“Yeah.Daniel remodeled the van himself.He’s even boondocked in it.”Maggie knelt down and rubbed Walker between the ears.
“What’s boondock?”Julia clutched her designer bag to her chest and eased onto the seat of the picnic table.
“When you camp without being hooked up to water or electricity.”
Julia winced.“Have you done that?”
Maggie laughed.“I haven’t.Not yet.But I would love to while I’m here.Camping out by a mountain sounds lovely.”
Julia glanced around.“Wouldn’t you be afraid of bears?”
Maggie shrugged.“Not if I’m careful.Besides, Walker will sense a bear before I even see one.From what I’ve read, bear attacks are rare here.”
She didn’t look convinced.
Maggie finished pouring two cups of coffee.“I hope you like it.”
Julia took the outstretched mug and took a sip.Her eyebrows lifted slightly at the taste.“Pretty good.”
Maggie grinned to herself.
They sat in silence, sipping their coffee.
Maggie cleared her throat.“What did you mean by you being trapped?”
Julia stiffened.The atmosphere between them changed, became sharp and jagged.
She stood and set her coffee mug down.“I should go get that hotel room.I’m worn out from the flight and all the excitement.”Julia looked like she wanted to say more, but changed her mind.“Thank you for the coffee.”
Maggie stood and nodded.“Of course.”
Julia frowned.“What are your plans for today?”Her lips pressed into a thin line and Maggie saw the brief flicker of panic play across her eyes.“You’re not leaving, are you?”
Maggie shook her head.“No.I’ve reserved this spot for a few more days.”
Relief spread across Julia’s face.“Good.”She glanced over her shoulder.“I should be going.”
Maggie felt the tension between them grow.It was like trying to talk to a stranger.She couldn’t help herself.She still needed to talk to her mom.She couldn’t leave things this unsettled between them.
Maggie cleared her throat.“If you don’t have plans for dinner, you can join me and Walker.”
Julia’s eyebrows shot up at the gesture.“You don’t mind?”
Maggie smiled.“Of course not.I’ve actually wanted to have dinner at the Stanley Hotel, but they don’t allow dogs.”
Her mother cocked her head.“Maybe we could do pickup.That way we could see the outside of the grounds with Walker and you could go in and get the food.”
Maggie was taken aback.She didn’t think her mother liked Walker all that much.
“That would be great.”Maggie said softly.
Julia hesitantly approached her and gave her a hug.“After you look at the menu, let me know what you want so I can order it.I’ll pick you up around six to go get everything.”
Maggie glanced at her dog.“With Walker?You don’t usually let Walker ride in your car.”
Julia shrugged.“It’s a rental.See you tonight.”
Maggie spent the rest of the day writing at her campsite.She took breaks to stretch her and Walker’s legs.Time seemed to have gotten away from her.Before she realized, it was time for her to get ready for dinner.
