, Brooke? Anybody special these days?

Brooke said, Not really. You know me. I run away as fast as I can as soon as they start getting serious. To be fair, on every first date I should wear a tee shirt with Can’t Commit on the back. I’m always looking to start something up that I know damn well I’ll never finish.

Jennifer said, We’re some pair. You can’t commit and I can’t forget that I did commit. She raised her glass and said, Here’s to change.

Brooke said, To change and change in a hurry.

When they finished dinner, Jennifer said, I’m really worn out, and I have to get up early, so I’m going back to the room and go to bed.

Brooke said, I’m going to take a seat by the fireplace for a while and soak up the atmosphere. I’ll be quiet when I come in.

Jennifer said, And, I’ll be really quiet in the morning when I go out for the lesson. It will be like old times in our dorm room. We might not see each other until lunch or dinner tomorrow.

A tall man walked past their table and gave Jennifer a brief nod.

Jennifer said, That’s him. That’s my ski instructor.

Brooke said, Jen, you held out on me! He’s a hunk. You didn’t tell me he could be a movie star. Rock star or whatever. He is something. Really something.

Sure. He’s handsome, and he’s very nice, Jennifer said. She smiled to herself as she got up to leave.

Enjoy the fire. See you tomorrow, Brooke, she said.

Chapter 3

Jennifer tried hard not to wake Brooke as she dressed for her ski lesson. She took care to apply her blush and eye shadow. She gave her long red hair a little extra brushing and pulled out the curling iron to lift her bangs.

She knotted a green scarf around her neck and tucked it inside her parka. She was perspiring as she tiptoed to the door to pick up her gear.

The fresh air felt good as she headed for the ski school.

Matteo smiled as she approached, hauling all her gear.

Good morning, he said. May I help you with something?

Hi, Jennifer replied. I think I’ve got it.

First, let’s sit here and get you into your ski boots, he said.

She sat down and he stood in front of her.

Jennifer pulled off her right hiking boot and reached for the ski boot.

Matteo asked, May I help you?

Of course, please do, she said.

Matteo knelt in front of her. He pulled her ski pants and leggings up to just below her knee and said, Now pull up your socks carefully. Wrinkles in your socks can make you very uncomfortable. Being uncomfortable can be dangerous. We don’t want you distracted by wrinkles in your socks.

Jennifer pulled the socks up and looked at him.

May I? he asked. Smiling, he looked into her eyes.

She nodded her approval.

With a sure touch, he slowly smoothed the sock across her calf, checking for wrinkles.

"Remember, you want only the sock in the boot. Now slip your foot into your ski