Two
The Note
I stared at the half-used paper as it peeked out of the typewriter and crossed my arms. This plot wasn't working very well. It had been going smoothly at first, but now my brain had hit a brick wall.
"Allison, I guess you file it for a later day." I pulled the paper out of the typewriter as I pressed my lips together. "Don't worry about it, my girl. You jotted down a bunch of great plots while in town. Why don't you start on one of those?"
I flipped absently through the pages of my notepad; none of the ideas really struck my fancy. How could I get into the character development if it didn't reach out and grab my interest? If it didn't interest me, I wouldn't be able to get the reader's interest either.
"Allison, there's hot water waiting for a tea bag on the stove. There's new titles on the kitchen counter waiting to be read." I stood and rifled through the titles. "Just take one of them, get yourself a mug, and curl up on the armchair in front of the fireplace."
I set one of the books on the arm of the recliner, and then sauntered to the kitchen to choose a mug and tea bag. While preparing the tea by the fireplace, I began to see that I probably wouldn't get much reading done either. My eyes kept straying to the figurine. Even after I had curled under a self-knitted afghan with a book in one hand and my tea in the other, my eyes strayed to the doe.
"What are you thinking, Allison?"
I shrugged, adjusted my position under the afghan, and tried to focus on the opening words of the prologue. My eyes drifted. "Why did he take the time to make me something so beautiful?"
We'd never met. We'd never even exchanged notes.
"Why would he make something like the figurine for a stranger?"
I pushed my lips to one side. "Can't figure it out, huh, Allison?" I shook my head with a slight scowl, examining the doe as I did so. "He's got your curiosity piqued now, and you won't be able to sleep a wink."
I changed my position so that my back was toward the figure and began reading again, but one thought stuck in my head: I wouldn't be satisfied until I tried to find his homestead.
"And how do you propose to do that? You don't even know which hillside he's on!"
I tilted my head so it rested against the back of the armchair and closed my eyes with a sigh. Does it really make a difference? The expectation of meeting him will make the entire trip worthwhile!
"But if I don't find him, it will make the entire trip all the more disappointing."
But think of the fun! You've never really adventured anywhere but the ridge and south of the house. Now you have an excuse to hike even further down the trails on the other side of the hillside. Think of the poems and story lines you could create!
"Okay, okay," I grumbled. I shifted my position in the armchair and let my eyes wander back to the doe. "Now what?"
I had to do something for him. Some little thing that would show how much I had appreciated what he'd done. My lips spread in a yawn, so I set my book on the floor and stretched. I wasn't getting much work done lately. Oh well. Maybe I needed a short break. I hadn't ever taken one that I could remember. The moment they signed me on at the publishing house I had started writing. Believe me, not even I knew how I'd done it without going nuts.
I stood and wrapped the afghan around me to head for bed. The fire would be out in the morning because I hadn't added any slow burning wood, but I was too confused and perplexed to worry about it. Besides, it didn't take all that much effort to start it in the morning. I slid under the covers, spread the afghan at my feet, and let out a deep breath.
The next morning didn't start out so great.
Even though I had thought the fire would start without a problem, that's all it gave me. Hassle. I finally gave up, convincing myself I'd deal with it when I got back from my little adventure. But my bad day didn't stop there. When I was pouring the milk on my cereal, my fingers slipped. Of course, the milk and bowl of cereal dropped to the floor, but only after covering me with my breakfast.
While changing my clothes, I ripped a hole in my turtleneck when my watch caught the armpit. With an exasperated sigh that sounded a lot like a sob, I threw the turtleneck onto my bed and grabbed a sweatshirt. Pulling it over my head with a rough motion, I succeeded in scratching my nose with the collar's seam. Finally, I sat on my bed and grabbed my pillow to hug it against my chest.
"Don't cry, Allison," I told myself. "You've had bad days before."
And it was the truth. I had found myself caught up in more than one bad day. So why did this one seem so much worse?
"Probably because you've made yourself get all flustered."
And that was an accomplishment that I hadn't boasted of often. I was usually so level-headed. So calm. Is there a reason I'm so out of sorts? I hid my face in my pillow and sniffed. I had let myself get agitated about a few upsets simply because I was eager to meet someone I had convinced myself was worth meeting. A friend.
"Allison... Get a hold of yourself, girl."
I took in a deep breath and forced myself to put all my concerns away. Getting worked up like that was so unlike me. I sat up, set the pillow aside, and stood with a determined set to my jaw. I am going to go on this little adventure - regardless of whom I might or might not meet. God and I will have an excellent time together, and I will see parts of this hillside that I haven't before.
