Chapter 3 #2
He didn't tell me what kind of shifter he was, however, because the trail was even more steep and he was obviously concentrating. I didn't feel much like talking either. The scratchiness in my throat was getting more sore now and I had a small cough, so I closed my eyes and left him to drive.
“Here we are, Mr. Winthorpe.”
The trail we had been on had finally reached the top of the mountain peak before leveling out into a front yard of the most beautiful cabin I'd ever seen.
The roofline sloped almost all the way to the ground in a ski chalet kind of way, with sharp pointed cathedral windows filling the full front of the house.
A wide porch ran along the full length in front of the windows and right in the middle, was a Christmas tree lit like it was welcoming me home.
“Huh, I guess your cabin comes with your own truck to get down the mountain. Nice.”
I tore my eyes from the cabin and noticed the truck parked in the driveway right next to us.
I tried to remember if Branson said anything about a truck, but most of my interaction with him was a blank.
It wasn't like me to be fuzzy about the details, but I wasn’t feeling fantastic if I was being honest. My throat throbbed and the chills were stronger.
I felt like a nap was a must as soon as I got inside and settled.
“That will be nice. I think he said there was some food in the house so I won't need to leave tonight at least. I think I can order room service too at some point. I'm not sure.”
“Yep, I think that's what he said. Hey, you feeling alright, Mr. Winthorpe? You look kind of pale all of a sudden.”
Smiling weakly, I reached for the car door handle. “I'm just tired, it's been a long travel day and this mountain air always makes me crave a nap. My throat is kind of scratchy too. I might see if there's any tea bags for some hot tea, then take a nap.”
“Oh, absolutely. Travel days can be exhausting, for sure. Let me grab your bags for you and get you set up and you can take it easy.”
I would normally have offered to help get my things from the car, but I was quickly fading and let the younger, more fit kid handle it.
Using the key I'd gotten at check in, I tried to unlock the front door and realized it was already unlocked.
I entered and forgot all thoughts of potential safety issues, when I saw the softest looking velvet sofa on the planet and made a bee line for it immediately.
Deep maroon cushions called to me and who was I to deny the call.
Sinking into the middle of the sofa, I waved my hand in Tommy's direction.
“Just set all the bags and crap all by that dining table if you don't mind.
I'm just going to nap for a while, then I'll sort it all out, m’kay?” I slid down to the side until my whole body was embraced by the cushions and my head was cradled by one of the silky throw pillows.
I felt heavy and couldn't keep my eyes open a second longer.
Weakly, I tried to remain polite, “ I'm sorry for being rude.
I'm just all of a sudden so sleepy. I know I already paid, but I want to give you another big tip for your troubles.” I tried to reach for my wallet, but lost the plot when I couldn't find my pants pocket and gave up when it became too much effort.
Tommy placed my bags by the table, then I heard him get something from the direction I assumed was the kitchen. After he placed something on the coffee table in front of me, I heard him go out another door further away, then back in again.
“They laid a fire for you already and looks like they started it, but it's banked now. I brought you in some firewood, and I'll just get it going again so you don't wake up cold.” I made a quiet protest, but he shot it down.”Nope, not listening to any of that. You already tipped me five hundred dollars, Mr. Winthorpe and all I did was take you to a store to buy some flannels. Now you just rest and let me earn my money.”
Through slitted eyes I watched him expertly lay the firewood, stoke the embers and coax the once dead fire back to life. Once he was happy with it, he put the fire screen in place, then came to check on me again.
“Okay, so the fire is good for a while, just throw another log on when you wake up. I checked the thermostat too and set it to come on if it dips too low.” He took the plaid blanket from the end of the sofa and gently placed it over me.
I was immediately thankful for the warmth.
I hadn't realized I'd been shivering. “I'm leaving my card with my number on the coffee table next to two bottles of water and some pain reliever I found in the cabinet.
I'm afraid you're getting sick, but I hope I'm wrong.
If you wake up and you are sick and you need anything, call me and I'll be more than happy to come back and bring you anything you need.”
I had drifted in and out while he'd been talking, but I was pretty sure I mumbled my thanks before he'd left. I thought I might have heard multiple voices, one deeper than Tommy’s, but I was probably hallucinating.
As I finally slipped into a fevered sleep I realized I was definitely sick and lord knows what I was going to do out here in the wilderness all alone.