Chapter 5
5
R eva adjusted her glasses, peering into the computer camera from her recently renovated mayor’s office, the faint scent of fresh paint still lingering in the air.The glow of her desk lamp illuminated the room, casting a warm, inviting light that did little to hide her determined expression. “Okay, ladies, can everyone hear me?” she asked, her voice slightly distorted by the less-than-perfect Zoom connection. Small mountain towns had their advantages, but internet service wasn’t always one of them.
Lila nodded, the loose ponytail she wore a rare sign of relaxation amid her usually hectic schedule “Loud and clear, Reva. What’s up that couldn’t wait for our Friday night get-together?”
Charlie Grace appeared next on the screen, her backdrop the rustic wooden walls of the lodge out at Teton Trails. She was holding a clipboard in one hand and a pen in the other. “I’m here, but only because I promised to be. The guests are about to head out on a trail ride, so let’s make this quick.”
Reva’s gaze darted to the last empty square. “We’re just waiting for Capri.”
Just as Reva finished speaking, Capri’s image popped onto the screen. Her expression was one of pure annoyance, her background a blur of outdoor scenery as she sat in the cab of her truck. “You know I hate this online nonsense. Couldn’t we have met in person? Maybe catch a beer down at the Rustic Pine or something?”
Reva studied Capri’s image, then frowned with concern. “You okay, Capri? You look like you just climbed out of bed.”
Capri quickly waved off the comment. “No, just came in off the river, that’s all.” She tucked a damp hair strand behind her ear. “I’m fine.”
Charlie Grace’s expression filled with alarm. “This early? But the water’s running really high right now.”
Capri simply shrugged off the comment. “Yeah, I noticed,” Capri said with a nonchalant grin. “Nothing I couldn’t handle. You know me—I like a good challenge.”
Reva stifled her own concern and continued, focusing on the issue at hand. “Well, I know you’re all busy, so let me move on to the reason for this meeting. As you know, I am heading up this summer’s Vacation Bible School and need your help to finalize the details.” She grinned. “Nearly two dozen kids have registered, and more are expected. With the event less than ten days away, there’s still a long list of items to do to get ready. Pastor Pete and Annie are counting on us.”
Capri rolled her eyes. “I don’t know why you roped me into this, Reva. You know I’m not the ‘arts and crafts’ type.”
Charlie Grace laughed. “You’re definitely not the ‘sit still in front of a screen’ type either, judging by how much you’re squirming.”
“I’m on my phone,” Capri protested, holding up the device for proof.
“Whoa…hold that thing still. You’re giving us all motion sickness!” Lila chimed in. “We each have our strengths, Capri. Maybe you can be in charge of the outdoor activities. You know, something with a bit more...action.”
Capri huffed but didn’t argue. “Fine. But I’m not gluing anything to anything.”
Reva nodded, satisfied. “Perfect. Lila, you can handle the snacks, and Charlie Grace, you’re on decoration duty. And we have the Knit Wit ladies all offering to help.”
Charlie Grace’s eyes widened. “Decorations? I thought this was being held outdoors?”
“Exactly, but we’re going with a Noah’s Ark theme this year. We’ll need all that goes with that. So, put your thinking hats on,” Reva quipped. A sly smile crossed her face. “I know it’s a big ask, but I’ll need your supply list by tomorrow morning. Pastor Pete promised to round up whatever we require, including lumber to build an ark. I’ve already arranged for a couple of guys from my AA meeting to help with the construction.”
Lila leaned forward, her voice a bit softer. “I think it’s going to be fun. The kids will love it, and it’s a good way to give back to the community. Count me in, and Camille will be home from college in a couple of days and can help too.”
Capri crossed her arms, as if still unconvinced. “As long as it doesn’t turn into one of those over-the-top productions. Keep it simple.”
That brought a chuckle from Charlie Grace. “We’re talking about Reva here. She never does anything simple.”
Reva frowned. “Hey—” Before she could continue, the screen suddenly wobbled, the images of the women shaking slightly.
Lila gasped. “Whoa, did you feel that?”
Charlie Grace fumbled and dropped her pen, eyes wide. “Was that an earthquake?”
Capri raised an eyebrow, her irritation momentarily replaced with a look of curiosity. “Appears so.”
Reva placed a hand on her desk, steadying herself as the tremor subsided. “It’s been a while since we’ve felt any seismic activity this far south of Yellowstone.”
Lila frowned. “Maybe it was the Teton Fault line. You know it follows the baseline of the mountain range. Of course, it’s been hundreds of years since any activity.”
Charlie Grace shrugged. “Or maybe it’s just a sign that Capri should embrace technology. The earth’s literally shaking to get you on board, Capri,” she teased.
Capri rolled her eyes in response. “Or it’s a sign that we should stop having these Zoom meetings. Before the mountains decide to tumble down on us.”
A second vibration shook, much smaller this time—but noticeable, nonetheless.
“Whoa, there it goes again,” Capri noted.
Just as the tremor subsided, Reva’s highly strung assistant, Verna Billingsley, burst into the office, her eyes wide with alarm. “Mayor, are you alright? Should we evacuate? I already pulled the emergency protocol!” She waved a document high over her head.
Reva stifled a grin, glancing back at the screen where her friends were chuckling with amusement. “Thank you, Verna. But unless the mountain decides to walk into town for a coffee, I think we’re safe—for now.”