With a curt nod, I made my way out to the living room, slipped into my hiking boots, and put on my wool-lined jacket. I checked to make sure the leather gloves were in the pocket, and then closed the door behind me.
"You ever think of getting a dog, Allison?"
I gave a shake of my head as I climbed in and started the Blazer. I had had this discussion with myself several times. I supposed it would be good for companionship. It might even keep me from looking so crazy when I talked to myself. And the dog could mellow me out a little. But... I shrugged.
So, my imaginary dog and me drove toward the other side of the hillside following a barely distinguishable path. I pulled over a couple times, fighting with my imaginary dog when it had the desire to lick my face, and pulled my binoculars out of their case. Pushing the invisible dog off my lap - for the third time - I scanned the hillside. No sign of a house or a small pillar of smoke.
"Well, Fido - or whatever your name is, dog - let's go a little further and try again."
And that's just what I did. It took about an hour, but I finally spotted it. 'Fido' was so excited he nearly jumped out my open window. I parked the Blazer and hopped out, letting my new imaginary dog chase after an invisible rabbit, and then started on the short hike to the mysterious Keith Tyler's cabin. Well, at least what I supposed to be Keith Tyler's cabin. Butterflies had actually formed in my stomach and my mouth was dry! The last time I remembered getting a reaction like this had been the first night I'd spent at the cabin. Unfamiliar with the territory, yet eager to get a taste of the new life, I had been as giddy as I was now.
"Interesting," I mumbled, totally oblivious of my imaginary dog's whereabouts.
I finally made it to the cabin and smiled. It looked like mine, except his had a slightly larger front porch. I made my way to the front door, knocked, and waited with bated breath for it to open...
It didn't.
I took in a deep breath as I reached out for the doorknob. The door opened without a sound, so I stepped in. Looking around the simple cabin brought a smile came to my face. I laughed. The floor plans of our cabins were almost exactly alike. The only visible difference was that his kitchen was on the opposite side of mine.
On the walls were photographs of wildlife, sunsets, geysers, and other natural phenomena. No pictures - that I could see - of family, friends, or other loved ones. I stepped over to the fireplace with a whispered "Wow" as I intensely examined the photographs. I noticed a printed name in the corner... "Darin McGovern. Hm." I looked again at the pictures as I took a step back. "Nice taste, Keith... Unless of course Darin's your roommate... Intriguing."
I took another step back and bumped a coffee table. "Oop."
I turned. Arranged neatly on said coffee table, and his kitchen counter for that matter, were carvings both finished and in the creative process. I came to stand by the kitchen counter and picked up the figure of a wolf baying at the sky. Easily as delicately designed as the doe.
"So we've got a pair of hardy fellows who are very creative and don't mind visitors..." I traced the line of the carving with a finger. "Allison, they're not here and you're not sure when they'll be back. What do you suggest?"
One side of my lips tilted upward as I looked around for a piece of paper. Stationary... on a roughly constructed table by the kitchen. I borrowed a pencil from a can in the center of the coffee table and made my way back over to the kitchen.
Keith, It seems God wishes us to pass each other as ships in the night. Who else knows best? I admired your carvings and photographs, so perhaps one day we can discuss them over a cup of hot tea? You're welcome at my cabin any time.
AllisonP.S. If this is in fact Darin's cabin and not Keith's, I loved your pictures and figurines. ^_^ And you can come to visit, too.
I read it again with a shrug. It sounded kind of hokey, but I was in a lazy mood and didn't feel like pouring out a heartfelt note for an absolute stranger... And his roommate. I placed the note under the carving of the wolf satisfied with the knowledge that one day we'd meet. Until then, I would be content with his notes of friendship and the knowledge that someone lived close by.
I smiled and headed back the way I came, my thoughts drifting in several different directions. When I made my way back to my cabin, I found another note on my kitchen counter. Drat! The note I had left under the doe carving was gone.
I had no idea that I would ever know someone of your talent. Your books are an enjoyment to read, and I've borrowed another one. I'm glad you liked the figure. It's a hobby. As for payment, reading your books and staying at your fire is enough.
Keith
My eyes twinkled as I lowered myself into the recliner in front of the now roaring fire. Lord, I prayed as I stared at the note, I want to meet this man. And for the first time in my 36 years, I wondered if a man would think I was pretty.
"Allison Campbell! Are you searching for acceptance based on outward appearances? That's not like you at all."
