Page 23 of Shared By the Mountain Men

I was in high spirits as I ate pancakes, bacon, eggs, and crispy hashbrowns for brunch. Yesterday I’d felt like a burden, useless and incapable of even walking a mile without my ankle hurting. Now I was self-sufficient, riding around and doing whatever I wanted. I hadn’t realized how much I needed that independence, as little as it was.

And I had a date tonight!

When I broke up with my ex, I told myself I wasn’t going to date anyone for three months. My trek on the Colorado Trail was supposed to help with that goal; hiking all day and smelling like sweat and dirt wasn’t conducive to attracting men. But I didn’t consider my date with Noah real. I was only in town until my ankle healed. That put an irreconcilable guardrail on anything that happened with him. It couldn’t turn into anything serious, which left things light and casual. I could have as much fun as I wanted without worrying at all what itmeant.

There was a unique kind of freedom in that, too.

I finished my brunch and hopped on the bike, heading down Main Street toward the river trail. On the way, I passed an alleyway between two restaurants. A tall figure in a white apron was leaning against the brick, a cigarette dangling between his lips. He stood up a little straighter when he saw me.

Ash.

Not sure what else to do, I gave him a quick wave. He plucked the cigarette from his lips, watching me ride by. The last thing I saw was a respectful nod before the alleyway was out of sight again.

Neither of the restaurants was Marlene’s Diner. How many jobs did that guyhave?

Back at the campsite, there was a line of people at the main building waiting to check-in. This place was getting crowded. In addition to the seven colorful cabins, there was an entire network of rugged campsites in the woods along the river. I felt a pang of guilt wondering if Jack’s generosity was causing him to lose money.

When I got back to my cabin, I realized I had another problem. Not sure what else to do, I decided to tackle the problem head-on by texting Noah.

Me: I have a problem.

Noah: If you’re bailing on our date, it will make me the saddest doctor in Crested Butte.

Me: Aren’t you, like, the only doctor in Crested Butte?

Noah: Exactly.

Me: I’m not bailing, but my problem is related to our date. The nicest clothes I have are a pair of jeans, and a plain black T-shirt. Everything else is for hiking or camping.

Noah: Oh no. This is definitely a problem.

Me: CRAP!

Noah: We should probably cancel.

Me: Really?

Noah: Just kidding! This is Crested Butte, not Telluride. Jeans and a T-shirt are perfect attire for every restaurant here except the Elk Avenue Steakhouse, and we’re not going there.

Me: You’re really mean. Don’t you take an oath to do no harm?

Noah: Emotional harm doesn’t count. See you tonight!

With my wardrobe decided, I spent the hour before our date obsessing over my hair. The cabin had a blow dryer, but no curling iron or straightener. But after a lot of teasing, tugging, and playing, I managed to make my hair presentable for a date.

When the pick-up time came, I gazed out the window. Not only was Noah already here, but he was standing outside the main building chatting with Jack.

No, not chatting. Arguing.

Gritting my teeth, I left the cabin and walked over to them. Noah looked frustrated, but as soon as he saw me, his face brightened. “There she is.”

Jack’s grizzled features went blank.

“Am I interrupting something?” I asked.

“Nothing important.” Noah shot Jack a pointed look, then gave me a once-over. “You’re wearing that?”

I playfully glared at him. “Don’t even try to tease me about my clothing options. This is the nicest I can look without buying a dress in town.”

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