The Inn’s gift shop is quaint, with all sorts of Yellowstone-themed decor, T-shirts, a variety of hats, and Christmas ornaments. I’ve never been a souvenir kind of person, but I pick out a buffalo ornament that says YELLOWSTONE across one side and go to pay for it at the counter. As I’m waiting in line, I spot Johan in the lobby, now sporting jeans and a flannel shirt. His hair is pulled back into one of those man bun things, and, holy cow, he looks good.
I make my way out of the gift shop, pretending I haven’t noticed him until I nearly bump into his side. “Oh, hey,” I say, trying to sound surprised.
He smiles, and my stomach does a loop-de-loop. “Hey, Becka.”
I look up into the old wooden rafters, as if hoping they’ll tell me what to say next. I hadn’t thought that far ahead. “This is such a cool place. It really feels like we’ve stepped back in time.”
He nods, following my gaze. “It’s one of my favorite inns here.”
“I can see why.” I scramble to think of something else to talk about. “So, I enjoyed the hike today.”
“Good deal.” He glances around the foyer before noticing the married couple, Ben and Angie, and waving them over. My heart sinks a little. So much for that.
As we wait for the rest of our group, Johan tells us a little about the history of Old Faithful Inn, which is over a hundred years old. Again, I’m interested in the information, but I mostly just like to listen to the sound of his voice. If he needed a second job, he should consider doing audiobooks. I’d buy every single one of them.
When Phillip and his son, Chris, show up a few minutes later, we all start toward the adjoining restaurant.
“Has anyone seen the other girl?” Johan asks. “It’s K. J., right?”
“I haven’t seen her,” Sue says.
I start to answer, but then snap my mouth shut. She’s a big girl with an alarm on her phone just like me. Surely, she set it and will be here soon.
The restaurant is furnished with rugged tables and chairs that match the decor of the Inn’s rooms. Chandeliers made from deer antlers hang from wood beams on the ceiling, and the aroma of steak wafts through the air, making my stomach rumble. A hostess shows us to a large table, and as we settle into our seats, everyone grows quiet. It’s like we’re unsure of what to say now that we’re sitting face-to-face. The scenery gave people plenty to talk about on the hike today, but we’re all still basically strangers.
“I, for one, am having a beer,” Johan announces, and everyone seems to relax.
“Me too,” Phillip says.
“Me three,” Chris says.
I’ve never had so much as a drop of alcohol, but I wish I could say, me four.
A waiter comes to take our drink orders, but there’s still no sign of K. J. Ben and Angie each order a glass of wine, leaving me the only one with a nonalcoholic drink. Johan makes a joke about it, but when he winks at me right afterward, my heart skips a beat.
He glances at his watch again. “Maybe she’s just running a little late.”
Several people murmur their concern as the waiter returns to take our orders. I just shrug and order the lamb chops.
The alcohol seems to have a nerve-settling effect on everyone, and soon we’re all talking easily. Johan tells us what’s in store for tomorrow’s hike, and even though I’ve only had lamb chops cooked in red wine, I’m starting to feel all warm and fuzzy, too. I think it’s mainly because I’m sitting next to him. He’s wearing some kind of musky cologne that smells better than the food, and that’s saying something because the food here is outstanding.
I’ve completely forgotten about K. J. until we’re all standing to leave. She appears in the restaurant entrance, face flushed and her short hair sticking up on one side. Doesn’t the girl ever look in a mirror?
She strides toward us, moving in that gangly way of hers. Her eyes narrow in confusion or maybe annoyance. “Did you guys already eat?”
“Yah, we met at six,” Johan says. “Did you forget?”
“No.” Her eyes cut to mine. “I fell asleep and someone didn’t bother to wake me up.”
Crap. Here it comes.
“Who are you here with?” Johan asks, appearing surprised.
K. J. points a finger at me. “My lovely cousin here.”
Johan looks to me and then back at her. “You two are cousins? I didn’t realize you came together.”
“Yep,” K. J. says, her eyes shooting daggers at me.
Sue gives me a chastising look before turning to K. J. “You know what? I was thinking about ordering dessert and a coffee. I’ll stay here and eat with you.”
The corners of K. J.’s mouth lift ever so slightly. “Thank you, Sue. That’s very considerate of you.” Her eyes cut to mine again.
“Sorry,” I say, a little too late. “I thought maybe I should let you sleep. You seemed really tired.” It’s a lame excuse, but the only one I can think of on the spot. Internally, I cringe. I know how bad this looks. These other people have no way of knowing the situation with K. J. and me.
“Okay, everyone,” Johan says, turning the group’s attention away from me. “See you bright and early tomorrow morning in the lobby. Seven o’clock sharp.”
He glances back toward K. J. and Sue, seated at the table. K. J. gives a thumbs-up, and Sue, a nod of agreement.
“Good night,” Johan says before turning to leave.
I push my hands into my back pockets, following him toward the lobby. I try to think of something to tell him, some way to let him know I’m not a horrible person, but I’m not sure I can explain the