Growing up, I had always prided myself on my ability to care less about what those around me thought and more about how I looked to Jesus. Sure, most of the time I was blind as a bat to even my littlest faults, but I hadn't ever wanted to follow the crowd. I had always wanted to do my own thing. Maybe that was why my mom and I didn't talk much anymore. She'd been disappointed that I hadn't begun teaching full time. 'So many years you've invested in getting your degree in English,' she'd say. 'Why don't you see if there are any positions open?'
I shook my head and picked my book up off the floor from where I'd left it the night before. She just hadn't understood that even though I had felt God urging me to finish my schooling, the most powerful tug had been in the area of my writing. That didn't mean I wouldn't ever be a teacher, just not at this time in my life.
"I wish I could get her to understand that," I said. "It's all or nothing with me. I have to either be an author, or a teacher, or a wife.... I can't be all of them at the same time."
I headed to my bedroom to pick up the one and only afghan I would ever make, and made my way to the porch. Once I'd curled up on the wicker bench, I wrapped myself up in it and opened my book to read. A strangely strong sense of peace filled my soul so, smiling slightly, I lowered my book and closed my eyes in silent prayer and worship.
I woke to the feeling of a damp dishtowel being drug over my face. I lifted my hand to push away whatever it was and opened my eyes with a start when that hand encountered the soft head of a dog. I leaped from the wicker bench with a squeak and gazed down at the young black Labrador with wide eyes.
"Well, hello," I said as I looked down at it. It cocked it's head at me, as if wondering why I looked so startled, and then came a few steps closer to lick my outstretched hand. "I'm fine, thank you," I answered as I knelt. "And you?"
The 'puppy', if that's what he could be classified, licked my face this time. I laughed.
"I'll take that as a good answer," I told him, "but what are you doing out here?" He tilted his head at me once more. "Where's your papa?" He barked and put his feet up on the wicker bench so he could lick my face more completely. I gazed at him with a look of shock. "Me?" He barked again and wagged his tail.
Looking into his bright eyes, I fell in love with the adorable guy right off. Only one problem, I didn't have enough food for both him and myself. Do I dare go to town to get supplies for him, too? I rubbed him behind his ears and he tilted his head, pushing against my hand.
"I guess you like that," I told him. He didn't seem to hear me he 'liked' it so much. "Maybe that's an understatement," I laughed. "So what am I going to name you?" I released his ears, and he looked up at me expectantly. "Don't look at me. I haven't been around a dog for a decade. I don't know what to name you."
"Rawf," the dog barked.
I raised an eyebrow and crossed my arms. "Do you realize I just heard you say 'Ralph'? Now the people will have an excuse to say I'm crazy."
"Rawf," he barked again.
With a shrug, I patted the dog and headed into the house. "Okay then, Ralph, let's get us both some lunch and then we can make a list of groceries for the trip to town."
I heard the padding/ticking of Ralph's feet as he followed me.
"Okay there, you," I said as I opened the refrigerator door, "what do growing boys like you eat?"
He sat beside me, staring into the refrigerator as I did. Suddenly, he stood and sniffed a small white package. I unwrapped the package and saw a wonderful selection of venison steaks.
"I see you have good taste." I shut the refrigerator door, grabbed a knife, and proceeded to slice the venison into strips for him, setting them on a plate. Ralph watched me expectantly, his tongue licking his chops. "Oh come on, Ralph, you can't be that hungry."
He barked in response and inched a little closer, his eyes changing from mine to the plate. I withheld a laugh. I had thought having a dog would be nothing but hassle, but now I wasn't so sure. Maybe the joy Ralph brought would be worth the struggle.
"Just like kids, huh Ralph?" He tilted his head, and then stood on his back legs to place his front ones on the counter. I stroked his neck, and then placed the food on the floor for him. "There you go, Ralph. Enjoy. Tomorrow, you and I will go to town for winter supplies as well as lots of goodies for you. Doesn't that sound fun?"
Ralph looked up, and then resumed his eating. I shook my head with a smile, retrieved my afghan and book from the front porch, and then sat at the kitchen table to start the winter shopping list.
Tomorrow would be a long day.
But, with Ralph present, somehow the day seemed to go by faster. I know it sounds silly, but Ralph's presence made a big difference. When I went to bed the night before, he laid beside the bed close enough for me to touch his back if my hand fell from the covers. In the morning, he licked my hand to wake me up and then lay outside the bathroom door waiting for me to emerge from my shower.
