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* * *
After, I pop by the cabin, change into something more casual, and head to Caitlyn’s where I’ll meet up with the girls. With one foot in the dirt and one on the bottom step, I hear a rustling of leaves and the snap of a branch. I hold my breath and freeze, keys dangling in my hands, and peer into the surrounding woods. The sun is behind the trees casting shadows, making it difficult to see past the tree line. I’d be a fool to think large animals aren’t living in these woods. Knowing this and actually encountering them are two different things.
My father used to have a wildlife camera attached to one of the trees at the beginning of the driveway. My brother and I would ask relentlessly for him to take out the SIM card and show us if any animals had been spotted. We’d be wide-eyed upon seeing a photo of a massive black bear sauntering past in the early-morning hours or a mama bear and her cubs strolling through the forest. I recall being intrigued but terrified.
I’m not naive to the fact that creatures roam around while we’re away or sleeping, but it spooks me out. My parents did an excellent job of keeping our fears in check and reminding us never to leave food or trash outside. Back then, when we walked down our street to the lake, we’d always have a bear bell on one of our bags and we’d make as much noise as we could to inform the bears of our presence. Black bears can be dangerous but will usually retreat at the sound of humans. Most of the time, a bear moves on without a human ever realizing they were there.
I stay frozen and hear another stick break off in the distance. My truck is ten yards away; I calculate how fast I can run to the door. I remind myself there is nothing to be afraid of—just make my presence known and go!
“Hey, bear! I hear you! I’m coming down from these stairs and heading to my truck,” I yell into the woods. “Did you hear me? You should stay where you are because I’m pretty dangerous. We can be friends as long as you stay put and I get to my truck. OK?”
My fists clench by my sides, my shoulders hike near my ears, and I figure it’s now or never. “I’m running to my truck. I hope we understand each other.” Here goes nothing.
I clap wildly and hit the ground running. “I’m going. Almost there. Don’t you move!” I yank the handle, jump into the front seat, and slam the door, almost smashing my foot in the process. Crossing my arms over the steering wheel, I peer out into the woods and slow my breathing.
A slight movement catches my eye, and I concentrate on the tree to my left. I sit in complete silence as a white-tailed doe and two fawns scamper across the path and into the adjacent woods.
Bambi! And his family!
My relieved laugh dissolves when I think about the reality of this situation—I’ll bet Green Breeze wouldn’t give a shit about killing Bambi a second time.
* * *
As I pull into Caitlyn’s, it doesn’t appear crowded. The front light mounted near the entrance is on and the open sign hangs on the windowless door. The glow of table lamps illuminates each window and strings of twinkly lights hang from the patio umbrellas. I open the creaky wooden door and am transported into a traditional Irish pub.
The owners have outdone themselves. Black-and-white vintage photos of various Irish landmarks hang on the dark brown walls; old street signs and Guinness pint glasses decorate a long rail mounted around the pub’s perimeter. A well-stocked mahogany bar sits along the back wall with six or seven high-tops in the center of the room, each with a dim light, and several booths along the wall are crowded with customers sitting on dark green cushions. Caitlyn’s exudes warmth and coziness.
Madison beckons me from one of the center high-top tables.
“Hey! How are you girls? I’m so excited we decided to do this,” I say, choosing the stool to my right.
“Oh my gosh, me too! I was so thrilled to meet both of you the other day. Having fun peeps will make this job fun. Don’t you think? I mean, kids are great, but working with friends is what gets you through the day.” Brooke finally stops to take in air and smiles, looking from Madison to me and back. Maybe it’s our expression or lack of response, but either way, she continues, “I know, I know what you’re thinking. I’m a lot. I’m sorry, I’ve always been this way. I get even chattier when I’m nervous.”
Madison stifles her laugh and says, “Brooke, you’re good. Just remember to breathe. I don’t want you to pass out and fall off your stool.”
Brooke’s nose crinkles and she covers her mouth to contain her giggle.
“I’m just happy you guys invited me. Having a few friends around here is awesome. I love this town, but everyone is so spread out. It makes it difficult to meet people. Where’s Shannon?”
Madison speaks up. “She canceled last minute. Not something she usually does, but given the circumstances, I’ll let it slide.”
“You don’t think it’s because I’m here, do you?” I ask Madison.
“No! Definitely not. Why would you ever think that?”
Open mouth, insert foot. I need to think before I speak.
“Oh, I met her brother the other day, and I thought maybe she was uneasy or something.”
“No way! You’re dating Shannon’s brother? That’s amazing. You’ve been here for such a short time and you’ve already got yourself a man. Impressive.”
“Brooke, slow down.” I shake my head and smile. “I’m not dating Jackson. I mean, I would, but things are complicated.”
“Whatever you say, Solia. But if you ever need a wingwoman, I’m your girl.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks.”
The waitress comes over with menus and takes our drink order. I scan the selection and we decide on several appetizers.
