“It isn't?” Bonnie felt her heart sink. She had planned on just getting back on the road as soon as possible. She didn't really have a plan on where she was going, but she wanted to keep moving before they found her.
Mia shook her head. “The forecast has the rain going until morning, but you should stay here.”
“Here?” Bonnie looked around at the cafeteria. It was obviously meant for children and teens, not adults. The colors were far too bright and cheerful.
“All the campers are gone for the night,” Mia explained. “We have an extra counselor cabin and plenty of room.”
“I really don't want to impose,” Bonnie replied. She adjusted the towel on her shoulders. She already felt like they'd done more than needed to help her.
“It's no trouble at all,” Dylan assured her. Her eyes went back to him, and she found it hard to look away. He was strong and safe. “There’s no reason for you to wait for a tow and spend the night in a hotel.”
“And to be honest, the hotel in town isn’t all that great,” Laura whispered loud enough for the whole room to hear.
“Are you guys sure?” Bonnie looked around the table at the people who barely knew her but were willing to put her up for the night. “You don’t know me.”
Mia reached across the table and touched her hand. “I know people.” Their eyes met, and Bonnie saw only kindness in her eyes. “Stay the night.”
“Thank you,” Bonnie whispered. She thought about saying no, but the idea of a real bed and a hot shower was too much to pass up. Thunder rumbled outside again, sealing her decision. “I’ll stay. Thank you.”
“Of course. It’s kind of our mission to help people here,” Mia explained with a chuckle. “You need some help, so we're here to do that.”
“Is there anything I can do to repay you? I'm afraid I don't have a lot of cash right now, but I'd be happy to clean dishes in the kitchen or clean cabins or something,” Bonnie offered. “I don’t really have a job right now, so I’m happy to help out if you can use me.”
Mia started to laugh.
“Fate. It’s fate,” Laura said, shaking her head and chuckling. “Tell the universe you need something, and there it is.”
“Our dishwasher just broke, and we’re short-staffed in the kitchen this week,” Mia explained. “We need someone to help in the kitchen. I’m afraid it would only be for room and board, but if you want a job, it’s yours.”
“I want it,” Bonnie replied, nearly stumbling over the words in her haste to claim the position. Her funds were running low, and this place would be perfect to hide out in. She took a breath and smiled. “I would really like the job,” she repeated, this time with more grace.
“You’re sure?” Mia asked, keeping her smile in check. “There’s no money.”
“It would be amazing,” Bonnie told her. “Honestly, room and board is perfect.”
It meant less money spent, and it was less likely to be tracked. She couldn’t have asked for a better option. Not to mention that it meant she’d probably see more of Dylan. She told herself that wasn’t part of her excitement at all.
“Okay.” Mia smiled big and wide. “Tomorrow morning, just come back here at seven. Chef will show you the ropes.”
“Thank you.” Bonnie felt giddy with relief and excitement. Not only did she have a place to stay for the night, but she also had a job for the week. She couldn’t have asked for a better place for her car to break down. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this.”
“I’m here to help people,” Mia replied with a big smile. “That’s what we do here. It looks like you could use the help, so you came to the right place.”
Bonnie glanced around the cafeteria as thunder rumbled outside.
You have no idea how right you are, she thought to herself. She needed
all the help she could get.
Chapter 4
Dylan
The rain was slow and gentle as he opened the passenger door of the ranch truck for Bonnie. She smiled gratefully as he held the umbrella up over her head as she stepped out into the dark and walked over to her trunk to get her things for the night. Thunder groaned in the distant, but it wasn’t threatening.
He held the umbrella up over the two of them as she dug around in the trunk for her suitcase. The rain misted around them as he created their own little dry world for just the two of them. It had almost a magical quality to it.
“Here, let me hold that,” he said, taking a red duffle-bag from her and putting it over his shoulder. It was lighter than he thought it would be. She traveled light.