Chapter Six

Brent

We're only a few miles away from Tahoe and my fingers ache from clenching the steering wheel so tightly. This has probably been some of the worst conditions I've ever driven in. If I had to do it all over again, I'd stay put in Reno. There were parts of the road I couldn't tell which lane I was even in.

The bus is unusually quiet and I wonder if everyone is on pins and needles just like me.

I let out a sigh of relief as soon as I spot the sign for the casino up ahead. I look down at the time on the dash—exactly two hours and twenty-three minutes since I drove away from the airport. Unbelievable!

I pull thru the back entrance and up beside the bus Uncle Barry was driving earlier. I'm sure he's been worried sick. He rushes out to the sidewalk as soon as he sees us, a thick scarf draped around his neck and his heavy coat fastened tightly around him. A representative from the casino walks up beside him, a clipboard pressed against her chest. She steps inside once I'm parked and runs through a couple of announcements for all the guests. I join my uncle and we begin to pull the luggage from underneath the bus. I don't think it's fully hit me just how bad the conditions were.

We're here now and that's what matters. Safe.

I recognize the suitcase with the red and green ribbon tied to the handle and pull it out before my uncle has a chance to grab it first. When I turn around, I spot its owner standing on the edge of the sidewalk. I wheel it over to her, leaving the handle in the upright position.

"I think this belongs to you." I pull one of my gloves off to undo my jacket. As crazy as it sounds, I've actually worked up a sweat unloading all the luggage.

"Why, thank you very much." She hesitates for a moment, as though she has something more she'd like to say.

I sort of feel the same way. Why? I'm not sure, because other than knowing she was supposed to meet her sister, I really don't know the first thing about her. Rather than stand here looking awkward, I say the first thing that comes to mind. "I hope you enjoy your stay here."

"By the way, I'm Annie," she says and extends her hand.

"Annie, it's nice to officially meet you." I take her hand in mind and give it a gentle shake.

"And you are?"

This time, it's my turn to feel embarrassed. "Brent. Brent Holcomb. May I ask how you're feeling? I know the bus ride wasn't exactly the smoothest."

"Eh, I'm a little stiff, but I'll live."

By now, the sidewalk has almost cleared as everyone has gathered their things and made it inside. As much as I'd like to continue our conversation, I really need to go. "Well, I hope you enjoy your stay."

"Thank you. My sister booked me a room for the night. I'm a little disappointed I won't make it to the cabin until later, but it's probably best."

"Yeah, if you've never driven in this kind of weather, it can be a bit of a challenge." I don't want to sound arrogant or anything, but the trip here should speak for itself.

"I'm probably going to order room service and call it a night. It's been a very trying day to say the least."

"Eh, room service is okay, but I think you'd like the café on the lower level better. They have the best potato soup and they'll even package it to-go for you. That is, if you like soup."

"I just might try that instead. Thanks for the recommendation."

"Brent, you got a minute?"

We both turn around to see Uncle Barry standing over by the bus.

"Thanks again for everything. And for suggesting the soup," she says as she takes a couple steps towards the door.

"Anytime."