Page 39 of Rescuer
“If we’re going, we need to be prepared. First, even though it’s a popular site, there are dangers. Snakes, some bear sightings, and the occasional mountain lion, although those are rare. And you can’t forget the river. There’s a ravine near there.”
She bit back the irritation that had sprung up. He wasn’t being bossy. Just thorough.
“Ok. Well, I still intend to go with you.” She pulled up the weather app on her phone. “There’s a thunderstorm coming.”
He glanced at the clock. It was almost five thirty in the evening. She knew what he was thinking. By the time they gathered their gear and met up, it would be getting dark and stormy.
His jaw clenched, and she could almost hear his teeth grinding.
“It’s already pretty late today.” Frustration seeped into his voice.
“I know. But tomorrow promises to be sunny. We can make plans and meet up bright and early. I don’t work. Oh, wait. Are you off tomorrow?”
He nodded. “Yeah. I have the next two days off. So I’m good.”
They both made plans to meet up the next morning, and Jackson took notes on his phone.
When she finished eating her muffin, he stood and waited for her. “I’ll walk you to your car.”
Mia clasped her hands in front of her. It was almost like a date. But it wasn’t, and she needed to remember that. Still, her stomach fluttered when he walked close to her. She could feel the warmth of his presence.
“I’ll see you tomorrow?” He opened the car door for her.
She nodded and slid down into her seat. Her hand trembled slightly when she adjusted the air conditioner.
When she arrived home, her neighbor gave her a cheery wave and started to leave. Mia felt horrible, but she asked her to watch Gus the next day too.
“Absolutely. My weekends are open.” Her face clouded over. “But I’ll tell you now, I have family coming in on Monday.”
“That’s fine. I have someone scheduled for Monday. Thanks, Kay. You’ve been a lifesaver.”
Kay left, and Mia fixed dinner for Gus. While the chicken baked in the oven, she grabbed her laptop and signed up for her classes. Her confirmation email came through just as the oven alarm beeped. Mia set her computer aside and put the food on the table. Soon, she and her aunt were eating.
“Are you okay if Kay comes over tomorrow?”
Gus cut her chicken with delicate strokes. “Are you going out with Jackson again?”
“I am. But it’s not a date. We’re looking for his brother.”
Gus gave her a suspicious look but kept eating.
After dinner, Mia cleaned the kitchen. Shannon called just as she finished putting the dishes in the dishwasher.
“Hey, girl,” Shannon said. “I haven’t heard from you in days.”
“Sorry. Life’s been weird. I’m helping Jackson with something.”
She flushed. Why had she said that?
“Oh, sounds promising. How goes it on the money front?”
Mia sighed. “The good news is that I’ve been paid. But what’s weird is there’s been zero communication. No response to my calls.”
“Really? Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad you got the money, but that seems sketchy to me.”
“I know. But I guess since I signed the contract and they haven’t reneged, I can’t complain.”
“You’re probably right. Mia, I know you don’t really believe in God?—”
