by Carol Ross
“But I saw you last Sunday night at the inn, in the restaurant...” Her eyebrows drifted up, urging him to fill in the blank.
“Soo...?”
“Cricket, she kissed you.”
“What are you...?” He shook his head as if trying to recall the moment. “Oh. That.”
“Yeah, that.”
Chuckling, he finished the thought. “Was a friendly thank-you type kiss. You know how...demonstrative Ashley can be.”
She did know.
With gorgeous green eyes full of sincerity, he said, “Listen, Hazel, even if I were interested in her, which I am not, I would never do that to you, or to Iris, for that matter. Or make things difficult for Seth. Your mom doesn’t care for her either, by the way.”
That made her smile a little. “I know. Mom always says that she can forgive, but that doesn’t mean she has to forget. I think I get that from her.”
“I think you do, too.”
“You know what? It’s a relief that you two aren’t together.” That was a severe understatement. She was trying to tamp down the elation, reminding herself that it wasn’t like he was redirecting his affection toward her instead.
“Is it?” he asked, and she could not read his stony expression.
“Yes!” she gushed, realized how that sounded, and then quickly qualified, “Because, well, you know, like you said, it might be weird for our family.”
“I see,” he said, his eyes searching hers. Then he looked down at his empty cup, swirled it around. “Making things difficult for your family is the last thing I would ever want to do.”
That still left the question of what in the world he and Ashley had been doing together all day. And why he seemed so broody. She was about to ask when Kai appeared in the doorway.
“Hey, team!” he called, lifting a hand and coming over to join them. “Everyone is up and around. I just saw Ashley in the dining area, finishing her breakfast. Here I thought I was early, and it looks like I’m late.”
* * *
MINUTES LATER, ASHLEY joined them, and Cricket had to admit that, selfishly, he wasn’t disappointed that she’d missed her flight. Now he wouldn’t have to be the irritable third wheel, watching Kai interact with Hazel for the entire day.
A snafu with Ashley’s paperwork had delayed her visit with Roy for several hours. There were only two commercial flights out of Juneau to Anchorage, and the last one had been full. Catching this morning’s flight meant a long layover that would have only delivered her home a few hours quicker than if she waited and went back with them.
She’d been a good sport about staying over, cheerfully informing him that she always traveled with a few essential toiletries—spare underwear, socks and a tube of mascara. They’d stopped at a store so she could get the rest of what she’d needed for a comfortable night. Cricket had given her the option of hanging out on her own today, but she’d chosen to spend the time helping them scout locations, which he also appreciated.
Hazel looked up from the list she’d been studying and said, “Kai and I toured several of these lodging options yesterday afternoon and evening, so we’re confident that we are looking for the same things. What does everyone think about splitting up into pairs to check out the rest? If we divide these remaining places, we can probably finish by late afternoon.”
“Works for me,” Kai said.
“Sure,” Ashley agreed.
Cricket nodded. Worked for him, too.
“Great,” she said, producing a pen and making little marks on the map she held. “We’ll plan on meeting for a bite somewhere around noon or one, depending on how things go. We’ll figure out the where later.” She handed Kai the paper.
“Sounds like a plan,” Kai said and flashed Cricket an easy smile. “We’ll get it done. Even if we do have one more on our list than you.”
Wait... Why was he looking at Cricket like that? Surely, Hazel didn’t mean for Cricket to hang out with him all day?
Hazel answered, “Just text if you guys are running late, which you probably will be because you insist on checking out a place that I already know will be a dud.” She was obviously teasing Kai, and Cricket realized he was witnessing another of their inside jokes. The ones that made him want to lock Kai in the supply closet without the phone that he seemed to love more than Hazel. Maddening.
Hazel flashed an encouraging smile at Ashley. “And, Ashley, thank you for helping us out. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. Kai will explain what we’re aiming for here. But your opinion is extremely valuable to us, so feel free to point out any little thing, good or bad.”
