“Well, yes. Things like that are, but I don’t think anyone has the perfect family or the perfect relationship. At least, no one I know does. It doesn’t matter how rich or poor you are. Families are complicated.”
“My foster family was pretty darn close to perfect. They were just good people. Hardworking. Honest. Decent. I think if I hadn’t ended up with them, I’d be dead by now.”
“Axel! That’s an awful thing to think!”
He shrugged again. “But it’s true. The other families I was placed with were awful. At some point, I would have ended up living on the streets. It wouldn’t have ended well.”
Beside him, she let out a long breath. “I can’t even imagine.”
Sadly, he could.
“Okay, enough of this depressing conversation,” he said, trying to sound optimistic. “Let’s head back to the cabin and make some dinner. Plus, I’d like to check and see if the power’s back on yet.”
“Do you want to stay in the cabin or head back up to the lodge?”
“The cabin’s fine. Now that the storm’s over, we’re completely safe there. And let’s face it, it’s more comfortable.”
They walked back up the path that would lead them around to the parking lot and then eventually, to his cabin.
“I don’t know…the mattress on the floor wasn’t terrible, and it was nice having that gigantic fireplace.”
“We could totally go back if you want to,” he countered. “It’s no big deal.”
“No, no, no. Your bed is one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in.” Maisie playfully nudged his shoulder.
“You can thank Walker for that. He’s a bed snob.”
“A bed snob?”
“Oh, yeah. Remember how I mentioned how he works for a luxury hotel chain? Well, once he found these beds, he insisted on getting one for all of us. Now we’re all spoiled.”
“So now you’re all bed snobs,” she teased.
Laughing, he nodded. “I guess so.”
“I suppose there are worse things, right? And there is something about ending your day in a super comfy bed. Like it helps ease away all the horrible things that may have happened that day.”
That was a little dark, he thought. There weren’t too many things he’d consider horrible and was now curious why she used that word.
“What are we making for dinner tonight?” she asked before he could question her.
“I took out some burgers for us. I figured we could have a little barbecue.”
“Do you have a grill, or do we need to go up to the lodge and make them like we did the steaks?”
“I have a grill out in my work shed. It’s a propane one, and I keep it put away unless we’re gonna use it.”
“I love a good burger. What kind of toppings do you have?”
They discussed all their options as they made their way across the parking lot and onto the path to his cabin. He knew he had more stuff in his refrigerator than usual because of everything he took from the main kitchen, and it sounded like they were going to have some kickass burgers by the time they were done.
The sun was setting, so it was the perfect time for them to be back. “Why don’t you go inside and I’ll get the grill?”
“Sounds good. I’ll start getting out the ingredients for our side dishes.” She kissed him soundly before he walked away.
Axel had gone no more than a few paces when his phone vibrated in his pocket. He took it out and saw it was another group text.
Milo: The power should be back on now, Axel.
