Abandoning the boards for a moment, I try on several pairs of boots before I find a pair that fits comfortably, and then we revisit several boards I’m interested in. Upon further investigation, I notice that some of the boards have a slightly deeper curve to them, and that some curve up while others curve down or are flat. When I inquire about this, Greyston explains the different riding styles and how board length plays into that, too. He then tells me that I would be fine to look at any board suited to an All-Mountain style, and that it’s what I borrowed from Gemma. Then he starts to explain the different board curves—or rockers, as they’re apparently called.
“The ones that curve upward are cambered boards,” he tells me, pulling a board out and showing me the upward bow. “It’s the most traditional style of board, and is most popular because it will offer the most energy and pop. It has a smooth arch underfoot and touches near the tip and tail when unweighted. When the rider’s weight is added, it will provide a long, evenly pressured running surface and edge.”
He moves onto the next board. “This is a rocker board. These boards float well in powder and pivot more easily underfoot. They also tend to be less hooky at both the tip and tail, which makes them better for landing spin maneuvers when you can’t get enough rotation.”
My laugh travels through the store, drawing a few unexpected stares. “Well, I don’t anticipate attempting any spin maneuvers, so we’re probably safe to move on.”
Grinning, Greyston grabs a flat board. “The flat board is pretty self-explanatory, being flat from tip to tail. This shape splits the difference between camber and rocker styles.” I’m a little confused, but Greyston quickly clarifies. “Its turnability is more forgiving than a fully cambered board, and has more precise edging capabilities than a fully rockered one.”
“Soooo…” I draw the word out longer than normal and laugh.
“You’ll probably want to consider either a cambered board or a flat one,” he gently suggests. “The cambered ones are the favored style.”
I take everything Greyston has taught me into consideration before choosing the cambered style board. In the next hour or so, we go through the store so Greyston can help me locate the rest of the gear that I’ll need, and then head to the checkout. I nearly choke on my tongue when the cashier tells Greyston the price. He hands her his credit card without hesitation, and she smiles at me as though who loves me so much. I balk at the thought, then begin to wonder if that might be true.
Sensing my shock, Greyston looks toward me. “No rush, sweetheart,” he says, repeating his earlier words. “Take your time paying it back.”
Outside, Greyston folds down the backseat of the rental to accommodate my new snowboard, and we head back to the cabin. My sticker-shock doesn’t take long to fade as my excitement to try out my new gear takes its place.
“So, we’re going back to the resort tomorrow, right?” I inquire hopefully.
Greyston doesn’t take his eyes off the icy roads—and that’s fine by me; I don’t wish to be in an accident. “So long as you’re feeling up to it. I don’t want you to overdo it.”
“I feel fine,” I promise him.
He smiles. “Then I don’t see why not.”
When we return to the cabin, Greyston takes my board inside and stores it with his while I carry the rest of my gear. When our purchases are put away, we get a start on dinner, working together like a cohesive unit until our stew is put together and simmering in the pot.
Greyston’s phone vibrates on the counter as a text comes in. One glance and I can see it’s Gemma. Greyston looks before returning to our dinner prep instead of responding.
“Greyston, you can message her back. It’s okay, really.”
He just shakes his head. “It can wait.” He grabs two wine glasses and fills them with a cab sav we tried the other night and enjoyed. “I want to spend tonight with just you. I’ll get back to her in the morning.”
“The fact that she’s called a few times today suggests it could be urgent,” I try to tell him, showing him how understanding I can be. His eyes meet mine, and I smile. “I get that you’re trying to be the perfect boyfriend and not let anything interfere with our winter getaway, but you can take a phone call or two.” I snatch his phone off the counter and hold it out to him. “In fact, I’m going to call Mom and Dad while dinner cooks, so why don’t you take the opportunity to call Gemma back.”
I take the phone and head to the living room to call my parents. There’s no answer on the house phone, so I try my mom’s cell after leaving a message, but it goes straight to voicemail, as does my dad’s. I decide to call again in the morning, knowing full well they’re probably…too busy to pick up, and I definitely don’t want them to think this is an emergent situation.