Page 31 of Through the Storms

“Looks like we got the luxury suite,” Chloe said.

Riley dropped her bag near the bed closest to the door and took in the room. Not bad, except for the television. “I think we’ve unearthed another relic. That thing’s as big as a refrigerator. You better get over there.”

“Over where?”

“Next to the TV. I gotta get a picture with you and all the relics, and that TV is right up there with the key.”

Chloe laughed and fished the key out of her jeans pocket. “How about a twofer?” She dangled the key in front of the television as she draped her arm over it as if she were hugging a friend.

“Perfection.” Riley took several pictures as Chloe posed. After Chloe tossed the key onto the dresser, Riley said, “I suppose we should get freshened up, so we can join the others for dinner.”

“It’s going to be the entire group.” Chloe sighed. “Maybe we should stay in and order a pizza. We could study your notes.”

As tempting as it was to spend the evening with Chloe, Riley shook her head. “We should go since there’ll be updates about tomorrow.”

“Fine.”

“How about afterward we come back and watch something on this fine artifact?” Riley motioned toward the television.

“And not study?” Chloe clapped her hand against her chest and put on an exaggerated look of surprise.

“I know.” Riley held up her hand. “What can I say? I’m feeling a little rebellious today.”

Chloe shook her head. “You’re too much of a Boy Scout, or should I say Girl Scout?” Chloe scrunched up her face. “I can’t picture you in one of those little Girl Scout skirts.”

“Eww.” It was Riley’s turn to wrinkle her nose. “I refused to join once I saw their uniforms. Who does wilderness stuff in dresses, anyway?”

“I don’t think they have to wear skirts.”

Riley crossed her arms over her chest. “Besides, I wanted to be a Boy Scout, but they wouldn’t let me in.”

“That’s sad.” Chloe frowned. “I think you would have made a great Boy Scout.”

“It’s okay. It turned out for the best. My dad was an Eagle Scout, so he taught me everything he learned.” Riley smiled at the memory. “He made me little badges when I completed my lessons. I still have all of them.”

Chloe’s eyes glistened. “That’s so sweet. He sounds like a great guy.”

“The absolute best. If you really don’t want to go, we don’t have to.”

“No, you’re right. We should go.” Chloe glanced down at the floor. “I’m just struggling with my confidence a little today.” She looked back up and grinned. “But since I’ll be accompanied by an honorary Eagle Scout, it’ll be fine.”

Oakley leaned back in her chair as she savored the last bite of cheeseburger. Luckily, she loved greasy spoons since that was normally where they ate when chasing. Lana, on the other hand, hated them and complained until Oakley drove out of the way to take her to a nicer restaurant.

Now she’d gladly go a hundred miles out of her way if she could get Lana to join her. Oakley swallowed her final bite and tuned back into the lively conversation. Everyone from both groups was here, except the newlyweds.Figures.She wondered why they’d come since they seemed most interested in doing the things newlyweds did.

“Oakley’s our tornado whisperer,” Asher said and gave her a broad smile.

“Except when she’s not,” Britt mumbled.

“Jesus.” Oakley rolled her eyes. “Are you ever going to let it go?”

Britt spread her hands and glanced at the group sitting around the tables they’d pushed together. “We missed an EF5 tornado because she decided to chase one that roped out, while nearly all the other chasers made the right call.”

Oakley glowered. “But she’s not going to tell you about the times I nailed it. When everyone else ended up being fooled by squall lines.”

“Oak. Britt.” Asher waved his hand. “I’m afraid you’re losing our guests. Do I need to interpret for you, or are you going to explain what the hell you’re talking about?”

“Sorry.” Oakley smiled when she noted the puzzled faces around the table. Then she pointed at Peggy. “You understood some of what we just said, didn’t you?”