“No thanks.” Brynna firmly shook her head.
“How long have you been divorced now?” Jan asked.
“It’s been a few years.”
Jan studied her more closely. “I used to worry about being alone. But over the years, I’ve gotten used to it.”
Brynna knew Jan was single but not much more than that. “I’m getting used to being alone too. Although I considered getting a cat until I found out my condo’s homeowner’s association forbids pets. So maybe I’ll take up gardening.”
“Gardening?” Jan frowned at the broken plant in Brynna’s hands. “Is that a sample of your green thumb?”
“Well, this one took a little tumble.”
“How do you garden in a condo?”
“I have a little terrace. I thought I’d use planters. Get lots of pretty-colored flowers. Maybe some veggies. Put a little bistro table and chair out there. String some lights.”
“That sounds nice.” Jan didn’t look convinced.
“What about you? Any summer plans?”
“As a matter of fact, I’ve got a little plan.” Jan’s lips curled into what seemed a genuine smile, one somewhat out of character for the stalwart vice principal.
“A plan?” Brynna’s curiosity piqued.
“Take a look at that.” Jan pointed to the parking lot across the street where an old-fashioned red-and-white trailer was parked behind a shiny red SUV.
“You mean that car and trailer?” Brynna frowned. “Won’t the owner get a ticket for parking there?”
“Nope. And for the record, it belongs to me!”
“Really?” Brynna cringed with embarrassment. “Uh, is it for camping? Is that what you call an RV?”
“Yep. It’s a super lightweight camp trailer.” Jan’s voice grew enthused. “As you can see, it’s a vintage style, but brand-new. State of the art too. It’s compact but with all the modern conveniences and comforts.” Jan actually chuckled. “Can you tell I’ve studied the brochure backward and forward?”
“You do sound like an expert.”
“I sort of am.” Jan let out a dreamy sigh that sounded so out of character, Brynna couldn’t help but stare at the older woman. “The best part is that this trailer is so lightweight I can actually tow it behind my Yukon.”
“Your Yukon? Didn’t you drive a Corolla before?”
Jan smiled yet again. “I did but I traded it in for something bigger. Doesn’t it look handsome in front of that sweet trailer? Quite a pair if I do say so.”
“Oh, yeah ... nice.” Brynna nodded like this all made perfect sense, but the truth was, she’d never had the slightest interest in that sort of thing. In fact, she’d never even been camping. Her ex-husband, Dirk, used to talk like they would try it someday ... but someday never came. And now it was too late. Still, it was amusing to see Jan going on like this about it. So happy. So unlike her. It was kind of sweet.
“That particular trailer’s been nicknamed ‘the single girl’s getaway.’ I first saw it at the big RV show at the state fairgrounds during spring break. I knew it was meant for me. Well, except their show model was pink instead of red.” Jan wrinkled her nose. “Pink’s not really my cup of tea. But I was sold on the idea so I went ahead and ordered mine in red. Isn’t it a cutie pie?”
“Yeah...” Brynna couldn’t help but smile at Jan’s unexpected gushing. But to mask her amusement—and not risk offendingJan—Brynna kept staring across the street, studying the trailer closely. “So you can actually do that yourself? I mean, you know how to pull that trailer behind your car? And you go camping and everything? By yourself?”
“You bet.” Jan firmly nodded. “But I have to go back to the dealership to have some things checked. Then I’ll be ready to rock and roll. I can’t wait.”
“Well, that’s very cool, Jan. I’m happy for you.”
“Yep, I plan to head out for some serious camping. I have it all mapped out with campsite reservations and everything. I’ll start out along the Oregon coastline and then head down to the Redwoods, and eventually I’ll stay in Yosemite National Park.”
Brynna looked down at the pot in her hands, then propped up a broken flower stem only to watch it fall again. “You’ll really camp all by yourself? Out there with wild animals and bugs and everything?”
“Absolutely.” Jan shook a warning finger at a boy sliding down the front steps banister, then turned back to Brynna. “Why not?”
