Page 57 of Pity Parade

I can’t help but get excited about that one. “That would be wonderful!”

“It sounds like you’re thinking of a full-on lodge experience,” Heath says.

“Why not?” Prim asks. “If you supply all the entertainment possibilities, then you become the destination.”

“How many units are you thinking?” he asks.

She shrugs. “I don’t know. That’s not my expertise, but if you put up a lodge, you should consider adding cottages for people who want a more rugged experience. You could even offer glamping tents.”

“Glamping tents?” She has my interest now.

“Yeah, you know, tents with real furniture so you’re essentially sleeping outdoors in total luxury.”

My mind starts spinning with possibilities. “You know, Heath, you could even offer singles’ weekends and make Elk Lake the Club Med of the Midwest.”

A wide smile takes over his face. “I could hire myself a matchmaker to help match people. I wonder if I know someone who might be interested?”

“You might,” I tell him. My mind is suddenly overflowing with ideas. While I’m not looking for more reasons to spend time with Heath, this might actually be a solid next step for me.

“I think we have a lot to consider,” Heath says. Then he asks, “Anyone here want to take a tour of my new property when we’re done with lunch?”

“I do,” Prim says enthusiastically.

“I’m in,” I tell him.

“Tim, Paige?” Heath asks.

“We have a doubles tennis match this afternoon,” Tim says. “But I’ll take a raincheck.”

“Me too!” Paige claps her hands together.

“We’re just in the idea phase,” Heath tells her. “But I’m getting excited about the possibilities.”

I am, too. Now if only I could find a guy to get serious with so I can get out of this stupid show Tom is trying to push on me, my life may actually be on a good path.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

TRINA

After lunch at the club, I tell Heath, “If I’m going to be tromping through the woods, I need to go home and change.”

Prim overhears and suggests, “You might want to wear long pants in case you brush up against poison ivy.”

“You’re wearing a short skirt,” I tell her.

“I’m a forester. I know what poison ivy looks like.” She’s got me there. I wouldn’t know it from a sprig of parsley.

Turning back to Heath, I ask, “Should I meet you there?”

He shakes his head. “No, we’ll drive to your place first and go out together.” Making eye contact with Prim, he asks, “Does that work for you?”

“Sure does,” she says. While Prim still seems to appreciate Heath’s overall manliness, she’s no longer flirting with him. Smart girl. Too many women think they can change a man’s mind about what he wants, only to get hurt themselves. Which is the very reason I need to stop having these crazy thoughts about Heath. Thoughts that suggest I could be the reason he gives love another chance.

Paige reaches out and touches my arm. “Can I ask you a quick question before you leave?”

I motion to Heath and Prim that I’ll catch up with them before asking Paige, “What’s up?”

“Do you want me to go ahead and contact the next name on the list? John Perry, I think it is.”

---