We’re headed down to the much appreciated continental breakfast when we notice Gage and Kate are checking out of the hotel very early. Gage is shaking and his face is void of all natural color.
“What’s going on?” Hunter asks.
“We have to get back to Stillwater. Angie was in a car wreck late last night,” Gage says. I dig around in my memory and realize Angie is his girlfriend.
“Oh, no. Is she all right?” I ask. Judging from his appearance, I’m guessing no.
“She’s in Intensive Care so I need to get back home,” he says. He runs his hand through his already unkempt hair. “Some guy ran a red light and T-boned the car. Thankfully, it was the passenger side and nobody else was in the car, but it still bounced her around pretty hard.”
“Good luck and let us know how she’s doing,” Hunter says.
“Thanks. I will,” Gage says.
I can’t believe it’s not quite seven in the morning and Kate looks stunning. Her hair is pulled back in a long braid and I’m almost certain she doesn’t have an ounce of makeup on. She is wearing a fitted T-shirt and khaki pants, the first practical storm chasing outfit I’ve seen her in. And now she has to turn around and go home for who knows how long.
“I have an idea,” I say. Everybody stops and looks at me. I guess I said that out loud.
“Since this is Kate’s first season, she’s more than welcome to chase with us until you are able to head back out again, Gage. We could meet up somewhere when you are back in action.” My palms are sweating. I hope everybody takes it as a goodwill gesture and not some sinister plot to get Kate alone in a car in the middle of nowhere. I push that lustful thought back and put on my serious educator face. “She would be responsible for her own hotel room and food. Trust me, you don’t want to be in a room with the three of us.” I finally turn my attention to Kate. She stares at me for a full ten seconds before saying anything. I realize I’m holding my breath. I exhale and listen.
“If you and Hunter don’t mind. I think that’s a great idea.”
I manage not to look at Hunter or grin, which is a major feat.
“That’s a great idea. More eyes to the skies,” Hunter says. Phew. She’s not upset. “Since you’ve already checked out, we can either put your bag in our room or out in the car.”
“Wow. Thanks, you guys. That’s a really nice offer,” Gage says. He helps Kate sort out her luggage from his.
“Do keep us posted on Angie,” I say. Gage surprises me by hugging us all before he quickly leaves the lobby.
“Did he just get the call?” Hunter asks.
“No, he missed the call early in the morning and heard the voice mail when he woke up. He called me and we were down here in ten minutes,” Kate says. So she really does look this good in the morning.
“I hope she’s okay,” I say. I’m excited about being close to Kate for at least a few days, but the circumstances are terrible.
“We were on our way to breakfast. Have you eaten yet?” Hunter asks Kate.
“Food sounds great,” she says. We grab an open table, set our stuff down, and head for the buffet. I remind myself to not be gluttonous and try to eat somewhat healthily. It’s hard when you really want to face dive the scrambled eggs and bacon. I grab a plain waffle, some fruit, and a yogurt. I’m jealous of Hunter’s food. She has all the good stuff piled high. She lifts her eyebrow at me and smiles. I frown at her and she hip bumps me. I made the right choice because Kate has almost the exact same thing on her plate.
“So tell us about yourself, Kate,” Hunter says as she sits down. I notice Kate stiffen at the question.
“Not much to tell. I’m twenty-four years old, single, and working on my master’s degree at OSU.” That’s all she gives us.
“What do you like to do when you aren’t nose deep in textbooks? Do you have any hobbies? Do you have any pets?” I ask. I’m hoping she’ll open up more. If she doesn’t, it’s going to be a very uncomfortable week or however long she is with us.
“I like to water ski, snow ski. I read a lot,” she says. That perks my interest.
“What do you like to read?”
“Usually autobiographies, and every so often, I read fiction,” she says. Not impressive. I couldn’t think of anything more boring to read. I read to escape. I can barely keep up with my own life, let alone read about somebody else’s. Smutty romance novels work for me. Especially long hours when I’m the passenger out on the road. I will pick up a historical book, but it has to be about an era, not about one specific person.
“Well, if you feel like branching out, we have a ton of audio books we can listen to,” I say. Hunter laughs. She likes it quiet. An audio book is quiet compared to me. They put me to sleep. Great. That’s probably been her plan all along.