It gave me a warm feeling to know someone waited for me.
I fed him some of my oatmeal, which he absolutely loved, then loaded him into the Blazer and headed for town. All the while, Ralph had his head in my lap and listened to my endless chatter about all the things we'd get for him. He sighed a couple times. The puppy probably thought his ears were going to fall off. When we arrived in Baker, he was ready to explore the town.
I hadn't had the heart to tell him he'd have to wait in the Blazer while I shopped. He'd have pouted the entire trip to town! So, instead, I broke the news to him as I pulled up in front of the pet store. He blinked at me, and then laid down in the back seat with his chin on his paws.
"Gee, Ralph," I said as I patted his head, "I'm sorry. I'll be as quick as I can."
And I was quick. It only took about 30 minutes. I loaded all the things into the back and then drove for the super market. I'd made out a list for winter supplies, so I decided to get them now and not come to town next month.
"I just hope I figured right," I muttered as I stopped the Blazer. Ralph whimpered and I sent him a sad look. "I'm sorry, Ralph, but I've got to get our supplies. It would be awful if I ran out of food for us when the snow was up past the window sill."
He whimpered again, so I rubbed him behind the ears. I felt bad leaving him in the car again, but there was no way I could take him in with me... is there? My lips twisted in a smile and a feeling of anticipation jittered my insides. I opened the door of the Blazer and gave Ralph a smile. He gazed at me a moment before leaping down to look up at me with his head tilted to one side.
"Would you like to come in with me, Ralph?" His ears perked up, and I rubbed his neck. "Come on."
Slinging my large leather bag over my shoulder, I started toward the store with Ralph at my side. Once inside, he sat every time I stopped, looking this way and that as if watching for the store manager. Me? I couldn't believe I was openly flaunting Ralph in public. I mean, everyone knew it was against health codes to allow dogs into a grocery store. What am I thinking? I could be kicked out of the store without my groceries, and then where would I be?
I put a few more things from my list into the cart and continued shopping. What am I going to do when the manager comes? Am I really going to tell him or her that I simply didn't wanted to leave my dog in the car? I laughed and placed a few more supplies in the cart.
"Allison, since when did you become such a rebel?"
Ralph tilted his head, but continued to walk beside me. I received a few scathing glances, but I simply ignored them. I'd been ignoring people for years, so it wasn't all that hard to ignore their looks about Ralph.
"Excuse me, miss," came a voice behind me.
I turned and gave the tall gentleman a smile. "Yes?"
"You know that animals aren't allowed in the store, don't you?"
The smile never left my face. "Of course I know that."
"Then why have you brought your dog with you?"
"Well, I could say that I'm training him to be a Seeing Eye dog."
"Oh."
The gentleman had such an abashed look on his face that I touched his arm briefly. "But I'm not. He's simply a dog that decided to adopt me yesterday."
"Miss, you can't have him in here."
"You explain that to him," I said to the man. I pointed to Ralph who promptly changed his gaze to the young manager. "I tried to tell Ralph that he wasn't allowed, but he looked at me as if I had betrayed him somehow. So you tell him he can't be in here with me."
The manager looked helplessly down at Ralph, and I smiled.
"I'm not saying I'm in the right here, but I've been shopping at this store every month since the day it opened. Couldn't you look the other way just for one day each month?" I looked over at Ralph a moment. "Ralph, I don't think he's going to bend the rules for you. You'll have to stay in the car."
"Miss, I don't know what to say."
My gaze changed from Ralph to the young manager. "It's only an hour and a half, at the most, one day per month," I said quietly. "And Ralph stays at my side the entire time without uttering a sound."
"Well, they do say customer service is everything... All right, miss."
I watched the manager walk away and rubbed Ralph behind the ears. "You heard me, Ralph. Not a sound and you stay right by my side."
And I couldn't believe I'd talked my way into the grocery store with a dog!
I took my time getting home. Ralph and I were so busy laughing about my escapade at the grocery store that we just couldn't rush the trip. When we did pull up the final 50 yards to the house, I saw a shadow begin to make its way down the stairs. I stopped the Blazer and leaped out, determined to catch the person before they disappeared into the night. It had to be Keith. Ralph apparently had the same idea, because he took off after the shadow as well and plunked himself down directly in front of him at the bottom of the steps.
"Hi," I called as I made my approach.
"H-hello," came the hesitant reply.
