Logan listened carefully, assuming this information would come in handy on their solo excursion.
They spent the afternoon fishing and gathering wood. Dinner was sparse. The fish hadn’t bitten as freely as they had the day before. But an extra serving of jerky, poached from Joseph’s rations, staved off total starvation.
That night, settled around the campfire, crickets serenading them, Logan felt himself relax. They’d gone a whole day with no injuries, no animal attacks, and no talk of Bigfoot. Maybe he’d survive this thing after all.
“So, Tess,” Carter said. “How do you like doing these campouts?”
“Well,” she said. “One of these days, I’d love to take a vacation that doesn’t involve a sleeping bag, bug spray, and biodegradable soap. Not having to pack in my own accommodations would be a bonus too.”
“Where would you go?” Grayson asked.
“Somewhere sunny. Where there’s sand and cold fruity drinks.” She closed her eyes and seemed to drift away for a second, then snapped back to reality. “This seems like an unnecessarily torturous conversation. Let’s talk about something else.”
Everyone nodded in agreement.
“I feel like Clint Eastwood in an old western,” Ashton said. “Lounging by the fire at night. Full moon. Wild animals all around. It’s so primitive.”
“Is that what the movie you’re researching is?” Grayson asked. “A western?”
“No. It’s about a guy whose plane crashes in the mountains, and he has to survive until he’s rescued.”
“That’s already been done,” Carter said.
“There’s more to it than that.” Ashton shrugged. “But that’s the gist.”
“What’s the first thing everyone plans to do when you get back?” Grayson asked. “Call home? Eat? Sleep?”
“Shower,” Tess and Logan said at the same time.
“I’m hittin’ that diner in the town square for a huge dinner and a whole pie,” Carter said. “Had a piece of peach the night before we left, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since.”
“Ah, yes.” Tess sighed wistfully. “Karla’s pie. It does have that effect on people.”
“I didn’t plan very well and have to go straight to the airport for a flight home,” Ashton said. “Unless I figure out a way to take a shower, I don’t envy whoever has to sit next to me.”
“Okay, how about this,” Grayson said, apparently determined to get them all talking. “What’s your biggest accomplishment and your biggest regret?”
“Now we’re gettin’ deep,” Tess said.
“Mine’s pretty obvious,” Carter said. “Signing a multi-million-dollar contract with the Celtics. It’s crazy to think I’m one torn ACL away from starting too. Not that I’m wishing for anyone to get hurt…”
Sure, Logan thought.
“Any regrets?” Grayson asked.
“Not holding out for more money.” He laughed.
“Tess?” Grayson prodded. “What’s your greatest accomplishment?”
“Oh, um. Winning the state basketball championship, I suppose.”
“You play hoops?” Carter said. “Why didn’t you say so? Another sign we’re perfect for each other.”
Logan couldn’t explain why Carter’s flirting bothered him so much, only that it did. Maybe he was just peevish due to lack of food and sleep.
“What about a regret?” Grayson pushed.
Tess paused. “Getting married.”
