Excuse Me Miss... Ch. 03

"We should be getting back, the others will be worried." Jeremy nodded and started putting on his own clothes.

Neither discussed what had occurred in the canyon the whole hike back. In fact they barely discussed anything, but by the time they reached camp Alicia was herself again. He was glad to see everyone getting along, but not so pleased to find Sam's gear sitting outside his tent.

"Sorry man, Beth and I talked. We're okay now, but Beth thinks it best if we don't spend the night together. Hope you and Alicia don't mind."

He said "Of course not," and looking at Alicia he knew deep down a part of her was glad Sam and Beth hadn't made up entirely. Sam and Alicia traded spots and the rest of the day went rather uneventfully. The girls made an excellent dinner, but this time on a stove which given that day's rain was wise. After dinner they played some cards by lantern light before everyone turned in for an early evening. They had to get an early start back the next morning.

The next day they packed up and left. It wasn't until she went to leave Jeremy's that Alicia talked about the thing they both clearly had on their minds.

"Look Jeremy, about what happened in the canyon..." She looked immensely guilty.

"It's fine," Jeremy said a little too quickly, and Alicia looked a bit hurt. "I understand. See you tomorrow on the train?"

She nodded then got in the car and drove off, leaving Jeremy wondering if she'd ever let her guard down like she had in the canyon again. He knew why she had been so guarded; he would need time and patience to her trust. He only wondered if he had enough of both. Time was not on his side and his own growing feelings for her made it hard to wait for her to let him in and return them. He then remembered that old saying: anything worth having is worth fighting for and worth waiting for. Alicia was definitely worth it.