Page 17 of Neighbors' Omega
“That’s a serious look on your face,” a familiar voice said from the counter.
I turned and grinned. Shane stood there, as ruggedly handsome as the first day I’d met him.
“Hey, what’s up?” I asked, rolling my chair over.
He smiled and leaned on the counter. “So this is sudden, but are you free this weekend?”
I blinked. “Yeah… why?”
He ran a hand along the back of his neck. “Do you want to go up to Mountain Springs with me? It’s the last weekend for the mountain coaster this year, and I want to get one more ride in.”
I cocked my head to one side. “Why me?”
His smile was soft. “You seemed interested when I mentioned it during the spring. The others are all busy this weekend, and since I’m going anyway, I thought I’d invite you.”
I chuckled. “And you were so excited you had to come to my work, rather than chat at home?”
He laughed, then quickly slapped a hand over his mouth when he realized how loud it was. He removed his hand a moment later and spoke in a soft tone. “I wanted to book a room before they sell out. It’ll probably be a busy weekend, and it’s a small enough town that they fill up quickly.”
“I see.”
“So… should I book you a separate room?”
I licked my lips, then shook my head. “I don’t mind sharing, just as long as you get two beds.”
He grinned. “I can do that. Leave Friday evening and return on Sunday ok?”
I nodded. “Sounds good. How much will I owe?”
“My treat.”
I held my hands up in protest. “I can’t let you do that!”
“We’ll figure it out. Maybe you can cover some gas or meals.”
“Ok.”
Another dazzling grin. “Great! I’ll give you details this evening.”
“Ok.”
Shane stood and did a little shimmy. “Mountain coaster time!”
I smiled and watched as he walked out.
“Guess I’m going on a trip this weekend,” I laughed under my breath.
∞∞∞
“Two, please,” I said to the young woman in the booth.
“Twenty dollars,” she responded.
I pulled out my wallet and passed over a credit card. She swiped it, and handed it back.
“Enjoy the ride,” she said with a smile.
“Oh, we will!” Shane declared. “This is the best mountain coaster west of the Mississippi.”