Cricket felt his irritation melting slightly because Hazel’s kindness toward Ashley was endearing.
“You got it!” Ashley responded enthusiastically. “Although, everything is going to look like a palace after spending all day at the prison yesterday, right?” she joked.
“Prison?” Kai looked completely confused.
“Where?” Hazel asked at the same time.
Ashley looked at Cricket. “You didn’t tell them?”
“No way, Ashley. That’s your business.”
Her expression transformed with gratitude. “You are, like, the nicest person—do you know that?” She reached out and squeezed his arm. To Kai, she said, “Cricket took me to Otter Creek Correctional Facility to see my ex-husband, Roy. He’s locked up there, and I had some things that I needed to say to him.”
“I am so sorry, Ashley,” Kai said, radiating sincerity. Cricket instantly liked him better for it. “That must have been rough.”
“I’m sorry, too, Ashley,” Hazel said. “I had no idea.”
“Thank you, guys.” Ashley nodded. “I appreciate the support. It was not fun.” Blinking rapidly, she mustered a smile. “So, now I am ready to go do something constructive and take my mind off it. Let’s go critique some hotels!” She raised her arms as if victorious.
They all laughed.
Then Hazel looked at him. “Cricket, you’re with me. Ready?”
“Sure,” he said. And just like that, his day got a whole lot better.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
WITH HAPPINESS FLUTTERING inside of her, Hazel practically skipped along the sidewalk next to Cricket as she absorbed the morning’s revelations. Cricket and Ashley were not together. She knew her relief was excessive, but she didn’t care.
Sympathy for Ashley was mixed in there, too, and she felt the need to clarify a few details. “You took Ashley to see her ex-husband in prison yesterday? That’s what this whole thing was about for her. It also explains where you were all day yesterday, and why you weren’t helping us, and why you didn’t want to tell us.”
“Uh, let’s see... Yes, to all.”
“I thought you—” She abruptly halted her thought in midsentence. “You genuinely are a good person—you know that?”
“That’s kind of you to say, but I’m just glad I finally got to put all my prison experience to good use,” he joked.
“How did you even know her ex was there? Did Lee tell you?”
“It’s a long story, but it was kind of the opposite.” He explained about Roy inquiring about Lee and everything that came after. “Eventually, I offered to bring her to Otter Creek with me. I was supposed to see Lee yesterday, too.”
“What do you mean, you were supposed to? What happened?”
“When I got there, I found out he’d been released.”
“Released? When? Why wouldn’t he have told you?”
“Ten days ago, and I don’t know.”
Hazel was curious about this, too. That photo of Lee had her thinking. She didn’t want to be intrusive, but she also wanted to be supportive. “Is that unusual for him? Not to let you know where he is?”
“Yes, it is. He moves around a lot. We’ll go weeks or maybe even a month at a time without talking, but he always lets m
e know. Gives me a phone number. I called a few of his buddies that I had contact information for, got through to one voice mail. Left a message. Also left a message for his ex-girlfriend, Toni.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. I accepted a long time ago that this is how it is. I’m sure I’ll hear from him eventually. Right now, I agree with Ashley—ready to get my mind off it.” He halted in front of a two-story green building with white trim. A dapper-looking snowman stood next to the hotel’s sign, complete with a top hat, plaid scarf and a carved walking stick. “Is this the place?”
* * *
NEARING LUNCHTIME, HAZEL and Cricket had toured all the lodging options on their list. Their top two choices were the same, although they had them in the opposite order. Hazel suggested they find out Kai’s and Ashley’s favorite picks at lunch, and then the four of them could tour the top three or four together.
But then Kai texted, raving about Duke’s Pine Lodge. Good news, he added, they had a restaurant, too, and could Hazel and Cricket meet him and Ashley there for lunch? They agreed. Since the lodge was located a few miles outside town, Hazel ordered a ride, and they were soon on the way.
At first glance, she had to agree that the modest-size log cabin nestled among a pretty stand of trees on the edge of a small lake appeared idyllic. As they got closer, she could see the groomed surface with ice-skaters enjoying the day.
