“Oh, uh, yes,” I manage as she gives me a squeeze before releasing me.
“Mom,” Gavin starts, “some people aren’t huggers.”
“No, it’s okay,” I counter. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Driscoll.” I look over her shoulder at the older handsome gentleman. “And Mr. Driscoll, I assume.”
“I hope so. I’m wearing his boxers.”
I laugh as Gavin groans, shaking his head.
“Come, dear,” Mrs. Driscoll says, looping my arm with hers. “And please, call me Eliza. Let’s all get some coffee. May I assume whatever’s in that container Gavin is holding is for us to share?”
“That’s entirely up to you. They’re lemon bars for you.” I turn my head and wink at Gavin.
“Oh, what a treat! When Gavin brought those home the first time, it took a lot of restraint not to go hog wild.” She laughs.
“I’m so glad you enjoyed.”
“Oh, I did. By the way, that comedian behind me is Henry, who’ll be making our coffee.”
“Yes, I will,” says her husband, who then steps in front of us to open the door. Eliza escorts me inside and through a living room of which is decked out in Christmas decor. I don’t havetime to appreciate it all as I’m led to the kitchen. But I’m treated to decorations here.
“Your home is beautiful. And look at this roomy kitchen! I’d spend every moment in here.”
“Thank you, dear. The kitchen is the hub of a family, right? Gavin says you two are going for a hike. Do you need another coat? Our weather can turn quickly this time of year.”
“Oh, I’ve learned even in the city it can turn in a moment. And thank you, I do have another layer in my pack.” I take my bag off my shoulder and set it against the wall, out of the way.
“I’ve packed up food, water, and coffee in a thermos for each of us,” Gavin says as he pulls a mug out of the cupboard, waving it at me. “But you can never have enough coffee, right? We’ll drive a bit north to the trailhead. It’s about a four-mile trek, easy enough to do with nice views.”
“Taking her to the lookout?” Gavin’s father asks.
“Planned to.” Gavin turns to me, offering me the mug of coffee. “We have milk, cream, sugar, sugar substitute, vanilla syrup, caramel... that about cover it, Mom?”
“There’s coconut and hazelnut syrups as well.” Eliza turns to me and grins. “I love doctoring up coffee. I even have coffee ice cubes if you want iced coffee.”
I chuckle as Henry says, “She only likes a little coffee with her additives.” He winks at his wife and it’s endearing. Especially when she giggles.
The four of us spend about half an hour chatting as we drink coffee and eat lemon bars.
“Tiana, these are by far the best lemon bars I have ever eaten!” Eliza proclaims. “Much more lemony.”
"Thank you.” I chuckle. “I grated the lemons so there’s plenty offlavedo.” When I’m met with curious stares, I say, “The peel; lemon zest.”
A chorus ofahssound off as I start to gather dishes. But Eliza interrupts me.
“You two go, enjoy, I’ve got this. And when you return, I’ll have dinner ready and will show off the decorations. Henry and I are going to start on the cabins.”
“Don’t go climbing any ladders before I can help,” Gavin says.
“I think your old man is capable of negotiating a ladder, thank you very much.”
“Dad.”
“Don’t worry,” Eliza says. “I’ll keep him grounded. There’s plenty to do, so we’ll save the ladder work for tomorrow. You two be safe and have fun.”
“Thank you, Eliza. A pleasure meeting you. And you too, Henry.”
“You’re welcome, dear,” Eliza says as Henry nods and smiles. “Now, Gavin, you have your emergency pack? And you checked the forecast?”
