Chapter Nine
After more than an hour up and down––mostly up––twisting and curving, I notice a structure in the distance and a white dome comes into view. Sure, I noticed the signs for the Lick Observatory, but didn’t really think we’d be heading all the way out here.
It’s nearly seven, still plenty of daylight left on this summer night.
“Have you been out here before?” I ask Shaun.
“Never. Always wanted to, and now I have a reason. Glad you didn’t get car sick.”
I laugh. “Me too. That was quite the drive. It’s so beautiful out here.” I don’t stop looking around left and right the entire time. The hills and wildflowers and vastness of the land are just breathtaking. I think I even see elk off in the distance.
“Lets you know you’re not in the city any longer,” Shaun says.
“That’s for sure. Although the streets of San Francisco certainly rival that drive.”
“I suppose so.”
Shaun guides the vehicle into a parking spot and shuts it off. “There’s a guided tour and some other things to do while here. And yes, I thought we could enjoy a picnic dinner.”
“That sounds really nice. Too bad we won’t be able to see any stars. Still too light.”
“For now, but later…”
“We’re going to stay ‘til dark?” I say, probably sounding childish. I mean, he did drive all this way, and darkness is only a few hours away.
“That was the plan. They usually don’t do the tours after dark, but I know a guy, who knows a guy.”
“Ah, inside connections.”
“Sorta. There’ll be a couple guys up here doing some nighttime observations, and well, I didn’t think it’d hurt to have two more tag-a-longs. Lucky for us, neither did they. I said we wouldn’t do anything to get anyone in trouble.”
“Good, because I’d hate to have to place a call to Denise from the county jail.”
Shaun chuckles. “Don’t worry. I don’t plan to let that happen. Do you want to eat first?”
“Yes, please.”
We exit the vehicle and Shaun grabs the bags. “Mind carrying the blanket?” he asks.
“Not at all,” I answer, tucking it under an arm.
He leads us out to a clearing and puts the bags on the ground. “Will this do?”
“Certainly. I’m following your lead.”
He steps in front of me, reaching for the blanket. He leans in to kiss me, saying, “And do you trust me?”
I savor the kiss and answer, “Absolutely.”
“Lucky me,” he whispers and kisses me again. He spreads out the blanket and begins to unload the bags. After pulling out a small cloth cooler, he unpacks sandwiches, chips, potato salad, and cookies.
“Looks like all the basics,” I say.
“I try. I’ve got beer and water. I thought I’d have only one beer, that way I’d be good to drive back later.”
“Good thinking. I think I’ll have a beer now also.”
We make ourselves comfortable on the blanket, and even though there’s no shade from the sun, it’s pleasantly mild at this altitude. I grab what looks like a turkey and Swiss sandwich while Shaun goes for the roast beef. I’m surprised at how hungry I am as I devour the entire sandwich, a helping of salad and chips, then polish it off with two cookies—chocolate chip, of course. After finishing the beer, I open a bottle of water.
