Page 276 of 5+Us Makes Seven

“What’s that over there?” she asked, pointing.

I glanced up. Shit.

“The Chinese, I think.”

“The Chinese? I didn’t know they had troops here.”

“They don’t,” I said. “Here you go.”

I handed her a glass of wine.

“Thanks.”

She took a drink.

“I wonder what they’re doing over there.”

“Probably mining?”

“Mining? What, like gold?”

“You sure do ask a lot of questions.”

I grinned, wondering if she sensed the electricity between us.

“It’s my job. I’m sorry. I get so curious. I’ll ask Max about it later.”

“No, don’t,” I said.

She tilted her head.

“No? Why not?”

“They’re just miners,” I said. “No big deal.”

“I wonder what they’re mining.”

“Rare Earth minerals.”

“What are those?”

“The shit they use to make cell phones and electronics.”

“Oh, like platinum and what-not.”

“Yeah, something like that.”

We both stared out at the majestic landscape.

“It’s so beautiful. I’m at a loss for words.”

“That’s something for you,” I teased.

“Hey.”

She leaned over and lightly punched me on the arm.

I took another drink, wishing we had more wine.