“You set?”
Noah took another bite of his tractor wheel. “Yeah.”
“Let’s see.” She stood back, skimmed her measuring glance up, then down, then up
again. “How long have those boots been out of the box, ace?”
Less than an hour, Noah thought, as he’d bought them in San Francisco. “So I
haven’t been hiking in a few years. Unless we’re planning on climbing the
Matterhorn, I’m up for it. I’m in shape.”
“Health-club shape.” She pressed a finger against his flat belly. “Fancy health club,
too. This won’t be like your Stair-Master. Where’s your water bottle?”
Already irritated with her, he held out a hand, cupped it and let rain pool in his palm.
Olivia only shook her head. “Hold on a minute.” She turned on her heel and headed
back into the lodge.
“Is it just me,” Noah asked Shirley, “or does she browbeat everyone?” When the
dog merely sat, shot the doughnut a hopeful look, Noah broke what was left in half,
tossed it. Shirley caught it on the fly, gulped it whole, then belched cheerfully.
Noah was still grinning when Olivia jogged back out with a plastic water bottle and
belt loop. “You always take your own water,” Olivia began and to Noah’s surprise
began to nimbly hook the bottle to his belt.
River's End
________________
Whenever you head outdoors for an adventure, preparation is
the key. Make sure you pack more than a water bottle and a snack. Whether
you're planning a short nature walk or a major overnight camping trip, it's
important to pack properly for outdoor excursions of any length.
________________
Cal was waiting for her when she drove up.
He stepped out, started down the steps, the dog
wandering behind him, as she got out of the car.
He took a scan, starting with her feet.
Good, sturdy hiking boots that showed some scars and wear, f
aded jeans, tough jacket in I’m-Not-a-Deer red, and a multistriped scarf
that matched the cloche-style cap on her
head. Silly hat, he mused, that was unaccountably appealing on her.
In any case, he decided she knew what to wear on a hike through the winter woods.
“Do I pass muster, Sergeant?”
Blood Brothers