Someone in the campsite turned on a radio, and the soft sounds of a country song drifted over her as she prepared their dinner.
She didn’t normally listen to country music, but she didn’t mind this song. She listened as the lyrics of finding one’s place in the world resonated deep within her.
When the steaks were done, she plated them and carried them to the picnic table where her grandmother and Jack sat. Elana turned her attention to the potatoes on the fire. She slipped on a pair of oven mitts. After dragging the spuds out of the fire with a stick, she picked them up and carried them over to the picnic table, where she quickly unwrapped them.
Grandma Cecilia got up and headed inside. When she returned, she had some grated cheese, butter, and sour cream. “I’ll finish the potatoes.”
Elana nodded. “I’ll grab the salads and some drinks.”
Grandma Cecilia shook her head. “No, look under the bed. Ethan gave us a nice bottle of wine to enjoy. I feel like a nice cabernet with my steak.”
Elana nodded. “That was nice of him. I’ll grab it and be right back.”
She headed inside and grabbed the two bowls of salad and topped them with the ranch dressing. She set them on the picnic table, then ducked back into the van. When she reappeared, she held two red plastic cups, a corkscrew, and a bottle of red wine.
Grandma Cecilia rubbed her hands together in excitement. “We are eating like kings tonight. Isn’t that right, Jack?”
The dog sat on his haunches and gave a bark.
They both laughed as Elana struggled to uncork the bottle.
The quick popping sound as the cork was freed from the wine bottle had her grandmother applauding.
Elana poured the ruby liquid into each plastic cup.
A look of contentment washed over Grandma Cecilia’s face. “This is the life, Elana. It’s only going to get better as we head farther into the mountains.” She took a sip of wine and began cutting her steak.
Jack let out a whimper, reminding her he hadn’t been fed.
“Sorry, boy. I didn’t mean to forget you.” She pulled his plate close to her and cut up his steak before placing it on the ground beside him.
The dog ate with gusto while wagging his shaggy tail.
They enjoyed their dinner in silence, soaking in the ambience from the fire and the wonderful meal.
CHAPTER14
Jack lifted his head when he heard the bark of another dog. It was still dark, and he had to squint through the small opening of the van door to make out the tiny Chihuahua taking his owner on a walk. He narrowed his eyes.
Elana and Grandma had slept on the bed in the van together, while he slept on the floor. This time Elana didn’t toss and turn. It was probably due to the cooler temperatures. Grandma had suggested they keep the van door cracked overnight to let the air circulate.
Before the old man went away, he used to take Jack on road trips to the mountains. They would sleep in a tent, catch fish, and enjoy being outside.
Jack wagged his tail at the memory.
Movement on the bed had Jack lifting his head.
Elana slowly crawled out of bed. She looked surprised to see him watching her.
She pressed her finger to her lips in a gesture for him to remain quiet.
Jack laid his head back down and watched as she slipped on her coat and shoes and put a beanie on her head. She grabbed the items she would need to make fire. Snapping on his leash, she opened the door of the van and they both got out.
Elana turned and closed the door so as not to disturb Grandma Cecilia.
She grabbed some lint and built a small fire over the fire pit. Jack let out a whimper, alerting her that he needed to go for a walk.
“Sorry, Jack. I’m not ignoring you. Let’s go for a walk.”She set all her items down on the picnic table. and they scampered off to a nearby grassy area.