Adding to the lodge’s list of pros was the beautiful picnic area with a gazebo near the water’s edge. Hiking trails led into the nearby hills. The sign said that one path ended at a scenic waterfall. In the summer, they had kayaks, canoes and fishing gear on hand for the guests to enjoy. Snowshoes, skates and cross-country skis were available in the winter.
Duke’s had all the amenities they were after plus more, including two hot tubs, a sauna and a small but state-of-the-art fitness center. The stylishly decorated interior reflected the latest in country chic. Several cozy sitting areas were designated where guests could read, sip a drink or enjoy the scenery. There was even a “wildlife viewing station” complete with two high-powered spotting scopes mounted on tripods.
After a good long look around, she had to agree with Kai’s assessment; the place was perfect. They spoke to the owner, who was also the manager, and she seemed eager to work out an arrangement for their tour groups. Hazel promised to be in touch with details.
She took a moment to revel in their success in Juneau. Between this place and the Inn at Gold Bend, they were set with lodging for the most critical portions of what they’d tentatively dubbed the Coastal Gold Tour.
“Nice call, you,” Hazel said to Kai, reaching out for a fist bump.
“Thanks,” he replied humbly. “I almost took your advice and skipped it.”
“Good thing you didn’t.” To Cricket, she explained, “I didn’t think we needed to look at this place. Juneau is so charming and fun that I thought we’d want something within walking distance of downtown. But Kai insisted on adding this place to his list.”
“The Peace & Quiet Hotel would have worked, too,” Cricket said. His gaze meandered around like he wasn’t as impressed as she knew he was.
“Not as well as this place,” she felt the need to point out. Because poor Kai, she thought, trying so hard to impress the boss who seemed determined to be indifferent. She needed to find out what Cricket’s problem was where Kai was concerned.
“Mmm. Maybe,” he said noncommittally. “Let’s eat.”
They enjoyed a delicious celebratory lunch in the dining room, which was as charming as the rest of the establishment, decorated with local artwork in an attractive mix of watercolor paintings, metal sculptures and mixed-media prints. All of it with a hip Alaska vibe.
Their server, a friendly, efficient young man Hazel estimated to be in his early twenties, approached their table with a dessert menu. “So, I highly recommend the Klondike blondie with the apple-butter sauce or the mountain moose chocolate cake. Or, if you folks are the adventurous types, you could try our hot spiced skate?”
“Your what?” Ashley asked.
With a dramatic sweep of one arm toward the lake, he said, “We’ll give you a to-go cup of our hot spiced cider, a giant snickerdoodle cookie and a skate rental. Superfun!”
Ashley’s face broke into a grin. “That’s funny. Kai and I were just talking about ice-skating. He loves skating but hasn’t been in forever. And I never get to skate anymore without kids.”
“I messed around with it a bit when I was younger. Had a few lessons,” Kai revealed. “I’m not bad.”
Waggling her brows, Ashley looked from Hazel to Cricket and back again. “We finished our scouting early, right? So, we can spare an hour or so? What do you guys say, four of the hot spiced skates?”
“Works for me,” Hazel agreed. Why not have a little fun while they were here?
* * *
LIKE MOST PEOPLE he knew, Cricket enjoyed ice-skating. Like most of the men, and plenty of the ladies, he’d grown up with, he preferred doing it with a hockey stick in his hand and someone to bodycheck. But after spending the day with Hazel, his spirits were high, and he certainly wasn’t going to be a killjoy. Especially since Hazel was an excellent skater; she’d even taken figure-skating lessons when she was young.
And even though he knew it wasn’t the most selfless motivation in the world, he relished the notion of being better at it than Kai. Hazel’s blatant attempts to prop the guy up were grating on his nerves.
He’d just sat down to put on his skates when his phone began to vibrate with an incoming call. He dug into his pocket for his phone. Hazel was beside him, tying her laces. Kai and Ashley were seated on the next bench over, sipping hot cider and chatting like old friends.
