“Let me cook for you.”
She was almost afraid to respond but finally said, “I’d like that. I will.”
“That’s settled then,” he said. “You pick the date. I’ll make it work.”
“Giving me a lot of power, aren’t you?”
“I’ve got more vacation and personal time saved up than some guys have on the job. It’ll be fine.”
“Great. I’ll let you know, then.”
He looked at his watch. “Wow, this day is zooming by. If we don’t get these guns put up pretty quickly, there won’t be time to fish. I’m not ready for it to end, though.” He got up and started putting the guns back in their cases. “Want to check those to be sure they’re unloaded for me?”
“I can do that. I learned from the best.” She began checking them just like he’d taught her. “All clear,” she announced after double-checking the last one.
He rechecked each one again before putting them away.
“Don’t trust me?” She was only teasing, though, and she’d never been good at keeping a straight face.
“Always, always, always double-check.” He realized she was kidding and lightened up. “Seriously. You can’t be too careful.”
“I understand.” She watched him diligently go through the process.
“Which gun were you the most comfortable with?”
“I think the twenty-two rifle,” Natalie said after careful consideration. “I like that it’s not too loud, and there wasn’t much recoil.”
“A good fit. That’s what I thought you’d like best.” He put it aside. “I’m going to leave this one here for you to practice with until we can take you to buy one of your own.”
“No, you don’t have to do that. I can go buy one—”
“I haven’t used that thing since I was a kid. Get a feel for it. I’d recommend giving yourself some time with it, and then we can try others again when you’ve got more experience. Then, when you’re ready, you can buy one.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
“What if I leave town and you don’t get it back?” she said.
“I know you better than that.”
She smiled. “Yes. You do. Thank you, Randy.”
He handed her the rifle case with the .22 in it. “Ready for that fishing excursion?” He zipped the duffel bag.
Her mood lifted. “Yeah, great. I can try out the new gear I bought.”
He picked up the bag and the other gun cases. “I’m going to put this stuff back in the truck. I’ll get my fishing pole and meet you back at the cabin.”
“Sounds good. I’ll make some lemonade to drink before wego.” She walked back to the cabin, proud of her accomplishments today and feeling better about her ability to take care of herself. She put the gun in the corner next to the door.
I actually shot a gun.
It was empowering, and she liked that feeling.
She boiled a pot of water to dissolve sugar and started cutting and juicing lemons. Since she’d already used the only pitcher in the place for the beautiful flowers Randy had given her, she made the lemonade in a big mixing bowl. She filled glasses with some ice and then scooped lemonade into them with a measuring cup, resisting the urge to hang a slice of lemon over the edge. Probably a wasted effort on a guy.
“Knock, knock,” Randy called from the door.
