15
MAGS
Ever since Red came out of Rod’s camper, it’s like he’s theoldRed–before life and loss got him down. He seems lighter, looser, and a hell of a lot more carefree… and I for one amnotcomplaining.
Now, it’s Sunday night and we’re on the road heading to the local bar for the rodeo after party.
I thought I’d be more tired than I am, but I've discovered there's a lot to be said about working on your feet all day. It's given me a hell of a lot of stamina for an almost fifty-year-old woman. I feel like I could run circles around these young buckle bunnies if I wanted to.
While Red drives, I pull out my phone and message Charlie to see how things are going back home.
Mags: How’s my Charlie Bear doing?
Charlie: Hey Mom. How’s the road?
Mags: It’s good. We’re heading to the after party since it’s our last night in Ninilchik.
Charlie: Oldies hitting the town, huh? Those young ‘uns better watch out ha ha
Mags: Watch your mouth! Who are you calling old?
Charlie: OK. The mature members of our extended family then. Is that better?
I snicker and shake my head, earning a curious side glance from the driver’s seat.
“Somethin’ funny?” Red asks.
“Char just called us old.”
He snorts. “Well, sorry to say, she’s not wrong.”
“True, but it doesn’t mean my daughter has toremindme of the fact.”
“Kids are good like that. I feel older than ever just havin’ mine leave the nest,” he adds.
I reach over and squeeze his forearm, flexing my fingers and fighting against the urge to pull away when sparks tingle up my arm and my pulse spikes. "You don't feel old to me."
“Good to know,” he mutters with a smirk, looking entirely unaffected.Maybe I just have a static electricity problem?
The longer I watch him, the more his grin grows. Thankfully I’m saved by another text message coming through.
Charlie: How’s the vacation rental?
Mags: The cabin is as cute as a button. You’d love it. Maybe not the color, though. The owner has a penchant for pink…
Charlie: So, it’s like a mini Barbie dreamhouse?
Mags: I’d say that was definitely her inspiration. It’s… colorful. That’s all I’ll say.
Charlie: Has Red come out in hives yet?
Mags: Surprisingly no.
Charlie: It’s a miracle! Is it romantic?
I stare at the message, wondering if I’ve read it wrong.
Mags: What? Why would you say that?
