“I’ll be happy to ride up front,” Mom said with a smile.
“Yeah, okay. Cool,” Erin said. “Christy and I can talk in the back.”
Mom joined in the conversation before we even took off, and the three of them got to know each other for real. They talked about school, life, and growing up in the Navy. (Mom’s father had been a career officer too.) I flew the plane and kept my mouth shut, even when Mom and Erin started telling
stories from when I was a boy.
Susan met us at the Lancaster County airport. She and my mom hugged and commiserated about Gunny, which made me feel guilty that I’d almost forgotten the reason for the trip. Susan looked like she was holding up well, and she brightened immediately when I introduced Christy.
“Beth’s told me all about you,” Susan lied smoothly.
Erin gave me a pointed I-told-you-so look.
Mom leaned close. “She’s wonderful.”
“Thanks. And, um… sorry I didn’t mention I was dating.”
“Yes, about that. We need to clarify the ‘no news is good news’ policy.
Good news is actually news.”
“Right. Got it. And thanks for covering for me.”
“Oh, you’re welcome. It’s what I do.”
“I’ll always cover for you, honey.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I put my arm around her and squeezed affectionately.
“When’s Dad supposed to be here?”
“Tonight. He’s flying the new plane.”
“Oh? Maybe I’m not the only one who hasn’t shared news lately.”
“A new plane isn’t the same as a new girlfriend.”
“Besides, we haven’t actually bought it yet. This is just an extended test flight.”
“Oh, cool.” I was about to ask what kind of plane it was, but Susan turned and gestured.
“Are we ready to go? We need to get to camp if you want to freshen up before the receiving of friends.”
Susan told us about Gunny on the drive. He’d been working on the clubhouse and had suffered a massive heart attack. His wife had found him when he hadn’t come home for dinner. She was devastated, Susan said, and staying with family in town.
“How long had they been married?” Christy asked me quietly.
“Not long. Maybe a year. He was a lifelong bachelor until he met her.”
“Oh, that’s so sad.”
She was about to say something else, but then we passed through the camp gate. Susan must have left the chain down, since only friends and family would be coming and going for the next few days.
Christy looked around at the unbroken pine forest, although there wasn’t much to see. She perked up when we passed the road to the new Pines Retreat.
“The cabins are coming up.” I pointed.
