Page 24 of Mountain Grump
Since internet is probably out of my budget, and because I’m not picky about my entertainment, I opted to start with the top drawer, first on the left. Which is how I fell asleep toA Bug’s Life.
It’s summer, but man, it’s not hot up here at night at… whatever elevation this is. And since I was too lazy to get up for a blanket, my legs are cold.
I roll out my neck, then get to my feet and circle the coffee table. I’ll deal with the dishes tomorrow.
Rubbing my eyes, I make my way to the bathroom and pat myself on the back for putting my toothbrush in my purse, and not in some random box I have yet to open. I keep my eyes mostly closed while I brush my teeth, wanting to go right back to sleep, but as I sit on the toilet, I notice the same thing I’ve noticed all day.
The silence.
Not just quiet.Silence.
Bone deep. No sounds at all. Proof you’re completely alone, type of silence.
My nerves tingle and my heart rate picks up.
If only there was a local sexy ranger who wasn’t a total turd and could keep me company.
Hands washed, I turn off the bathroom light, then go back into the living room.
I know it’s locked.
I’m positive.
But I still move to the front door and make sure.
Then I make sure all the windows are latched.
Then I double-check that the door to the back deck is also locked, even though there are no stairs down to the ground fromthe deck. It’s not so high off the ground that someone couldn’t climb it.
When I’m positive every opening to the outside is secure, I turn off the living room lights.
But when I stop in front of the TV, I don’t turn it off. Instead, I hit Play on the DVD player.
The movie starts again as I walk intomy bedroom.
Maybe someday I’ll get used to the soundless nights out here on the top of a mountain.
But not today.
Not my first night.
Chapter 11
Tilda
“Yes!”I pump my fist in the air, then grimace when I see how close I came to smashing my knuckles against the counter.
Tempering my enthusiasm, I crouch lower and pull the vase out from under the kitchen sink.
Pretty wildflowers are growing in front ofmy house,and I want to bring some inside to cheer the place up.
It’s great that this place is bigger than anything I’ve ever had before, but it needs a little help in the personality department.
Standing, I glance over at the dead deer staring at me from the corner of the living room.
Air Budis playing on the TV, too quietly to cover my sigh.
I need to find a way to spruce that freaking deer up too.
