Free Call Me Wild by Robin Kaye

That’s what I remember when I think back to Gramps and Gran. Even after my cousin’s parents died. They were sad, but close—inseparable, holding each other up through a really tough time. One always had the other’s back. They were one hell of a team.”
    Karma leaned against the table and looked out toward the river. “I wish I had my fly rod in the trunk. There’s nothing like tiptoeing to the edge of the river and casting to work out the kinks and relax. Do you fly-fish?”
    “No, I’ve never tried it. It looks like fun though.”
    “If you want, I can ask my brother if we can use his cabin. It’s right outside of Stanley, and it’s gorgeous. It’s only about three hours away in the mountains, right by the Salmon River. I’m taking the whole weekend off, so I don’t have to be back in town until Wednesday when Hannah’s opens again.”
    “Sounds like a great little vacation.”
    “I’d better take the time off when I can get it. My bartender’s wife is prego and due in a few weeks. He’s going to stay home with her and the baby for a month, so my hours are going to be insane after the kid’s born. This is probably my last chance to get out of the valley before Hunter closes up the cabin for the winter.”
    Jessie stood, put her foot on the edge of the table, and stretched.
    “Feeling better?”
    “Yeah, a little. I guess Fisher was right about tennis not being a great idea.” She stretched a little farther. “I don’t think I damaged it though.”
    “That’s good. On the bright side, the cabin has a whirlpool Jacuzzi tub in the master bedroom and a natural hot spring in the river. What do you think? Are you interested in a girl’s weekend away? I was going to head up alone, but this will be much more fun.”
    Jessie put her leg down on the ground and took a tentative step. “I’m definitely interested. But I don’t have any fishing gear, and until I see how my finances shake out, I can’t really invest in any.”
    Karma patted her arm. “Yeah, you have nothing to worry about there. May I remind you that I have three brothers and a cousin? Those guys collect gear like Imelda Marcos collected shoes. I’m not worried about finding you a fly rod. I even have an extra pair of waders if you want to use them. Let me ask Hunter if the cabin’s free, and I’ll call you. When can you leave on Friday?”
    “Anytime, really. I don’t start training at Starbucks for a few weeks. I guess I’m replacing some guy who’s moving to San Diego. Right now, the only plan I have is to avoid my hot stalker. I’d love to see Stanley, and I can always bring my laptop with me and work if I get the itch.”
    Karma stood and brushed off her butt. “Great. Hunter’s always got the cabin stocked full of food, so I’ll just bring some milk, eggs, cheese, and whatever else I find in my fridge, so we’ll be set.”
    Jessie stepped closer. “I’ll bring wine and beer.”
    Karma walked with her toward the parking lot. “Sounds like a plan. I’ll give you a call tomorrow with the specifics. You’re going to love it up there.”
    “Great. Thanks for the invite. It sounds like fun.”
    Jessie smiled and waved as she climbed into her Mini Cooper, thinking a weekend at a secluded cabin was just what the doctor ordered.
    ***
    Karma felt a smile tugging at her lips as Toni and Hunter walked through the doors of Hannah’s arm in arm. She didn’t see how anyone could look at them and not believe in romantic love. With those two, you’d need a hazmat suit to avoid exposure. Hell, after seeing Toni and Hunter so ecstatically happy, not to mention Ben and Gina flying in and out of town in wedded bliss, even Karma, the woman voted most likely to become a cougar, was softening when it came to the idea of a long-term relationship. Marriage, not so much, but then, she was smart enough to never say never. Toni had sworn up and down she’d never marry, and now she had to live with all the I-told-you-sos. Karma knew what