Total pages in book: 158
Estimated words: 145803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 729(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 729(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
“He said he wanted a piece of tail,” Vienna said. “Perhaps he shouldn’t use that specific language.”
“Let’s go rescue Zahra and see what she’s really up to,” Stella said. “Not that I’d put it past her to do anything to get out of exploring in this kind of heat.”
“It isn’t that hot yet,” Vienna pointed out. “The water isn’t even that hot. We have hot springs where we live. She goes there with us all the time.”
“True,” Stella said. “But she doesn’t actually get in the hot springs. She waits until we go to Shabina’s or up to my resort or anywhere there is an indoor jacuzzi or hot tub. She’s certain there is some kind of bug that will kill us all if we get inside an outdoor hot spring. Not to mention she is certain a volcano will erupt and we’ll die that way.”
“Did one of you insist she watch Dante’s Peak?” Vienna asked.
“Action-adventure night,” Harlow and Shabina said together.
“There you go,” Vienna said, throwing her hands into the air. “All of you know Zahra can’t watch movies like that. Now she’ll never go in the hot springs again.”
They reached Benny, who had managed to untangle himself from Liza. “We’ve got to load up fast, ladies,” he greeted them. “The other company is right behind us, and we want to be able to spend time at Boy Scout Canyon.”
“I might need help into my kayak, Benny,” Liza wheedled.
Elsa raised an eyebrow. “Is something wrong with you? I’m sixty-three, and I have no problem getting myself in. I can help you.”
Liza glared at her. “I’m perfectly fine, thank you.”
“Clay is free,” Benny said. “I’ve got to check and make certain everyone gets back safely. Clay.” He raised his voice. “Liza needs a hand.”
“Oh, never mind,” Liza snapped and turned toward the line of kayaks.
Elsa put her arm through Verma’s as they trailed behind Liza. “I just don’t understand why Clay insists on working for Benny when his family comes from old money. He inherited the entire fortune.”
“Maybe that’s it, dear,” Verma went right along with it. “He probably gets tired of women chasing him for his money. On the river, you can tell the fortune-hunters. They go after the owner of the company and never look his way.”
It was all Vienna could do not to laugh as Liza lingered behind and then went back to Benny to ask if he would call Clay to assist her into her kayak.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Boy Scout Canyon was on the Nevada side of the river and had a sandy shore. Zahra commented on the sand as she helped to dock the kayak with the others.
“So much nicer than all those nasty rocks,” she told Vienna.
Vienna shook her head. “You aren’t getting out of coming exploring with us this time. No watching the kayaks or building sand castles. No saving the guides from barracudas. Or me from potential killers. You’re here to have a good time.”
Zahra looked up at the mountain looming over them. “It’s hot now, Vienna, and I read about this place. You use ropes to climb up and down rock with water pouring over you.”
“Zahra, you’re a climber. That’s what you do. This isn’t a big deal to you.”
Zahra made a face.
“Elsa and Verma probably will need help. Liza might need help. You know what you’re doing so you need to come just in case.”
Zahra heaved an exaggerated sigh. “Fine. But those ropes are going to be sketch. And they’ll be covered in algae, so slimy.” She shuddered.
Still, she crossed the sand to join their group just as Vienna knew she would. Elsa and Verma were with them. Elsa applied more sunscreen to her arms, shoulders and face. Vienna didn’t think it was doing her much good; her skin had taken on a reddish glow. She took the tube from her and applied a thicker coat to her shoulders and back of her neck before turning to Verma.
“I don’t ever burn,” Verma assured. “Not like Elsa does. I have this complexion. She’s white as snow and turns into a lobster. I just get darker.”
“And more beautiful,” Elsa assured.
Verma laughed. “You’ve always said that to me.”
“Because it’s the truth.”
Vienna thought it was so sweet that their friendship had lasted so many years. She hoped her friendships with the women she had now would stand the test of time as well. They followed Benny as he led the kayakers into the narrow passages where water ran over eroded fragments and shot out of the sides of the rock face.
Zahra was absolutely correct when she guessed the ropes would be slimy and green. They were in poor shape as well, an accident just waiting to happen. Used as they were to climbing and depending on rope to keep them alive, the six of them looked at one another before Vienna took the rope in her hands and followed Benny up the narrow passage. Water raced down as she climbed, using her feet and hands to pull herself up.