She hoped tonight would go a lot smoother than the last few days of this trip.
Chapter43
The Stanley Hotel was crowded with guests and visitors.Lucky for them, there was hardly anyone outside in the garden maze, so Maggie and her mom decided to look around the grounds before picking up their food.
Walker sniffed out a rabbit from one of the bushes.Maggie tightened her grip on the leash, but the bunny didn’t move.They stayed for twenty seconds looking at each other before the bunny decided to hop back in the bushes.
After picking up their food, they drove back to the campsite.Maggie had already put a tablecloth on the picnic table with some short candles she’d found under the cabinet.Her mother lit the candles while she gathered some plates and bowls.
“I think you ordered too much food.”Maggie plated the eight ounce Colorado Angus Filet and topped it with the black truffle herb butter sauce.While she plated the second filet, her mom added sides which consisted of roasted garlic whipped potatoes and grilled asparagus.
“Whatever we don’t eat tonight we’ll eat for leftovers.”Julia scooped up the Caesar salad into two separate bowls.“I’m going to leave the charcuterie board in the box.We can pick from there.”
Maggie nodded.“I’ll grab some waters.”
Julia shook her head.“I picked up something special while we were at the Stanley.”She pulled out a bottle of Emblem Cabernet Sauvignon and smiled “Figured we could use it.”
Maggie held up two red Solo cups.“It’s not crystal.But it will do.”
Her mom laughed and worked on the bottle with a corkscrew that she’d bought in the souvenir shop.
Walker looked up at Maggie and whined.She rubbed his head.“I’ll give you some of mine, boy.”
Julia shook her head.“No need.I picked up a steak for Walker too.”
Maggie’s mouth fell open.She collected herself and placed a hand to her throat.“You picked up a steak for Walker?”
Julia nodded and held up a third box containing another steak.“I’ll just cut it up for him.”
She cut the steak into bite size pieces and placed it in his dog bowl.“Can I give it to him?”
Maggie blinked back the stinging tears.“Yes.He would love that.”
Julia smiled and looked at Walker.“This is for being such a good boy.”She scratched him behind the ear.Walker looked like he was smiling.She set the bowl down in front of him.
He quickly dug into his tasty dinner.
“He has the right idea.Let’s eat.”Julia sat down and picked up her knife and fork.
Maggie hadn’t seen her mom this relaxed in a while, if ever.She had so many questions to ask her but didn’t want to ruin the moment.Instead, she began to cut her steak.Popping a piece of the tender meat into her mouth, her senses exploded in delight.She let out a moan.Her mom laughed.“I’m glad you like it.The sides are amazing too.Might have to eat there again while I’m here.”Julia took a sip of her wine and smiled.
“So how long do you plan on staying?”Maggie asked, careful to keep any emotion out of her voice.She didn’t want her mom to think she wanted her to leave.
Julia chewed thoughtfully and sighed.“I’m not sure yet.This was all spur of the moment.”
Maggie snorted.“I know what you mean.”
Julia picked up her cup of wine.“Want to tell me what’s going on?You didn’t even tell Mason you were leaving.I would have thought you would have at least confided in Lauren since she’s your best friend.”
Maggie set her fork down.“I guess you talked to Mason.”
Julia nodded.“He came by the house looking for you.”
Maggie arched her brow.“Did Lauren come with him?”
Julia frowned and slowly nodded.“Yes, she did.”
Maggie took a sip of wine.“I have broken up with Mason and will not be getting back together with him.”
