“I’m about ready; do you need any help?” Mari came in wearing jeans, tall boots and a purple cable-knit sweater. Her dark hair was down but pulled back in a barrette. “Oh, I love your sweater! What a great color.”
“Thank you.” She posed herself, all dramatic and wild. It did show off her curves really well, didn’t it?
“We are going to spend money and have a nice lunch before our sleigh ride. I need to send some presents to Poe and his cat sitter, and maybe some little things to my team.”
“Oh, that would be sweet. I want to stop at that little curio shop on Main. It’s got a great energy.” And Bekka might find that right thing for Mari.
“Okay. And can we stop in the little art co-op place? I think I want to send that neat mirror I was looking at to Laney. That’s my cat-sitter’s name. She’s about seventy-five going on fifty.”
“Absolutely. I think that shop is amazing. I may pick a thing or two up for myself, you know?” Mari had been eyeing a gorgeous hand-woven shawl in blues and purples. Bekka could totally grab it.
“Well, yeah. I have never gone shopping and not bought something for myself.” Mari helped her get her coat on. “I think I need a gondola ornament.”
Bekka’s cheeks started to heat, but she couldn’t have stopped it for love or money.
Mari laughed and tugged her hat on. “You want one too, huh? Come on, pretty. Let’s go shop.”
“I’m in. Let’s go.” She grabbed her crutches, moving easier now, the heavy cast more maneuverable.
The resort was still rolling out the red carpet, and the shuttle was waiting for them when they got to the lobby. Mari helped her get in and settled and they were in town in no time.
“We picked a great day for this, huh? Sunny, not too cold…” Mari helped steady her as she got out of the van.
“I like the snow part, though. Have you ever driven in this sort of stuff?” She hadn’t, but she thought she needed to learn.
“When I was younger and living at home I did, but I haven’t in years. I don’t even own a car. I guess it’s good that the place you found us is within walking distance.” Mari glanced at her cast. “Oh, maybe not really.”
“I’ll be fine. Maybe I’ll get a sled to put on my foot…” That was a funny idea. Crutch, sliiiiide, crutch, sliiiide.
“I could pull you on one of those round plastic ones. They glide over anything.” She got a wink. “Or, you know, Uber is a thing.”
“Sledding sounds way more exhilarating, doesn’t it?” They stopped to reset, because they were laughing so hard.
“It does, but the last thing you need is a run-in with a fire hydrant or something.” Mari giggled all the way through that gem.
“Oh, I am going to kick your hot butt.” That would be a challenge, but Bekka might get her knee up there…
“Yeah? Good luck with that.” Mari wiggled said hot butt at her.
“Mmhmm.” If she was in that wheelchair, she could get a double handful.
Mari turned around, still smiling and made sure she was steady. “Should we start at your curio place? It’s right up here I think.”
“Sounds good.” She glanced over at Mari. “I’m glad we’re here, together.”
It seemed important to point out.
“I’m glad I’m with you, too.” Summit Springs did a pretty good job of keeping the sidewalks clear of snow and ice, and they moved along easily. “I’m looking forward to sharing the house, relaxing a little, even if we have to work. It’ll be nice.”
“I agree. I had a positive card pull this morning after ourvisitation. It was great.”
“Visitation. Haha.” Mari laughed. “You’re pulling cards about us now?”
“I always draw a card about my day. You just happen to be a big part of my day, honey.” Like the biggest part.
“Oh. So that’s like pulling a card about my day then too. Sort of? What does that do for you? To know what’s coming?”
“It’s a way to center. To get in touch with my wants and needs.” She knew that it was a strange way of mediating or self-reflection, but it was effective. “Or to acknowledge my fears and concerns.”