Page 13 of Through the Storms

Chloe took Riley’s hand. “Chloe Crawford.” Her hand felt small in Riley’s larger one. Riley’s handshake was firm without being crushing.

“You’re in my van.” Riley gave her another dimpled smile.

“Pardon?”

“I remembered your name. Chloe. It’s a pretty name.” Riley dug in her jeans pocket, pulled out a piece of paper, and handed it to Chloe. “We’re in Oakley’s van.” Riley leaned over and whispered, “It’s supposed to be random, but I begged them to let me be in her group. I’m a huge fan of hers and Lana Monroe.”

Who was Lana Monroe? Chloe’s gaze traveled down the page. No Lana on the list, nor did Chloe recall seeing the name on the website.

Before Chloe could ask, Riley said, “I already met Sandy and Peggy.” She put her finger on the list next to their names. “They’re a hoot. Two sisters. In their sixties, but full of piss and vinegar. They’re celebrating Peggy’s sixty-fifth birthday.” Riley grinned. “I hope I have that much energy when I’m sixty-five.” Riley froze. “Uh, sorry. I’ve been doing all the talking.”

“No, no. You’re fine.” It was more than fine. Chloe could listen to Riley’s low calm voice all day. Chloe pointed at the list. “Have you met them yet?”

Riley shook her head. “Nope. I don’t think they’ve arrived.” Riley winked. “The woman who checked me in said she thought they were newlyweds.”

“You’re a font of information. What else can you tell me?” Chloe asked.

“The tour may be pricier than some but well worth it. They don’t pack their guests in like sardines, only six guests to a van. And Oakley and Asher are the gold standard.”

“You know them?”

“Not personally.” Riley’s face reddened. “I didn’t mean to make it sound that way. I’ve just been a big fan for years.”

A fan?Storm chasers had fans? Chloe decided not to comment for fear of further embarrassing Riley. “I need to be honest with you. I booked this trip on a whim.”

Riley smiled. “Ah, the adventurous sort. Nice.”

“I’m afraid not.” Chloe’s gaze dropped to the ground. “This is probably the only impulsive thing I’ve done in the past ten years.”

“No offense, but storm chasing isn’t exactly something someone does on a whim, unless they’re into it.” Riley’s hazel eyes narrowed as if trying to piece together a possible explanation.

“It is when your husband tells you he’s leaving you for another woman.” What had gotten into her? She’d just met Riley five minutes ago. If Chloe wasn’t careful, she’d send Riley running the other direction from the woman offering up too much, too soon.

“Aw, that’s rough, but I’m glad you’re here.” Riley’s cheeks reddened again. “I mean, I’m not glad about your husband and all, but I’m glad you’re here.” Riley waved her hand between the two of them. “We’re both solo. Everyone else is paired up, so that means we have to be buddies.” Riley’s eyes widened. “I mean, if that’s okay with you.”

Chloe smiled. It was more than all right. There was something about Riley that put her at ease. “I would be happy to be your storm-chasing buddy. As long as you’re okay with a bit of a hot mess divorcée.” What had happened to her filter? Surely, Riley would politely excuse herself after that comment.

Riley held out her arm. “May I show you around and help you get checked in?”

“Lead the way,” Chloe said as she linked her arm with Riley’s.

CHAPTER 8

“You ready to dothis?” Britt asked Oakley as they walked down the hall toward the meeting room.

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Oakley responded.

As Oakley had suspected, Britt had pushed all her buttons and had her in tears minutes into their walk. Britt’s intention hadn’t been malicious. They all knew it could be dangerous, possibly deadly, if a storm chaser was preoccupied. Oakley needed to release some of her tension, but it had only been partially successful. The breathtaking pain in her chest had given way to a dull ache, and the pain in Lana’s eyes continued to flash in her mind.

After the orientation meeting, she’d call Lana to clear the air. She still hadn’t ruled out returning home instead of going on this trip. No way could she lose Lana.

Britt was probably right; Oakley was overreacting. Lana’s rejection of the Oakanator didn’t mean she was discarding Oakley. After all, it wasn’t the first time Lana had been pissed ather. No matter how Oakley tried to explain it, or at least imply it, it was as if Lana didn’t understand Oakley’s need to prove she was worthy of their relationship.

Still, Oakley was worried. Lana had never reacted like she did this morning. They’d always talked it out, found a resolution, but this time, Lana had just left. That had never happened before.

Outside the meeting room door, Oakley ran her hand through her hair and let it land wherever it would. That was the great thing about her hairstyle, the messier it was, the better it looked. “Let’s do this.”

The room was loud when they entered. Even though there were only twelve guests, it sounded as if there were twice the number. She quickly did a head count. Yep, all were present.