Page 198 of Mountain Grump
Thisis why I don’t like working in the Visitor Center.
People.
Andthisis precisely why I traded duties with Liza today.
She wanted the air-conditioning. I wanted to wander around on my own, clearing trails and daydreaming about my Mountain Fairy.
Butno. This cocksucker with an attitude had to flag me down the second I exited the building to ask me where to find the buffalo.
I lift a hand and point in the opposite direction of where I’m going. “If you go about a quarter mile that way, you’ll find the Quail Trail. We’ve had a lot of wildlife sightings on that stretch in the past few weeks.”
“Like what?” One of the kids pipes up.
“Like chipmunks. Turkeys. Hawks.” I lean down a little. “Snakes.”
Their eyes widen. “Oooo.”
I nod, then straighten. “We also have bobcats, foxes, bears, deer, elk, mountain lions…”
“Cool!” Another kid inches closer.
“Very cool.” My tone is still even. But I agree. It is cool. “Just make sure to stay on the posted paths. And if you’re lucky enough to see an animal, don’t approach it.”
The dad sighs and reaches down to corral his offspring. “Thanks a lot.”He doesn’t mean it.
“You’re welcome.”I don’t mean it either.
Not looking at the wife, I turn and head down a trail that needs some maintenance.
I’ve never been this anxious to get through a day of work.
But I’ve also never had a wife before.
And my thoughts are consumed by her.
Since the day I met her.
And knowing she’s close, but out of reach… It makes my skin itch.
I start to slide my hand into my pocket, wanting to text her, but stop when I remember we haven’t exchanged numbers yet.
My steps slow.
I’m heading in the wrong direction, but I could find an excuse to go to the border fence on the other side of the park.
And I could stop by. For just a moment.
Check on her internet installation.
Make sure she’s okay.
I stop. But then I shake my head.
I’ll go after work.
That will have to be soon enough.
Chapter 106