I came up to the man, and my smile widened. A nicer looking man I had never seen. Medium length brown hair, blue eyes, and a scruff of a five o'clock shadow that finished off the 'Grizzly Adams' appearance. His voice matched his appearance: deep and rough but with an underlying gentleness.
"I'm Allison Campbell." I pulled off my leather gloves and presented a hand. "You've already met Ralph."
He shook my hand slowly, then looked down at Ralph and patted his side. Ralph opened his mouth and 'smiled' up at him.
"I hope you weren't waiting long. Ralph and I had a little adventure at the grocery store, and we were laughing about it. Otherwise, we would have been home sooner."
"Th-that's all right," he said.
I cleared my throat, actually feeling a bit unsure as to how I should entertain my first unrelated guest, and gestured toward the house.
"Would you like to come in for tea or coffee?"
"N-no, th-thank you."
I examined his facial expressions as he spoke, and then my eyes twinkled. The stutter was natural, not because he was frightened of Ralph. It was a speech impediment. How charming, I thought. I put my gloves back on and sent the man a smile.
"Well, I've got to unload the supplies from the back of the Blazer. I'd ask Ralph to help, but he hasn't quite got the hang of it yet."
"It's no p-problem," he told me with a grin. "I-I'll help."
"Wonderful!"
An understatement, definitely.
The stranger and I laughed and smiled as we unloaded the Blazer - I can't remember what we talked about - and when he began to help me put the things away, I knew it had to be Keith. Why else would he know where everything went? And why else would he have been there? After we finished packing everything away, I showed him to the couch and sat beside him.
"Thanks a lot for helping," I said. "I've never known unloading groceries could be so fun. Are you sure you didn't mind?"
He laid back and spread his arms along the back of the couch. "N-not at all, Allison."
My eyes twinkled even brighter. It was Keith! Why else would he feel so at home in my house? Why else would he have no problem remembering my name? "So, are you going to tell me your name, or leave me with a silver bullet wondering 'who was that masked man?'"
"S-sorry. The n-name's Darin. Darin McGovern."
My smile vanished. "Oh."
The smile left his face as well, and he suddenly looked very uncomfortable.
Well how in the world... Oh well. I sent Darin a smile. "Then you took me up on my invitation!" I chuckled. "I'm glad, too. I don't like unloading groceries, and I don't get many good Samaritans up here." My eyes brightened, and he seemed to relax. "In fact, I don't get many Samaritans at all: good or bad."
"N-no one at all?"
I raised my shoulders in a slight shrug. "Okay, the past couple days a nice man has been leaving notes for me." I pointed to the doe figurine. "And he carved that, but other than him.... In fact," I continued as I looked over at him again, "I thought you were him. And I thought your place... that was your place, right?"
Darin nodded.
"Well, obviously, I thought that was his place, too." I laughed, enjoying the jitters and the talking too much. "Oh well."
"D-do you mind m-me asking how l-long you've been up h-here?"
I smiled, trying to ignore how adorable the stutter was, and rose. "I've lived up here for almost eleven years." I headed into the kitchen and brought down a teapot and a percolator. "Care for some?"
"N-no thanks," he said as he stood. "I've got to get back b-before it gets t-too much later."
I set the pots down and followed him to the door. "Are you sure?" The truth was, whether he happened to be Keith or not, I wanted some company.
"Y-yes. I'll t-try to stop b-by later."
I followed him out the door and down the stairs. "You don't need a ride?"
He turned and gave me a big, boyish smile. Then he turned and headed off into the darkness. I looked down at Ralph with a sigh, and then went back in the house.
"Well, Ralph, it looks like I missed Keith again," I said as I picked up a note from under the doe figurine. I didn't know why I hadn't noticed it before.
Allison,
I was so eager to discuss your books that I made my way to your house as early as possible. I still missed you, but I won't give up. We'll meet one day.
Keith
I smiled and curled up on the couch, Ralph lying at my feet with a sigh. My life was becoming more and more interesting. Not only had I met a faceless man who did wonderful carvings and enjoyed reading my books, but I had also met a shy man with a charming stutter and a compassionate personality.
"What to do, what to do," I mumbled as I fingered the note.
I shrugged playfully and stretched out, my hands behind my head. There was a knock, and I sat up with a start. I stood and hurried to the door, Ralph rushing after me with his tail wagging. It could be Keith! With a deep breath to calm myself, I slowly opened the door.
"Darin!" I laughed. I stepped out of the way. "You said you would try to stop by, but I had no idea it would be this quickly."
