“I, I, didn’t think about you.” My teeth were chattering. “I, I, was enjoying the solitude, I thought I was safe.”
Anya grinned. “Mike, despite your massive ego, you’re not the first person people think about. Not everyone’s in love with you.”
Mike placed his hand on Anya’s thigh. “I never said anything about love, I said that most ladieslustafter me.” He turned and winked at me.
“I’m thinking that Lori’s not one of them,” Anya said.
I was nearly attacked by a bear, and they were flirting. Could it be? Anya was a good ten years younger than me, and I was at least ten years younger than Mike.
“But seriously, why were you out for a walk when there wasa bear sighting?” Mike asked. “You’re either really brave or really stupid.”
I took a deep breath, trying to control my chattering. “I was out before the sighting.” I sat on my hands to keep them from shaking.
“Lori, were you really scared? It was only a cub, a baby. It was just looking for someone to play with,” Mike said.
“Mike, stop teasing. That bear was at least as big as you. Of course she was frightened, just like you would’ve been if you were standing face to face with it.” Anya turned and patted my knee. “Lori, you may not know this, but Mike was a Navy SEAL so he’s very brave and strong,” Anya gushed.
“And loyal and true?” I asked.
“Yup, and because of that he thinks he needs to save everyone and be the hero of the day.”
Anya had it bad. She looked at him, starry-eyed.
“Today, Mike, you are my hero,” I said.
“If I hadn’t seen the light from the tip of your cigarette, I’d have left you down here to fend for yourself.” Mike looked at me from the rearview mirror, winking again.
“The fog must be playing tricks on your eyes,” I said.
“Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with us, as long as our secret is safe with you,” Anya said.
I sighed. “Today would have been a good day to stay in bed.”
There were now at least three people who knew my secret. I had to remember, you were never truly alone in this place. There was always someone or something lurking around every bush.
“What happens now?” I asked.
“What, with the bear? I’ll swing by and pick up Jack and we’ll look for the clan,” Mike said.
“Then what?” Anya asked.
“Don’t you worry your pretty little heads. Jack and I will take care of it,” Mike said.
I was waiting for one of his winks, but none came.
“Mike, it’s amazing how quickly you went from hero to zero,” I said.
“What, why?” He seemed completely baffled.
“Can you drop uslittleladies off at arts & crafts while you big strong guys save us from the scary beasts?” I asked.
Anya looked at Mike and burst out laughing.
Mike wasn’t happy with either of us when he dropped us off. Anya had her arm around me as we walked into the arts & crafts studio. Abby and Maggie jumped up to greet us.
Maggie gave me a hug. “Abs said you must have gone for a walk and then we didn’t hear you on the radio. We were so scared.”
I was still shaken but felt better sitting with my friends. Maggie handed me a steaming cup of coffee, and I held it for warmth and then took a sip to calm myself.
