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“Have you and Sylvia decided where you’re going to position yourselves to cheer us on?”
Apparently, Philip didn’t want to talk about his nerves: this Carla understood and could sympathize. “At the finish line. Sylvia isn’t in any condition to go running from lake to lake with the rest of the team. So we’ve decided to plant ourselves there and wait for our dedicated heroes to bring in the trophy.”
“You may have a long wait,” Philip said wryly and grimaced again.
Carla decided not to comment this time, but she was concerned. “Five lakes, Philip. Are you guys honestly going to canoe across five lakes?”
“We’re going to paddle like crazy across each one, then lift the boat over our heads and run like madmen to the checkpoint. From there the next two-man team will take the canoe and the whole process will start again.”
“Which lakes?” Carla had heard them mentioned only fleetingly.
“Park, Blue, Alkali, Lenore, and Soap.”
“I think you’re all a little nuts.”
“We must be,” Philip agreed soberly. “But to be honest, I’d swim, hike, canoe, and run a lot farther than a few miles for an excuse to have you with me.” He raised her fingers to his lips and kissed the back of her hand.
He studied her in the moonlight, and, feeling wretched, Carla lowered her eyes. “I don’t know how you can love me,” she murmured.
“Patience has its own rewards.”
“I do love you.” But a declaration of love, she knew, was only a small part of what he wanted from her.
“I know.” He stood and offered her his arm. “I think we should both turn in. Tomorrow’s going to be a full day.” His voice was bland, almost impersonal, but his tone was at odds with the look in his eyes. Carla would have sworn he was hiding something from her, and it was a whole lot more than nerves.
Philip’s kiss outside her tent was brief, as if he was more preoccupied with the race than he was with having her near. It could be nerves, but they’d seen each other only twice since Mexico and she’d thought he’d do a whole lot more than peck her cheek when it came time to say good night. A hand on her hip, Carla tipped her head to one side and flashed him a confused glance as he turned toward the tent he was sharing with another officer. Carla didn’t know what was troubling Philip, but she’d bet hard cash it had nothing to do with her or the race. But whatever it was, he wasn’t going to tell her. That hurt; it seemed to prove that Philip didn’t feel he could discuss his problems with her. He wanted her to share his life, but there was a part of himself he would always hold back. The same way her father had from her mother.
—
Carla didn’t know there were this many people in all eastern Washington. The start of the race was jam-packed with participants, friends, casual observers, and cheering fans. Some of the contestants wore identifying uniforms that would distinguish themselves as being looney enough to participate in such a laughable race.
Everyone had been laughing and joking before the race, but when the gun went off, the competition began in earnest; each team was determined to win.
Jumping up and down with the others and clapping as hard as she could, Carla was caught up in the swirl of craziness that seemed to have engulfed the entire city of Soap Lake.
Three hours later, when Philip and Jeff crossed the finish line, placing a respectable fifth, Carla and Sylvia had cheered and laughed themselves weak.
Dramatically throwing themselves down on the grass, both men lay staring at the cloudless blue sky, panting.
Jeff spoke first. “Next year,” he managed breathlessly, “we’ll go after the trophy.”
—
Sitting around the picnic table at the campgrounds later that afternoon, Philip positioned himself by Carla’s side and casually draped his arm over her shoulder. “Do you think we should compete again next year?”
Carla lowered her hot dog to the plate. “It’d be a shame not to. You were only twenty minutes off the best time, and with a little practice you’re bound to improve. Don’t you agree?”
“On one condition. That you promise to be on my cheering squad again next year.” His eyes searched hers, seeming to need reassurance.
Confidently, Carla placed her hand on his. “You got it.” The sun beamed off the gold band of her watch, and Carla noticed the time and groaned.
“What’s the matter?”
“I’ve got to leave.”
“Now?”
Sadly, she shook her head. “Soon. In order to have Friday afternoon free, I traded days with another girl who’s on call tomorrow.”
