"I'm parked just over there."She pointed to the little office building."I doubt it'll take long for me to find out if she's okay and if she wants us to stop by.Just come join me when you're ready."
He still looked a little wary, and she laughed again.
"Or wait here, and I'll come get you when I'm done."
"Thanks."
When she reached her truck, she surveyed it critically.It didn't look like much, but it suited her.The suspension was shot, the radio was too, but it was mechanically sound — and any problems it had, she knew how to fix herself.
She threw her duffel onto the back seat and stuck the key in, offering a prayer to the ignition gods before turning it, and letting out her breath when the engine fired up.She might know how to fix it herself, but she was glad that she wouldn’t have to while Ollie was waiting.
Her heart skittered in her chest when she checked the mirror and saw Ollie walking around the plane.All the folks in Napa were better people than she'd expected, but Ollie?He was something else altogether.
Chapter Six
Callie watched Ollie in the rearview mirror for a moment; he was looping ropes through hooks on the wings and attaching them to rings on the ground — apparently ‘tying the plane down’ wasn’t just an expression.
She took her phone out.She would have called Alara this afternoon or tomorrow anyway to see how they were doing as they made their way up the coast.She felt a little guilty for the reason that she was calling now, but the need to know that Alara and Zia were both okay — and to help if they weren't — outweighed that.
"Hello?"
Callie grinned at the sound of Zia's little voice."Hello.Is that Princess Zia?This is Lady Sunshine calling."
"Miss Callie Clay!"Even though she spoke in a stage whisper, there was no missing the squeak of excitement in her voice."I miss you already."
"I miss you too, my little friend.How are you?How's your mommy?"
"Mommy's sleeping.She had one of her headaches.But she took some of her pills — they help.She just needed a while.She gets tired, you know.I was making postcards quietly.I'll send you one."
"Thank you.I'll look forward to it.When your mom has an address for you guys, I'll send a mug for her and...would you like a dandelion necklace like mine?"
"Oh wow!Yes please!Do you think I should wake Mommy?Tell her that you're on the phone?She's been asleep for a long time now."
Callie's heart leaped into her mouth as she imagined the worst."Maybe you should.Do you know where you are?"
"We're parked near the beach.It's very foggy in the trees, but not so much down here.I want to collect shells, but I'm not allowed to leave the camper until Mom wakes up."
"No, you should definitely stay inside."
"Oh, she's waking up now..."
Callie guessed that Zia had set the phone down — her muffled little voice asked, "Are you okay, Mommy?Do you feel better now?Is your head okay?Lady Sunshine's on the phone — Miss Callie Clay."
A few moments later, Alara's voice, low and melodic, asked, "Callie?"
"Yeah, sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you.I just got back to Fort Bragg and I was thinking about you two, wondering how far you'd gotten by now."
"Fort Bragg?"Alara’s voice was still thick with sleep.
"Yeah, it's where I live.Where are you guys?"
"Umm..."
Callie held her breath.She'd totally understand if Alara didn't say that she was here.If she felt rough, the last thing she might want would be a visitor.
"We're just north of Fort Bragg, actually."
"Oh wow!So close!I don't suppose you're sticking around for a while, are you?I'd love to come see you guys.Ollie's with me, and I know he would too.Zia said you'd had a headache, and we'll have to pass the stores on the way to you if you're north of town.Do you want me to pick up anything for you?"
