Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 126823 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 634(@200wpm)___ 507(@250wpm)___ 423(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 126823 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 634(@200wpm)___ 507(@250wpm)___ 423(@300wpm)
“Where were the signs?” Felicity pursued.
Shabina sighed again. “We do have an abundance of wild animals in Yosemite. Bears like to scratch on some of the signs. Weather plays a part as well. It isn’t entirely impossible that a bear managed to break the sign apart and no one noticed. A park ranger or Fish and Wildlife might go that way every few months. If that trail wasn’t scheduled for rehabilitation, no crew would have gone there to see the closed signs were down. Anyone getting off trail would be in trouble. Without a canopy and that intense heat wave bouncing off the rock, the temperatures would be unrelenting.”
The women looked defeated. “There just seems so much to learn,” Felicity said. “If experienced hikers can get into trouble, I don’t see how we can learn all this.”
“You’re trying to go too fast. Right now, stay on the main hiking trails. It’s my busiest time right now, but eventually things will slow down. If you’ve still decided you want to stay, I can show you some of my favorite trails and give you a few tips. Again, there are much more experienced backpackers than me, but if you start out slow and end up really loving it, I’m sure you’ll meet others who love it and are willing to help you out as well.”
Both women brightened. “That’s so generous of you to offer, Shabina. We’re also considering learning to boulder since Knightly is so famous for it. Do you climb?”
“Sadly, I could be the worst climber in this café. I do try though. I have friends who are very good climbers. They boulder and trad climb. Stella would be the one to ask if anyone is taking out a group. She could arrange something for you.”
Again, the twins exchanged a long look. “We should have thought to ask her,” Felicity said. “She seems to know so much about both Knightly and Yosemite.”
“She likes to keep her clients happy,” Shabina said.
“Shabina, whatever kind of name that is,” Bale called out from across the café. “I want to talk to you about this food you served us.”
“Are you trying to get the attention of Beanie Baby?” Sean asked in an overloud voice. “She’s talking to her lesbo friends. You know she prefers women. Can’t take manly men. They scare her.”
Raine and Vienna both looked up quickly from their table. A sudden hush fell over the café. Vaughn stepped out from behind the counter. Shabina held up her hand to him and shook her head.
“Are they talking about us?” Felicity asked.
Shabina smiled at her as she stood. “I believe so. You have to ignore the riffraff. All kinds come in and I try my best to be welcoming. We do have security cameras on them, and if they get out of hand, we’ll make a complaint to the sheriff. They think if a woman turns them down for a date or any kind of sexual activity, she must be a lesbian. Not that that should matter. By chance, did either of them proposition you? They’re so manly their egos can’t take rejection.”
Although she spoke in a sweet tone, the café was silent enough that the amusement could be heard.
Felicity nodded. “Last year, when they found my sister, her daughter, and her husband dead, and there was an investigation. We went to the Grill one night, and Bale and his friends wanted to have a night of fun with twins. We thought it was a bit inappropriate when we’d just lost our family members but thought perhaps they weren’t aware.”
Shabina turned back to face Bale and Sean, all trace of amusement gone from her features. “They knew; they’re on the Search and Rescue team. Bale, after that revelation, I don’t feel like dealing with your crap this morning. Your waiter can talk to you about your bill, but if you ate the food, you’re paying for it.”
Bale’s features twisted into a malevolent, hate-filled mask. She refused to be intimidated, although a chill went down her spine. Maybe she needed to rethink what Bale was capable of. She turned back to the twins, dismissing him.
“I hope I see you both again very soon.”
“We’re heading to Yosemite today, but we’re taking your bird tour on Tuesday. After we do some more exploring, we plan on looking around Knightly for a few days, so we’ll be in every morning for breakfast,” Eve assured.
Bale cursed loudly. She heard him stomping as he and Edward left the café. She was a little shocked he hadn’t put up more of a fight and that Edward hadn’t backed him up. Sean had been the one to aid in the harassment. It bothered her that Bale hadn’t said even more than he had. She would have to watch her back. Enemies seemed to be stacking up.