Page 47 of Corporate Escapades

“Have you been here recently?” asked Paris.

“No,” said Mya. “Some of my fondest memories are of the weekends spent at your family’s cabin. I wish they hadn’t sold the land. I miss it.”

“Yeah. Me too. I heard my mom mention that she’s trying to talk my dad into buying another cabin. We spent more time with the Alarie’s at our cabin than they did here I think.”

“Too bad that storm took it out,” added Mya.

“Yeah. Totally sucks. Anyway, I’ve visited this cabin on a few occasions with Alli.”

“How does that make you feel?” asked Mya. She paused to assess her friend.

“It makes me miss her. We had a lot of fun. I remember the last time I was here. We hiked up a path to a tire swing and spent the afternoon swimming and lying out in the sun. It was wonderful.”

Mya continued on. “Do you think Vic’s okay? He seemed awfully upset when we first arrived.”

“Yeah, he just needs some time. There are a lot of memories, and with them, a lot of pain resurfacing.”

“I wish we could wave a wand and fix it all,” said Mya sadly. “I miss Alli and Brody too.”

“We all do,” said Paris. Reaching out her hand, she squeezed Mya’s shoulder. “At least we have each other.”

“That we do, and I think Chase has made an excellent addition to our little group.”

“I agree. Chase is special. An all-around good guy.” Paris paused and gave Mya a slight frown. “So, on a different topic, do you want to tell me what’s going on with you and Cristo?”

Mya paused and looked at Paris with suspicion. “Nothing, why?”

“Do you really expect me to believe that? I think anyone can see that you’re hiding something.”

“It’s nothing,” she replied forcefully. “I’ve turned him down many times, but he keeps persisting.”

“If it’s a problem, Mya, you need to speak up. Persistence is harassment.”

“It’s under control,” she insisted.

“Okay, if you say so. Just remember, you can talk to me about it. I promise to listen and not judge.”

“I know, but there’s nothing to talk about.”

“Fine,” she replied, taking a breath. “Do you suppose we should start planning the next Touch a Heart Fest? It’s been over a year and I feel like I’ve let the community down.”

“I think that’s a great idea. We’ll let the seniors know we’re planning it, but we’ll take it slow, because you have a lot on your plate right now.”

“I’m fine with that. Let’s at least set a date and get the word out so the community knows. I need to make amends.”

“Sounds good. We can discuss it more on Monday.”

The girls continued to walk quietly, taking in their surroundings. They followed the path around the lake. When they finally returned to the cabin, it was ten after seven, and Vic was outside drinking a beer while he grilled chicken and vegetables.

“That smells delicious,” said Paris. “How long before it’s ready?”

“We’ll give ‘em another ten minutes. Will you two set the picnic table, please?”

“Sure thing,” replied Mya. She and Paris went inside to grab the necessities.

Returning with her hands full of condiments, Paris asked, “Did you sleep at all?”

Vic looked up at her. “Briefly.”

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