It was also hard work, but fun. Heidi made us all laugh with stories of hiking through New Zealand. Todd passed around photos of his new baby. We spent a fun afternoon getting to know each other better.
I’m not sure why, out of the hundred women at the retreat, Simon chose to ask me and Heidi go with him, but I’m glad he did. It was a fun day.
But today, I get to shop, even if it is just for T-shirts with moose on them. The locals are friendly, asking me where I’m from, and then telling me stories of their own about Louisiana, whether they’ve been there or not.
Finally, I find a cute café for lunch and take a seat at the counter, next to an older man with thinning gray hair and a kind smile.
“You’re not from around here,” he says.
“How did you know?”
“Well, I know everyone here,” he says. “And I surely don’t know you.”
“You’re right. I’m Charly, visiting from New Orleans.”
“Never been,” he replies. “I just stick around here. I figure, there’s not much out there prettier than this.”
“You know, I think you may be right again. I’ve been all over, and this is at the top of my list for beautiful views.”
“I’m Charlie, too,” he says with a wink and holds his hand out to shake mine. “I recommend the steak sandwich.”
“Sounds great.” I place my order with the waitress and enjoy an hour of conversation with Charlie while we eat our lunch. “Were you born here, Charlie?”
“No, ma’am,” he says. “I grew up in Los Angeles.”
This surprises me.
“Moved here in the 60’s. Found my Mary here, and raised our kids. Worked for the railroad until I retired about ten years ago.”
“That sounds like a beautiful life.”
He smiles softly and nods. “It sure has been.”
I reach for my check, but Charlie plucks it up before I can.
“Thanks for having lunch with an old man today, Miss Charly. I’d like to buy your lunch.”
“I didn’t have lunch with an old man. I had lunch with a handsome new friend. Thank you.” I reach for my handbag and shopping bags. “How far is the lodge from here?”
“Oh, I’d say it’s quite a ways. I can give you a ride if you like.”
“No, that’s fine. I can use the exercise.” Especially after the hiking fiasco yesterday. “Just point me in the right direction.”
I’m pleased to hear it’s not difficult to find and set off on the walk back to the lodge. Dark clouds have rolled in. I hope it doesn’t start to rain before I get back.
But, of course, it does. And not just a sprinkle, but a hard, soaking rain complete with thunder and lightning.
Fantastic.
I hold my bags against my chest and jog for what seems forever. I can’t see far ahead of me because of the wall of water coming down around me, but I know it’s a straight shot, so I don’t have to look for a street sign.
Not that there are many of those out here, since we’re in the boonies and all.
Shit.
By the time the lodge comes into view, my lungs are on fire and my legs are exhausted and I’m soaked to the bone, shivering from the sudden cold.
Turns out, the weather in Montana can be a bitch.
I push through the double doors and into the hotel and stand dripping. I take stock, realizing with disgust that my silk top is ruined, as are my new Tieks flats.
I trudge toward the elevator with thoughts of a long, hot shower and a hot cup of tea when I suddenly hear, “What in the hell happened to you?”
My eyes close on a cringe, and I turn to find Simon staring at me in horror.
“Got caught in the storm.”
“You’re soaked through,” he says, indignation dripping along with the accent off his tongue, and my back immediately comes up. “How long were you out there?”
“I don’t know,” I counter. “How long does it take to run here from town?”
“From town?” He’s incredulous now. “You went to town alone?”
“Of course I did.” I feel ridiculous. I’m standing here, dripping all over the hardwood floors, arguing with the sexiest man I’ve ever laid eyes on. I glance down and see that my black bra is showing through the ruined silk.
Perfect.
“I’m a grown up, Simon. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need a hot shower and a change of clothes.” I turn on my heel and march to the elevator, relieved when I don’t have to wait for it to arrive. I make it to my room before I start to shiver and feel tears threaten.
“Good God, Charlotte,” I say in exasperation. “This is not worth crying over.”
I have visions of that hot shower and tea, so I order room service and make my way to the bathroom for that shower when my phone rings.
“Hi, Van.”
“Hey, mountain girl,” she says with a laugh. Savannah’s laugh was gone for so long that I don’t mind hearing it in reference to me. “I have some news.”
“Okay.”
“Kate’s preggers.”
“Holy shit! That’s great!”
“Well, it is, but she’s at the doctor because she started to bleed. It’s super early still, so this could be normal, or it could be bad.”
“Do you need me to come home? I can pack up now.”
“No. There’s nothing you can do here. I’m sure she’ll be just fine.”
“But I really don’t mind—”
“No way. I’ll keep you posted.”