Love Checks In by Grace J. Croy

Author:Grace J. Croy [Croy, Grace J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-05-22T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

PENNY

We stop back by Harrison Outfitters to pick up Mav’s bag of clothes. Then on to Big Bear to drop them off and grab my fanny pack filled with water, snacks, and an emergency kit.

Mav asks a few times why I’m hiding behind trees, but I don’t explain about James. I’d rather not open that topic of conversation. All that matters is we make it away without a sighting.

The trailhead to the waterfall is part of my property. I own a lot more land than just where the cabins sit. Grandpa was a forward thinker when he bought the place. He always meant to expand, but never had the time or the means.

The trail is wide enough for us to walk abreast, and I slow my stride to match Mav’s. Once we’re in the tree line, the sound of the occasional passing car and town life quiets.

Most of the snow has melted around town, but here, there are still patches because of the tree cover. The dirt path is soft and slick in places from the added moisture.

My phone rings. It’s my mom.

“Hey, Mom. When are you and Pick arriving?”

“Bad news. We blew a tire and our spare is flat.”

I pause on the path. “Are you both okay?”

“We’re fine. There’s a wait at the tire place, so I’m calling to let you know we won’t make it to Keller tonight. You know Pick doesn’t like driving over the pass in the dark.”

I’m disappointed. This week is the only time I see them all year long.

“You’ll get here tomorrow for sure?”

“Definitely,” she says. “We’ll drive as far as we can tonight and be over the pass as soon as the sun rises.”

“Okay.” I try to keep the sadness out of my voice. This isn’t their fault. Just unlucky. “Sorry you’ll miss the party tonight.”

“Me, too, but at least we’ll be there for the games tomorrow. I’m not sure who to cheer on with you and Hunter not competing this year.”

I snort. “Hunter showed up unexpectedly for the weekend. He’ll probably compete, though I’m not sure who his partner will be. Not me.”

Mom laughs over the line. She’s always liked Hunter which is probably why I dated him for as long as I did. The two of them will be thick as thieves all day tomorrow. She has no pity for my situation.

“Well, this I’ve got to see,” she says. “How’s the weather? My app says it snowed this morning?”

“Just a little. It’s almost all melted, and it’s supposed to be sunny and in the sixties tomorrow.”

“I hope so. It’s just like Keller Hollow to betray me by snowing the week I’m visiting.”

“Keller does not hate you.”

“I’ll decide that tomorrow when I see the weather. Love you.”

“Love you.”

I stuff my phone in my pocket and start back up the trail.

“Who was that?” Mav asks.

“My mom. She and my step-dad Pick are arriving tomorrow morning.” I chuckle.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing really. My mom hates the cold, kind of like you, and refuses to come and visit Keller during winter.

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