I nod, my thoughts still scattered all over the inside of the truck. Something that isn’t helped by Aster’s email when I finally read it.
Mags,
I know you’ve been waiting with bated breath for my new book but this time, I’m sending you and ONLY you a copy of my work in progress instead–I mean, who would want to read about their daughter and future son-in-law falling in love.I hope you eventually understand why I’m doing this.
Hopefully soon we’ll both know how this story ends.
Much Love
Aster H.
I read the email again… and again… trying–and failing–to understand what Aster means.
If I’m reading her email correctly, she’s saying she can’t finish the book because of me. But why? What do I have to do with it? I’m not hearing the Call…
Then it hits me, and I slowly lift my eyes to Red's curious ones. "What’s wrong? Is the book not there after all?”
All of a sudden, I know exactly why I’ve been feeling so strange and looking at Red in a whole new light. I’m not losing my mind and seeing things that aren’t there. It’s not because I’ve been alone for too long–even though I have.
No, it’s because the mountain spirit has made her decision about who’s next to hear the Call.
Except now I have a new problem. What ifhedoesn’t know? How on earth am I supposed to tell my best friend that things between us have changed?
18
MAGS
“Where are we headin’ to, anyway? You never did tell me where your meetin’s were?”
Red tilts his head and frowns. “Didn’t I?”
“Nope.” I eye him curiously. He sure is acting strange today.
“Well–” Red’s phone lights up in its dashboard cradle with Wyatt’s name flashing on the screen.
Red grins and quickly moves to connect the call and put it on speaker.
“Hey, kid. Mags is here too.”
“Hey, Dad,” he says, loud static filling the inside of the truck. “Hey, Mags.”
“Hi Wy, good to hear your voice,” I reply.
“I just thought I’d call y’all before we leave port.”
Red’s brows furrow. “You leavin’ soon?”
“Yeah, in a few hours. We’re tryin’ to get ahead of a bad weather front that’s comin’ in. Thought I’d make sure you knew about it too.”
Red’s jaw tightens with worry. “Appreciate the heads up, kid. You sure the Captain thinks it’ll be safe for y’all out there?”
Wyatt sighs and knowing him as well as I do, I can tell he’s both exasperated and grateful at his Dad’s concern. “Yeah, Dad. I’m a big boy now, you know?”
“Never goin’ to stop worryin’, Wy. It’s my job.”
“I know. But I don’twantyou to spend the rest of your trip worryin' about me. Cap's a good man, the crew is great too. They've talked me through everythin’ and showed me the ropes–well, as much as they can on land. Now I’m just itchin’ to get out there and get started. Cap told me to thank you for raisin' such a hard worker."
A proud smile tugs at Red’s mouth. “Tell him he's welcome as long as he brings you back in one piece. Deal?"
