Page 63 of One Last Shot

“You?”

He got a smile. And a twinkle in her eyes.

“And being the youngest, I had something to prove, so I kept walking. Except, I took a wrong turn somewhere, and suddenly I was lost. Really lost. I couldn't find my way back, and I got turned around and... anyway, they had to call the Forest Service, and it became a massive search in the woods.”

“Wow. That’s terrifying.”

“Yeah. But see”—she leaned forward—“I was carrying the sleeping-bags pack. So I just got into all the sleeping bags and stayed put, and eventually they found me.”

“Smart.”

“Scared.”

He could imagine her then, eight years old, just her face sticking out of a sleeping bag, listening to the night sounds.

“I did learn that I was pretty resourceful, however. And—not to panic. If I’d kept moving around in the woods, they might have never found me. So... lesson learned—when you’re lost, get to a trail or someplace where people can find you, and stay there.”

“Thanks, Ranger Rick.”

“Hey, I used to getthat magazine.”

He took a drink. Got a mustache and wiped it off.

She laughed at that. It felt so easy, like it had always been this way between them.

“So, who is Boo the famous author?”

She considered him. Then shook her head.

“Aw, really?”

“Maybe someday.” She sipped her Coke but kept a smile. “What’s with the milk?”

“It’s better than whiskey.”

She raised an eyebrow and he smiled, also keeping the rest to himself.

She rolled her eyes. “When are those fries getting here? I’m starved.”

“I’m still full from last night. Moose is a great cook. Last night we had grilled chicken and Caesar salad.” He leaned back. “I may never leave.”

She folded her arms. “What? And give up your life in music?”

Her words, however, had pinged inside him.Yeah, maybe. He drew in a breath and glanced at the next singer. Of course, a Brett Young cover of “In Case You Didn’t Know.” The guy had a rabid following.

“Oh boy.”

He looked at Boo. “What?”

“That face—is your creativity still blocked?”

Actually, no. “I got some music down last night. Toying with lyrics.”

“Really? That’s great.”

She probably didn’t know how pretty she was, without even trying.

“Yeah. My manager, Goldie, sent me an email a few days ago, and for the first time in a long time I answered her. I might actuallyfigure this out.”