Free Syncopated Rhythm by Erik Schubach Page A

Christmas.”
    Then The girl turned to me and cocked her head cutely.  Kimi spoke up, “Samantha, this is Amber's keeper, Kylee.  Kylee this exuberant, bouncing young lady is our daughter, Sammie.”
    I put my hand out and she grinned and hugged me instead.  She giggled then said,  “Nice to meet you Kylee.  It's about bloody time.  Aunt Amber has needed someone to keep an eye on her mischievous butt for quite some time.”
    Amber laughed. “Hey!  I'm not that bad... well... fine.  I am... but hey!  Watch it little lady!”
    Sammie just rolled her eyes playfully and led the way up the stairs to the covered, wrap around porch, bypassing the lower retail area that looked packed to the gills.  We entered into a large open space that had a little cafe in it.  I glanced over to see a glass elevator beside a huge staircase.  The timber framed interior of the lodge was just as rustic and spectacular as the outside.  We all walked up the stairs to the third level and Sammie led us into a gorgeous living area.
    Amber grabbed my hand and dragged me to the sunken seating area by the roaring fire in the freestanding fireplace.  We sat and the others joined us.  Before anyone could speak I heard some tapping and clicking and clacking coming down the hall.
    A woman with beautiful black hair was coming down the hall with a loaded backpack slung over one shoulder.  She had leg braces on both legs and a single cuff crutch.  Her right leg seemed to be spasming to the side as she approached us with a huge smile on her face.
    A sweet voice, with probably the thickest Australian accent I have ever heard said,  “Amber! I'm so glad the girls got you to come!”
    Amber jumped up and gave the woman a big hug.  “Hi Bobby!  They were quite persuasive.  Where is your beautiful bride?”
    Almost on cue I heard more creaking and clacking coming down the hall.  A exotic looking tall woman, also with a leg brace, came walking out with another huge backpack slung over her shoulder.  Amber released Bobbie and pulled the smiling newcomer into a hug.  “How's it going Blake?  Looks like you two are ready to head out to the mountain.”
    Blake nodded with a grin as they disengaged from their hug.  “Can't keep old Silent Bob inside for too long, she get's antsy.  Ro and I are just camping for the weekend.  I sure hope you are going to come around to visit after that.  I hear you are stuck here for a couple weeks still.”
    Amber grinned and nodded then turned to me. “Blake, Bobbie, I'd like you to meet Kylee.  She's my evil keeper while I'm here in the Emerald City.”
    They both shook my hand, Bobbie held on as she met my eyes.  “You must be something special if Amber didn't ditch you and brought you along.”
    I grinned and said, “Oh she tried, but all I had to do was follow the trail of destruction in the china shop.”
    Bobbie snorted as Amber tried to defend herself. “Hey!  Is this pick on Amber day?”
    Blake laughed.  “Every day is pick on Amber day woman!”
    Amber comically squished up her face in thought.  “Hmmm... You're right!”
    The two women winked at me then started toward the door.  Bobbie called back, “Well ladies, we best be off if we want to get above the ridge before dark.  And Kylee, it was a pleasure to meet you.”
    I gave a tiny wave.  I don't know why I was blushing so much.  I found it odd that I had absolutely zero doubt in my head that those two would have no problems in the wilderness, it seemed to radiate off of them, and their braces wouldn't slow them down one bit.  I guess that is part of the legend of Silent Bob.
    Then Amber sat back down beside me and Sammie sat down on her other side with a sketchpad.  Skylar joined us as Kimi called out.  “Beer?  Soft drink?  Water?”
    Amber opened her mouth then shut it again as she looked at me then said with a smile, “Cola would be great Kim.”
    Then she looked at me.  I squeaked out, “Cola please.”
    Sammie looked