“…obviously I’ll be here to take you into town if you need anything, and of course, I can easily make you reservations for any of the restaurants in town.” I can barely make out Ben’s words as we crunch along the trail, motor and gravel and wind drowning out his welcome speech. “…also board games and cards. Then again, you folks might enjoy the quiet time.”
Mia is nodding her head along enthusiastically.
I’ve always known she has wanted to take a trip and “rough it” for a weekend—she has a very stressful advertising job; works crazy long hours and manages several high-profile accounts. My best friend rarely has time off that when she does, Mia tends to spend it shopping, going to the spa, or getting her hair and eyelashes done.
So this solitude we’re about to embark on? I’m sure it’s a welcome change.
It’s wonderful seeing her so happy but at the same time, I see nothing but blue skies and trees; not a piña colada or hammock in sight.
I’m not spoiled, honestly.
I just wasn’t expecting this type of trip and have the fancy dresses to prove it; I totally had it in my brain that we were going somewhere hot.
Reframe, Juliet.
Reframe.
This is a good thing—Mia needs to relax and unwind. And sure, she could have done that in a pool with a swim up bar, but that’s neither here nor there. Or a resort with a spa, perhaps?
Pfft.
Those come and go; the threat of poison ivy you never forget.
We approach what Ben referred to as “the site,” six shiny and modern airstream campers converted into cabins and arranged in a half circle facing a massive lake. Each one has its own private deck and striped awning, along with a sliding glass door facing the lake and a flickering lantern next to its entrance.
The camper—or, let’s be real: glamper—in the center has a beautiful wildflower arch around its small door at the front, dozens of candles glowing. On the picnic table, on the steps, in the sand going down to the water.
“Flameless,” Ben says under his breath in case we get any ideas about burning actual candles at the campsite.
Mia gasps as her boyfriend comes out the door holding a bouquet in one hand, crowning my bestie with a small, hand-woven wreath in her hair, planting a kiss on her mouth.
“Happy birthday, baby.”
She flies into his arms.
“It was my birthday last week, you goof,” my friend sobs happily, melting into his embrace. “You are too good to me.”
So tiny compared to his massive frame, Mia all but vanishes into Thad’s body, his arms like two giant sausages, stuffed into a long-sleeve cotton tee, aka: meat casings. The dude is way too big to be wearing tight clothes but I suppose it’s not easy finding things that fit.
I’ll give him a pass even though he’s yet to acknowledge my presence.
I shift on my heels as they stand there, continuing to hug, Thad cooing in my best friend’s hair—she’d thrown it into a cute ponytail on the shuttle ride to the resort, always looking tidy. Jet-black hair, petite, and sweet as apple pie, I understand his attraction to her but cannot seem to trust the guy.
Something about him throws me off and I’m glad to have the chance to observe him over the weekend.
He kisses the top of her head, then practically pets it, hand running through her silken hair.
Break it up you two, some of us are embarrassed to be standing here while you paw at one another, it’s on the tip of my tongue to say. I’m hungry and tired, and would love to climb into a shower and into the one pair of warm pajamas I’m glad I brought.
Hallelujah!
The whole scene is vomit inducing, heart pounding romance and although I hadn’t wanted to be here, I am glad I get to see Mia so happy.
I just hope it ends the way she wants it to.
Thad is talking into her hair. “I’m so glad you made it. I’m so sorry I wasn’t at the airport to come get you but I had so many things to get done here and things to grab in town so you’d be comfortable.”
More sobbing from Mia.
More kissing.
Ben waits behind me for the right moment to mutter out an awkward, “Okay, well—I’ll just put their bags inside their cabins for you Thad.”
I clear my throat.
Clear it again to get the lovey-dovey couple’s attention. “Uh, hello? Some of us would like to freshen up?”
“Oh shit, you’re right. Of course you ladies want to freshen up. Sorry, I’m off in my own little world.” He winks at me as if we’re co-conspirators. “Halbrook isn’t here yet, so we’ll just do our thing.”
I refrain from groaning out loud as he steps forward to hug me, too, though my hug isn’t nearly as warm as the one he gave his girlfriend. Obviously.