Despite what he’d told Hazel, Cricket was concerned about Lee. He couldn’t help it. There’d been plenty of times during Cricket’s childhood when his brother had been there for him. To scrounge up money for a pair of shoes, fix a hot meal or help him with homework.
Later, when Cricket was trying to make it on his own, Lee would, miraculously, after being gone for weeks, show up with groceries or rent money. Doing the best he could with the example he’d had, which wasn’t much. Lee hadn’t had a friend like Tag or a family like the Jameses to support him. He’d had only Frank Blackburn to rely on, and Cricket believed he would have been better off with nothing.
That was why when he saw the unknown number, he said, “I’m going to take this in case it’s Lee.”
“No problem,” Hazel said. “We’ll meet you on the ice.”
It wasn’t Lee. But it was Lee’s ex-girlfriend Toni, who informed him that Lee owed her two hundred dollars and had promised to fix her car. But she missed him, and so did her dog, Jellybean; she had a box full of his mail, and did Cricket know where the keys were to the camper he’d left on her property?
When Toni paused for a breath, Cricket managed to ask a few questions of his own. None of her lengthy answers proved helpful, but she seemed like a nice woman, and he assured her that he’d pass on her message. He ended the call and headed back toward the pond.
Just in time to see Hazel gliding toward Kai at lightning speed. Angled slightly away, Kai appeared unconcerned. Did he even see her?
Fear grabbed hold of him and squeezed like a vise. “Haze, Haz-zel, Haze-el,” he murmured, hurrying toward the pond, but his skates were bulky. Slow. She and Kai were too far away. Too far to even hear him shout. He couldn’t get there. For several eternity-mimicking seconds, he felt as though his heart had stopped. He braced himself for the inevitable collision...
But then, in a graceful, fluid motion, Kai reached toward Hazel, she flew up into the air and... And that’s when Cricket realized what was happening. A figure-skating lift. A few lessons, huh? That freaking...Date!
Kai hoisted Hazel high above his head and spun a tight circle. Like a pro, he set her gently bac
k onto the ice, and hand in hand, smiling like a pair of, well, figure skaters, they cut a wide, sweeping arc. Then they rolled out a series of fluid dance steps, ending with another spin that had them all coiled together.
Finally, Kai wrapped an arm around Hazel’s shoulders, squeezed her toward him and then turned, skating backward, and slowly pulled her into a hug, floating gracefully across the ice the entire time. The crowd clapped and whistled and cheered. They took a bow.
Cricket stood, immobile yet shaken. Some sort of switch turned off inside of him, or on, or possibly it short-circuited? Whatever. It had him turning around and heading back to the bench. Bending at the knees, he sat, then leaned over and placed his forearms on his thighs. Breathing deeply, he tried to recover. Unsuccessfully. He couldn’t do this. Removing his skates, he put on his boots and returned to the lodge to wait. To think.
Stew. Fret. Agonize.
Only in retrospect did he realize that probably wasn’t the wisest course of action.
* * *
WHEN A HALF hour passed since his phone call and Cricket still hadn’t appeared, Hazel grew concerned. Eventually, after looking everywhere outside, she swapped her skates for her boots and finally found him inside the lodge. Seated in the Moose Lounge, one of the lodge’s viewing areas, he looked pale and troubled as he frowned out the window.
He didn’t move as she approached and took a seat across from him. “Hey, everything all right? You disappeared on us. Did you get some bad news about Lee?”
Setting his face to blank, he looked up at her and answered with a soft, “Yeah. No, I’m fine. No news.”
“You don’t look fine. I know I told you I wouldn’t ask about your feelings anymore.” She tried to make it sound light, but something was wrong, and she couldn’t stay quiet. “But this is me asking as a friend. Are you okay?”
He stared hard at her for a few long seconds, and now Hazel could see the tension radiating from every inch of his six-foot-three-inch frame. But she couldn’t figure out what any of it meant.