“I won’t suggest we trade war stories.” Cole touched Boone’s shoulder in shared regret. “I just want a chance to start over.” He looked around at the happy gathering. “Like you did with these fine people.”
“You’re Reno’s brother, you’re automatically in the club.” Boone gave Cole one last welcoming smile, before he moved to stand by Reno. “I need to talk to you.”
“Sure.” He stood and walked outside with his friend.
“I claimed your bed in the bunkhouse while you were missing for that month.”
“I’m aware,” Reno said. “But it doesn’t matter, all the mattresses are lumpy.”
Boone pressed on with his point. “When we found out Cole was coming, I decided to change beds again. I wanted you two to be able to bunk near to one another – in case he needed to talk or something.” He bent his head, but kept his eyes locked to Reno’s. “Anyway, when I was moving your things, I found this under your pillow.”
Recognizing the paper, Reno reached out to claim it. “Journey’s note!”
“Not so fast.” Boone turned to the side to protect his grip on the paper. “I want to hear your explanation for this.” He unfolded the flyer to expose the photograph on the front.
Reno muttered a curse under his breath. “That’s called a helicopter. It flies through the air and people can ride in it.”
Boone stomped his foot. “I knew it! I knew it! Do you remember me telling you about the strange ship thing I saw in the air that time?”
“Yes.” Reno nodded. “I do.”
“So, they’re real. I wasn’t crazy.” Boone kept staring at the photo.
“I don’t know what you saw, but the helicopter you’re looking at exists in 2019.” Reno moved close enough to tap the photograph. “See, that big city with the impossibly tall buildings, that’s Austin. Our Austin in the future.”
Boone just stared at the photograph. Mesmerized. “What you told Clay and the others is the truth.”
“It is. So, this is what you all do? Gossip behind my back like a bunch of old biddies.”
With a smirk, Boone handed him the flyer. “The tale you were prattling was a lot more than gossip, my friend.”
“All right. You know the truth. I spent a month in the future and that’s where I learned what I needed to know to save Cole.”
“And that’s where you found the woman, your wife, the one who wrote that note to you.”
“Yes, my wife. Journey. She means the world to me and if I can’t get back to her, I don’t know how I’ll go on.”
A creaky floorboard behind them caused both men to turn. They found Cole standing still with an amazed look on his face. “I think we need to have a talk, brother. Don’t you?”
* * *
“I’m glad you’re here, Lou. This has been a tough past few days.”
“You should’ve called me; I would’ve come sooner.” Lou held the folder containing the Daily State Gazette article about Reno as they pulled into the Kinko’s parking lot. “Just sit still. I’ll run in and get this copy made.”
“Thanks.” Knowing it wouldn’t take her long, Journey left the car running. Summer seemed to be putting in an early appearance. The Texas heat was getting to her. She flipped on the radio to the oldies station she liked to listen to. When she recognized the velvet voice of Elvis singing Forget Me Never, Journey immediately switched it off. “I can’t handle that right now.” She swiped at her face, trying to rid her cheeks of the ever-present trail of tears before her friend returned. Journey knew she needed to get a grip on herself. Today would be a busy day.
“All right. I’m back,” Lou announced as she slid into the seat and closed the door. Leaning over the back, she placed the folder into Apple’s box of papers and the precious copy on the seat next to the box. “Ready, set, go.”
“Thanks, Lou.” Journey started the engine. “Now for the doctor’s visit.”
“Everything’s going to be great. You’ll see.” She patted Journey’s knee.
“I think so. I feel well. It’s just the worry gets to me sometime.”
“Why don’t you let me do the worrying for a while?”
“Okay.” Journey let out a soft giggle. “Since Reno can’t be here for my first ultrasound, I’m glad you are, Lou.”
“Me too. And afterward, we’ll go to your book club meeting and pig out on burgers and fries with your friends.”
“Apple, Sarah, and Jewel are thrilled you’re coming with me.”