“I like it. Not just the place, but you being here. Thank you for coming. For helping me and for this day.”
“Anytime.”
She scanned the area. “Do you think I’ll be safe up here?”
“I do. I don’t know this area, but I did a little digging. Occupational hazard, I guess. There’s no crime to speak of out this way. If you pay attention to your surroundings and keep your phone on you at all times, you’ll be fine. A gun isn’t a bad idea. I’m often cautious about advising people to have one, especially if they aren’t confident in how to use one. Still, if you stay in practice, it’s a good thing. If you’re going to toss it in a drawer and never load it, clean it, or practice, you’re better off with a whistle. Okay,maybe notjusta whistle, but a good softball bat. You don’t want to end up hurting yourself.” He handed her the fishing poles.
“I get it. Good advice. If I decide to get a gun, I’ll stay up on my skills. Thank you for letting me borrow the twenty-two. That’s really generous of you.”
“We could put up a couple target boards in the clearing for you to practice. I could help you with that.”
She set the end of her fishing pole down on the ground. “You’d really drive up to help me, wouldn’t you?”
“Absolutely.” Then he folded his arms. “Of course, it’s gonna cost you.”
“Uh-oh.”
“Mmhmm. Copious amounts of that fresh lemonade, hours of fresh mountain air, and fishing.”
“I might even cook for you.”
“If you’re lucky, I’ll bring PBJs.”
“I’m happy we met. The circumstances sucked, but we may have never met otherwise.”
He placed his hand on her shoulder. “I feel the very same way.”
Her heart raced. Was he going to kiss her goodnight? But he didn’t, and part of her wished he had rushed right in before she could think about it. “Well, at least come up to the house and get cleaned up before you go. You’ve been smooshing worms with those hands.” She splayed her filthy fingers in the air like she was giving up.
“That would be good.” He left his things at the bridge and followed her up to the cabin.
She went to the bathroom, while he washed up at the kitchen sink.
He was standing at the fireplace mantel when she came out.He turned, looking a little caught. “Um, I guess this is a picture of you and your husband.”
“It is.” She walked over and stood next to Randy. “I found that picture in the bedside drawer when I got here.”
“That must’ve been a nice surprise.” His eyes met hers in a thoughtful way. “You seem really happy here. At peace.”
“I am,” she said. “I’d been sort of protecting myself. Not allowing myself to think about my husband much because I thought it would hurt too much, but now. Now it’s different. I’m glad I found that picture.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Me too.” She didn’t want to dwell on it. “I think it’s cooler outside.” She headed for the door and he followed.
They walked to the bridge together.
“I’m going to go buy an air-conditioning unit this evening. Who knew the mountains could get this warm this time of year?”
“Wish you’d told me. I have an extra one in storage. My AC at the house went out last year, and it was going to take a couple of weeks to get it replaced. I bought it to get through. I could bring it to you.”
She paused but then shook her head. “No. I’ll just go buy one. It would cost you just as much in gas to go get it and bring it to me as for me to buy one. There’s actually one of those fancy mini-splits in the shed, I just haven’t had time to figure out who can install that and what all it’s going to entail.”
He followed alongside, and their hands grazed as they walked.
“Hey?” came from across the bridge, startling a yelp out of Natalie. Randy instinctively took her by the arm and pulled her behind him.
“Do you know him?” Randy asked.