"I'm s-sorry--"
I waved a hand, kicking myself for making fun of him when I was supposedly happy to see him. "Oh don't be. I'm glad you came back. I haven't had many people to talk to, you know. Poor Ralph has probably gone deaf in one ear from all the noise."
He laughed, and I couldn't help but smile. Have you ever heard one of those laughs that sends tidal waves of happiness through you 'just because'? That was what his was like. It was a combination of a bunch of corny things mixed together. Like laughing brooks, smiling rays of sunshine, and playful puppies. I had never known anything like it and knew it wouldn't be easy to forget.
My eyes followed him as he made his way over to my table to pick up a camera and a walking stick. I blinked.
"Hello," I said, feeling very much the idiot, "I didn't even see those things there. I'm sorry. If I had, I would have made sure you had them before going."
"Are you still offering that ride?"
I blinked again, and then I smiled wide. "Oh! Yes, yes. Of course. Let me get my coat and we can go."
He got my coat from the recliner before I could get to it and held it out for me to slip into. My eyes widened and he grinned at me. This guy was too much. If he kept going the way he was, I wouldn't be able to keep from asking him to marry me.
"Come on," he said with a boyish twinkle in his eyes. "H-haven't you been helped into a j-jacket before?"
If he'd only known how close he was to the entire truth, I would have died of embarrassment on the spot. I pushed away the rising fear, reminding myself that God would take care of it just fine - and me along with it.
Slipping my arms into my jacket sleeves, I could have sworn he took in a deep breath of my hair. I shrugged it off, attributing it to my over-active imagination. He held the door for me, and I smiled at him. I made my way to the Blazer, Darin trailing close behind.
"How long have you been living up here?" I asked as we climbed in to the Blazer. Ralph jumped in before me, making himself comfortable between us.
"F-Five years."
"Really? Wow. I'm surprised I haven't ever met you before. I do a lot of hiking around here."
Ralph rested his head on Darin's lap, and I chuckled.
Darin met my three-hundredth glance his direction. "He l-likes me," he said.
"I noticed," I laughed. "He's a very loving puppy. I've enjoyed having him around."
Darin scrubbed Ralph behind his ears.
"How often do you come out this way?" I asked.
"I've been over this way a c-couple times."
"So you'd seen my cabin around and finally decided to visit?"
Darin nodded and glanced over at me. "Yep. It was the f-first time I'd s-seen another person f-for awhile," he said. "In f-fact, I heard you chopping w-wood one day."
I laughed. Mostly because I was humiliated that he'd heard me talking to myself. But the fact that I had been caught doing such a 'manly' thing so well was the other. How could I convince anyone that I was really a sensitive person if his or her first impression of me was Paulette Bunyan?
"Oh boy. Now I'm embarrassed," I found myself admitting.
"Why?"
I had always hated that question.
"I don't know," I said self-consciously. "I guess the fact that you've seen me in my not so genteel glory has me at a disadvantage."
He stared at me, and I turned to watch him for a second. When he smiled wide, I looked back at the trail.
"I don't s-see it that way at all."
The blush hit me like a lava flow. "Why thank you. That's sweet." That's an understatement.
Every single second that passed as I made my way to his cabin had me more and more positive that I wanted to get to know this gentleman a lot more. There had to be a reason God had led me to meet him and not Keith Tyler.
"So, those figurines..." I sent him a glance. "Do you know Keith Tyler? Because they definitely look like his work. Does he sell them in Sumter?"
Darin cleared his throat as he concentrated on rubbing at a specific spot behind Ralph's ears. "Yeah. K-Keith sells them in B-Baker and Sumter, a-and he even s-ships some to Portland and Oregon City."
"Really? Wow." I continued to glance in his direction, watching his profile - a very attractive profile, I might add - as he continued to stroke and pet Ralph's head. "You guys are chums then?"
"In a m-manner of s-speaking..."
I arched an eyebrow.
We arrived at his cabin then, and Ralph jumped out Darin's open window to begin barking and bounding around the Blazer. Darin chuckled and I laughed as we climbed down from the Blazer. He came around to my side and held the door open, then shut it and followed quietly beside me. The silence didn't feel the same as it had before, either.
I sent him a couple sidelong glances as we ascended the steps. Then he halted outside the door and scrubbed at the back of his neck.
"What's wrong?" I found myself asking.
He lowered his arm to his side with a quick breath and then extended a hand. I blinked down at it for a moment before taking it with a curious glance up at him.
"Nice to meet y-you, Allison," he said. "My n-name's Keith Tyler."