“Thank you. You’re being very nice.”
Griz and Thario came in with the burgers. They all worked on fixing their own plates, and honestly, it was the best she'd felt in a long time.
They took their food outside to the table in the yard. The weather was perfect, and there were few bugs. Everyone else talked as they ate, discussing everything from the cabin Thario was looking at to Elowen's next woodworking project.
When they were almost done eating, they heard car doors slam close by. Calla jumped and looked around.
“It’s okay. It’s probably the guests down at the cabin,” Elowen said.
“Oh, I forgot.”
“They said they’d be here around six or seven, so I’m sure it’s them.”
They heard someone hollering with excitement. “Yeah, that sounds like the new guest,” Griz said.
“People show up and are excited. It’s a big cabin, so it’s usually at least two, maybe three couples or more.”
Calla could barely hear them, but it was obvious whoever had shown up was very excited. "You know, if I were staying at a place like the cabin, I'd be excited, too."
Griz nodded. "When my friends and I stayed here, I remember how thrilled we were when we arrived. The place was great."
“I think it’s a combination of nature around here, the feeling that you’re alone up here, and how perfect that house is. It’s like a huge trifecta of awesomeness.” Thario picked up his glass and pointed at Elowen. “You were very lucky to find this place.”
"Yeah, I was very lucky. Also, I was lucky that it needed so many repairs. If it had been in great condition, I wouldn't have been able to afford it."
Calla couldn’t get over how independent Elowen was. She liked it, but also wondered if she would ever have that much confidence.
After dinner, Thario finished washing plates and turned to face her. “How about a walk?”
“Do you feel up to it?”
“Yes. We don’t have to go far.”
She nodded. “Sure.”
They left out the back door with Frog and Knuckles following. The dogs ran ahead a little, then turned back to check on their progress.
“I like being out here,” Calla said.
“Same. I hope this cabin I want to buy works out.”
“Any reason you think it won’t?”
"I don't know. Maybe there will be complications, or maybe not. If this place doesn't work, I'm sure I'll find something else. It would be nice, though, because it's close to here."
“Elowen and Griz are good people.”
Thario nodded. “They are.”
They walked a little longer, then stopped to turn around. Thario's phone buzzed, and he pulled it from his pocket, then frowned.
“Everything okay?” Calla asked.
"Um, looks like Brent tried to go back to the house. Neighbors saw him, and he got away. They're still looking for him. The police just want to make sure you aren't in the area."
Fear hit hard. “Shit. He can’t find me up here, can he?”
“It’s very doubtful. He doesn’t know to look here.”
