10 Chapter 10

Anika was waiting with coffee and bagels.

“Bit wet, huh?” she said, eying my bedraggled appearance.

“Just a bit. I’d better have a hot shower.”

“Have your coffee first.” She pushed a steaming mug towards me. “Was that lightning?” A low rumble shook the cottage confirming her sighting. “Well, how about that? No matter. I thought we could work this morning then have lunch at the Visitor Center café. The storm should have passed by the time we’re done.”

“Sounds good. But only if I’m buying.” Anika pulled a face but I pulled one back. “Take it or leave it.”

“Okay, have it your way.”

Thunder grumbled again but the smile on her lips was like sunshine breaking through the clouds. I loved that smile along with her other delightful facial expressions. I observed them while we sat by the open door watching the lightning fork across the sky and listening to the rain hammer the roof slates. The cloudburst didn’t last long and when it passed, the air smelled of ozone and damp earth.