She laughed. “The whole trailer is small.”
“I figured we can do our eating outside. After all, we are camping.”
“Works for me.” Brynna stepped into the trailer to see that Jan had already transformed the small dining area into what appeared to be a fairly comfortable bed, complete with a couple of pillows and a fluffy plaid comforter, with Brynna’s duffel bag on top.
Soon, she was poking around the kitchen, seeing that it really was nicely stocked. Jan might not like to cook, but she was good at getting the right stuff. The fridge had milk, eggs, several cheeses, yogurt, deli meats, hamburger, veggies, fruits—and the cupboards had staples like pancake mix and syrup, oatmeal packets, cans of soup, containers of rice and beans, and lots of other things. There was even a small spice rack. They certainly wouldn’t starve. But what to cook for their first night out?
Seeing it was already close to six, Brynna decided on a meal that wouldn’t take too long to cook. Who didn’t like burgers on the grill? And instead of just making two burgers, she made several patties. Leftovers could make for a good lunch tomorrow. Then she threw together a pretty fruit salad. Next, she sliced tomatoes, onions, pickles, and lettuce, making a topping plate for the burgers. It wasn’t easy working in the tiny kitchen with limited counter space, but she knew she could get used to it in time.
With Jan’s help, they got the grill set up, and as the burgers started to sizzle, Brynna brought the rest of the meal and place settings outside to the table.
“This all looks just great.” Jan nodded in approval. “Plenty of food too.”
“I made extra so we could have leftovers for lunch tomorrow.”
“Good idea. This cooking arrangement is going to be perfect.”
“Thanks.” Brynna turned to check the grill and was just flipping the burgers when she heard a man’s voice calling out a greeting.
“It’s Motorcycle Mike,” Jan said.
Brynna turned around to see a large guy approaching. He hada full beard and an armload of firewood. “Thought I should bring some more wood for tonight’s fire.”
As he set the wood down, Jan introduced them. Although he seemed friendly enough, Brynna wasn’t sure. Her first night of “real” camping put her on high alert, and Motorcycle Mike’s multiple tattoos, man bun, and single gold earring weren’t helping.
“Man, something smells good.” He leaned over Brynna’s shoulder to peek at the smoking grill.
“Just burgers,” Brynna said quietly.
“Well, you ladies know how to camp.” He walked around the small site then went over to where Jan was seated in a camp chair. “Nice little setup you got here.”
“We’ve got plenty of food.” Jan glanced over at Brynna. “Maybe we should invite Motorcycle Mike to join us.”
Brynna tried to hide her doubts. After all, this was Jan’s trailer and Jan’s food. Who was Brynna to object? “Sure, why not?” She forced a smile, glancing at the hatchet still by the woodpile. Hopefully Jan wouldn’t need it for self-defense.
“Brynna’s in charge of cooking,” Jan told Mike as he sat down in the other chair. “I’m on cleanup crew.”
“Nice arrangement. Wish I had a cook to travel with me.”
“On your motorcycle?” Brynna asked him.
“It’s big enough for two.” He winked. “Especially if the rider’s not too big.”
“How do you pack camping gear?” Jan asked.
“I have some compartments and saddlebags. Just have to make sure to roll my tent and sleeping bag up tight then pack it all just right.”
As Brynna set the plate of burgers and an extra place setting on the table, Mike grinned at her. “Looks good enough to eat, Half Pint.”
Brynna grimaced but said nothing.
“Brynna doesn’t like being teased for her small stature,” Jan told him in a no-nonsense voice—as if her inner vice principal had just been reawakened.
“Oh, my bad.” Mike apologetically tipped his head to Brynna. “Please, forgive me. You see, when I was a kid, I used to watchLittle House on the Prairiewith my single mom. She loved that show. To be honest, I did too. I used to imagine that Michael Landon was my dad.” He shrugged shyly. “And I liked how he called Laura Half Pint.”
Brynna felt herself warming to Mike as they all sat down. He suddenly reminded her of a big, sweet teddy bear. “I used to watch reruns of that show after school. I guess Half Pint’s not such a bad nickname.”
He brightened. “It’s actually a compliment. I had a major crush on Laura Ingalls aka Melissa Gilbert.”
