“That’s what they call God light. A great time to take photos.”
They visited together in a way that felt like they were old friends for a while, then Brynna served the dessert alongside some decaf. They were just finishing up when Leroy spied headlights on theroad. “Looks like your camping buddies are coming. Maybe we should go out and meet them.”
“Let me get some shoes on,” she said.
“Good idea. I’ll head down to point them in the right direction.”
As Brynna put on her shoes, she wished that Mike and Jan had tarried a bit longer. She and Leroy had seemed to have made such headway tonight. She hated to see it end ... ever.
Chapter 29
It was getting dusky as Brynna hurried down to the barn to check on her friends. Despite wanting to extend her evening with Leroy, she looked forward to seeing Jan and Mike again. When she got there, Mike was parking his motorcycle and Leroy was directing Jan to an appropriate spot for her trailer. With the vehicles in place, Brynna took the initiative to properly introduce everyone, and Jan and Mike thanked Leroy for his hospitality.
“Camping at a vineyard.” Mike grinned. “Doesn’t get any better than this.”
“Better than Yosemite?” Brynna asked.
“Well, that’s kinda like apples and oranges,” he said.
“Anyway, we do appreciate it,” Jan told Leroy.
“Well, I’ll let you guys get set up before it gets really dark,” Leroy said. After he left, Brynna helped Jan connect to the utilities and set out the camp chairs. Then they watched as Mike pitched his tent by lantern light. Before long, the three of them were seated outside of Jan’s trailer and started to catch up. Jan and Mike described the wonders of Yosemite, then Brynna gave a brief explanation of how it had all gone sideways with Leroy yesterday afternoon but turned back around today.
“So I’ve sort of agreed to stay on. But to be honest”—she shifted in her seat—“I’m not convinced it’s the smartest thing to do.”
“Why’s that?” Jan asked.
“I don’t know...” Brynna wondered just how transparent to be. “It’s hard to explain, but I think I could be setting myself up for, well, some serious pain.”
“Oh?” Jan nodded. “I guess I get that.”
“I don’t,” Mike declared. “You know what they say, girls. No pain, no gain.”
Brynna grimaced. “Thanks a lot.”
“I didn’t mean to sound trite.” His tone turned apologetic. “But the older I get, the more I realize the only way to live life is toreallylive it. I don’t wanna be on my deathbed thinking about the things I never did because I was too scared. Ya know?”
“He’s right.” Jan turned back to Brynna. “That’s why I got my trailer and took this trip. Some people thought I was nuts, but I have no regrets.”
“And I can respect that ... for you.” Brynna sighed. “I’d like to be that brave, but this is a little different than taking a big camping trip, Jan. This involves my heart.”
“I know.” Jan patted her arm. “But shouldn’t you give it your best shot? Even if you do get hurt? You can’t just give up.”
“I don’t know.”
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” Mike said.
Brynna playfully socked him in the shoulder. “I forgot you’re the cliché king.”
He just laughed. “Make fun of me, but I speak from experience.”
“Me too.” Jan turned to Mike with a look of tenderness. “I’ve taken some risks lately, and I’m not complaining.”
Brynna stared at both of them in the flickering kerosene lantern light. “I had a feeling you two were starting up something.”
“A little road romance,” Mike said gently, “which I hope will continue to grow.”
“Anyway, we’re giving it a chance.” Jan turned back to Brynna. “But if you want to chicken out with Leroy, well, we could always take you with us tomorrow.”
