The cabin. I stopped by once, when I dropped off Marky a year or so ago.
“That’s a good suggestion, Marcia. And I don’t mean to be a nuisance about the ring…”
“No, you’re right, Matt. I don’t think she’ll do anything to it, I really don’t. But I’d hate to be wrong. Up to you. I’d prefer you don’t go bother her, but I of course understand if you decide you need to go get the ring.”
It’s my turn to sigh.
“I appreciate everything, Marcia. I know this entire conversation has been difficult, but I appreciate your candor. We’ll wait for Cora to get back before we jump into cancelling all the venues and whatnot?”
“That’d be best. Goodbye, Matt.”
“Bye, Marcia. Thanks again.”
We each hang up, but I stand still, holding my phone and wondering what I should do next.
I agree with her mom that Cora needs some space. But my concern for the precious family ring is genuine, even if it’s only part of the reason I want to see Cora. Of course, the real reason is because I’m concerned for the curvy girl. My son just broke her heart, and she could be crying her eyes out. I should be there to comfort her.
Yeah, right. That’s about as far from the truth as possible. My baser self knows that Cora is single now, and I want to swoop in before another man makes his move. Sure, I’m her ex-fiancé’s father, but we can work that out.
Anyways, my concern over the ring is real. I cringe as I think about the last time we almost lost it. My marriage to my ex-wife ended badly, and the woman refused to give back the priceless ring, despite that being a stipulation of our pre-nuptial agreement. When she finally returned it, I was quick to up the insurance on the invaluable heirloom and to inform Marky that if he were to ever propose to someone with it, he needs to make sure that she understands that the ring belongs to the Harrison Trust.
Shit. That means I have to go get it.
I don’t want to disturb Cora’s much-needed getaway, but that engagement ring has to be returned in pristine condition or else she could be charged quite a lot of money for any damages.
Quickly, I dash upstairs and grab my overnight leather satchel.
If I recall, the cabin is about five hours away, so maybe she’ll let me crash on the couch tonight. Plus, it may be a lot colder up in the mountains, so I better bring some layers.
Following this line of thinking, I throw some sweaters and jeans into my bag, along with socks and pajamas. I change out of my button-down work shirt and put on a warm flannel and pull my fisherman’s sweater on top of that. Feeling ready for a mountain adventure, I head back downstairs with my overnight gear.
I pause at the front door.
Why am I really doing this? I finally ask myself.
Sure, I don’t want Cora to incur any fees in case she throws the ring into a lake, but there’s something else that’s fueling my sense of urgency to go to her, to see her.
It’s more than that.
For some time now, I’ve been attracted to Cora, but for obvious reasons, I’ve never acted on my feelings.
But now?
I shake my head. You’re just going to go get the ring, and deal with everything else later.
Satisfied with my decision, I text Marky that I’ll be on a work trip and out of cell service for a few days.
Content with my course of action, I lock up my house, load up the Land Rover, and begin the long drive up out of my sleepy little town and into the Appalachian Mountains.
A few hours into my journey, I finally veer off the main road and start winding my way into the steep mountains. I’ve always liked this part of the state, especially in summertime. Birds sing morning and evening, while frogs croak from nearby ponds. Even the various woodland critters are active and curious about their human neighbors.
Not too many people in these parts, I muse, especially during early spring.
I think that’s why I’d been surprised when Marcia told me that Cora was going to stay out this way. In a way, the seclusion would be nice for her, but it can also be too quiet sometimes.
Outside the car, I see that the sky is turning an ominous shade of gray, and it appears that an intense storm is about to move in. As if proving my observation right, thunder rumbles in the distance.
Looks like this is going to be a hell of a storm.
I feel a sense of relief that I’m going to be at the cabin soon, not only because of the brewing storm but because I’ll get to check on Cora.