Forty-Four

By the time we made it up to camp, Annie and Georgie had both tents set up, a fire going and dinner cooking.

I recognize the smell of Annie’s homemade pasta sauce as we get closer, “I thought you were saving that?” I ask her. She’d only dehydrated one jar for this trip, saying that her sauce was so complicated to make she only did it once a year and this was one of her last jars.

She looks up from the pot she’s stirring, “I figured tonight was as good a night as any. Besides,” she grins. “Given how long you two were gone I thought you’d need some refueling.”

I match her grin, “like you and Georgie didn’t do the same. Don’t think I don’t see that new hickey on your neck.”

Annie’s free hand goes to her neck, “that’s a bug bite.”

“Yeah if the bugs name is Georgie,” I snort. “Speaking of, where is he?”

Annie rolls her eyes, “playing jungle explorer.” She waves her hand towards a nearly invisible trail, “he disappeared down there a few minutes ago.”

“Ooh babe?” James asks