Cross Roads

“Ben, I see you went out on the river, I’m so glad to see you taking time for yourself.” She poured them both a cup of coffee and he sat across from her at the bar.

“You really need to stop that, Katie. Everything worked out great last night. In fact, it was maybe the highlight of this town’s history.”

“Oh, Ben. You’re sweet, but I really screwed up at such an important time. I just don’t know what happened. I’ve been going through this in my head over and over, and I can’t see how I could have blown it like that. I do the reports personally because I know how important it is for them to get done right.”

Ben knew he couldn’t persuade her to let it go by words alone, so tried a different tact. “Come on. Put that stuff away, you need a break and I know just the place to help you forget your woes, little lady.” He got up and went around the bar, put his hands on her shoulders, and guided her to the door.

“Ben, what are you doing?” She was amused but still resisted.

“The word no is not allowed right now.”

As they pulled away from Sticks, he smiled smugly. “I have a special treat to show you, Katie.” He drove a few miles up the highway, then turned onto a dirt road and drove a couple more miles until they came to a wonderful rustic lodge with little cabins scattered around the property. There was a sign over the porch that read WELCOME TO ELK HORN LODGE.