The Sequoias

Chapter 1

In four days I would be meeting his mama, but today he was taking us up to one of his favorite places, the Sequoias. He loaded the car while I locked up. I smiled at him as he helped me into the car. I was very excited. I had heard so much about this place and I was looking forward to seeing it with him. "Breakfast on the way?"

"Yes. Anything in Particular?"

"Hmmm. Pancakes?"

"Oooh Sounds delightful. Let's stop at the pancake house on our way out of town. I think I want blueberries. Yes, those."

I smiled. It was my favorite place. "Chocolate chip with strawberries and a side of bacon for me please."

"Bacon. Yeah, Bacon. That sounds perfect." I took her hand and kiss the back of it. "This is going to be a fun trip."

I nodded. "Can't wait." He got us on the road.

We got to the little restaurant and went in to get our food. It was as good as I had imagined it be. "So you've never been to the Sequoias?"

I ate till I was full, but didn't finish. I shook my head. "I have seen so many of your pictures, but nope, never got up there myself."

"Oh, you are going to love it up there. It'll be quite a bit cooler, but the air is thinner for the elevation. Trying to think of all the places we should go."

"I cannot wait to see it in person. Is it far?"

"Not too terribly, but this time of year traffic once we get up there will be bad. It's a two-lane road, but it is narrow steep and full of switchbacks. It's so steep a climb that they recommend that you put your car in a lower gear to get back down and you don't use your brakes much. That's right Chicago is relatively flat. But you've been out here a long time now."

"I am a little nervous about the elevation, but it is good to try something new. I know this is one of your favorite places. Someday, I'll show you some of mine. Are we about ready?"

"I'll get the check. Did you need to go to the bathroom? It is a decent car ride. I'm headed that way as soon as I pay."

I nodded. "Meet you at the car." I went and took care of business. I went out to the car and got comfortable in my seat.

I finished up and headed out to the car. Lizzie was in her seat waiting for me. I climbed in and turned. "I'm really excited. There is so much to show you. The birthing tree, General Sherman's tree, The Trail of a Hundred Giants. It's so awesome. Maybe I can take you to some of me and Dad's favorite spots." I leaned over and kiss her cheek then got us back on the road.

We got on the road and it wasn't long before I fell asleep. I had a million thoughts going through my head, but I knew everything would be okay because I was with him.

The drive was quiet and pleasant which gave me plenty of time to think. I was excited to be taking Lizzie to the trees and to meet my mom. Very excited and totally nervous. The last person I took to the trees, well that didn't really work out so well. I hoped and prayed that Lizzie was here to stay. Sex was hot and heavy, but so were so many other things. We talked and shared stories and meals and almost a home. Two different ones because it was necessary to keep my family at bay and it was way too soon for that kind of a commitment, though I already knew that if this worked out and I could keep her that I would never let her go. I just had to be me and hope that was enough to make her want to stay. I looked over at her as we reached the pretty part of the drive and smiled. We had finally reached the mountains. The views outside the windows were fantastic. Trees and hills and the river below. I place my hand on her thigh. "Sweetie. We're in the mountains. It's so pretty. Wake up. Look."

He woke me softly when the views outside were scenic. I opened my eyes and was amazed. It was great to be out of the city. I understood why he needed to get out here. "It's so gorgeous out here."

"Yes. Very. I absolutely love it here. Not long now. The lodge is just a way up on the left. We can go in and get settled. Get some food and then go back. There is no sense in trying to drive up to the trees at this time. It'll be dark before we make it up there."

"I'll follow your lead. You know the best places. Thank you for bringing me here."

"Thank you for coming along. I hope you like it." I felt the tinkling of worry that she wouldn't start to scratch at the back of my mind. I smiled a small smile and left her to wonder out the window while I navigated the road to the lodge. It hadn't switched to the narrow winding crazy road that led up the mountain proper yet but it still required all of my attention to get us where we were going.

My ears were starting to pop. The traffic was getting heavier, but it didn't matter. I was very content and ready for this adventure.

I turned us into the lodge drive and drove on down to the office to check-in. I knew people that worked up here, I was up there often enough, I hoped like hell that I didn't know the one behind the desk. I was so worried I almost asked Lizzie to stay in the car. We went in to check-in. I was flooded with relief when I realized that I did not know the person behind the counter. "Name sir?"

"Micheals." I just shrugged and grinned at Lizzie. I rarely put a reservation in my name if I don't have to. Especially not there.

We went through the formalities and he gave me the keys to our cabin and showed me where it was on the map. He called as we were walking away, "I hope you have a nice stay this time, Avi." His tone was less than pleasant. I may not have known who he was but he was aware of me and it seemed what he thought he knew wasn't pleasant. It probably wasn't.