“I was, but I was also amazed by the whole thing. I ran into people. They let you hike with them for a while, but it’s every man for himself. Sometimes I camped near other people, but we didn’t wait for each other. We exchanged trail news—where there was a snake, where there’s water, where there’s an alternative to the water source shown on the map. One guy had wolves curious around his camp. No bears. I saw elk but at a great distance. It’s very beautiful. I can see why some people are driven by the need to conquer the trail, why they think of it as a religious experience.”
“Do you feel the need for a lot more religion?” she asked.
“I think I’ve had enough for now,” he said. “Part of me didn’t think I’d last a whole week, another part wondered if I might not be able to stop until I’d gone all the way.”
“What made you stop?” she asked.
“I was done,” he said with a shrug. “I turned around in the middle of the trail, in the middle of the day and started back.”
Sully came in from the back porch and put a plate with a burger on it in front of Cal. He produced little packs of ketchup, mustard and mayo.
“Sully, this is great. I promise after I eat and get a little rest, you won’t wait on me again. By the way, is there a cabin free? Maggie’s holding my truck and camper hostage.”
“There’s room in the house,” he said. “Maggie, you want a burger?”
“Thanks, Dad,” she said.
“I’d be happy to share my fish and broccoli with you,” Sully said.
“Normally I’d jump right on that, but since Cal just got back, I’ll have a burger with him.” Then she smiled sweetly.
“Maggie, I shouldn’t impose. I can pitch my tent...”
“It’s all right, I’ll take the couch tonight,” she said. She smiled at him. “You need your rest.”
“Hmm,” he said, biting into the burger, unable to wait. He craved solid, meaty food. He was thinking he might need her even more. Hungry and depleted as he was, he’d trade the burger and the beer just to crawl into bed next to her.
Sully gave Maggie her burger, then stomped out with a huff of displeasure. He’d always been a red-meat man, so he had told Cal. Lots of red meat. Daily. Not to mention potatoes slathered in butter. And he loved vegetables...with plenty of salt. This new heart-healthy diet was taking its toll on his mood.
Cal, forgetting he hadn’t spoken aloud while he was thinking of all he’d trade for a naked romp with Maggie, spoke. “I’m commando, you know.”
“I assumed so, since I didn’t provide any of Sully’s tighty whities.”
“God,” he said, putting down the burger for a second. “I think I’m delirious. I was thinking about how I’d trade the burger and beer for a night up against you.”
“Relax, Cal. Enjoy your burger. After we close up here we’ll watch a little TV. Remember TV?” she asked, lifting a slimly arched brow.
“Vaguely,” he said. “You’re beautiful, Maggie.”
“It’s a mirage,” she said, laughing.
“No, I’m seeing you. I told you about my hike. Tell me what you did while I was gone.”
“Besides the usual? My stepfather showed up here one day, out of the blue. Alone. I wish you’d been here—he was so sweet. He sneaked down here without telling my mother because she never lets us have a conversation. When you’re rested I’ll tell you stories about Walter. He’s an interesting guy. The opposite of Sully yet he had a major influence on my life, my education.”
Cal stuffed himself. Sully came in with his own plate, which he ate at the bar. A couple of campers stopped in for milk and eggs and Maggie jumped up to take their money. The ice maker on the back porch rattled and clunked. The front door was propped open and laughter could be heard as the sun slowly became lost behind the mountains.
This must be such a happy place in summer when families come here to play, to be together, to get away from their stress and worry, Cal thought.
He was in a daze and he knew it. He was vaguely aware that Maggie and Sully were talking to customers, putting things away. Maggie was sweeping behind the counter. He got up and took his plate to the kitchen. Maggie leaned her broom up against the counter and took his plate.
“Just go over to the house,” she said. “Turn on the TV and put your feet up. You’re a basket case. I’ll be over in a while.”
“I’m sorry, Maggie. I pushed it kind of hard the past couple of days. You should just give me a blanket and I’ll sleep in the—”
“I think Sully would be disappointed if you didn’t accept. He’s missed you.” She pushed him out the back door. “Try not to get lost.”
Beau was lying on the back porch. “I’m going to lie down,” Cal said to the dog. Beau jumped to his feet and began wagging his tail. “Okay, then,” he said. “You and me, on the couch.”
*