About Up in the Smokies
by Mel Spenser
37 pages
/ 11000 words
ISBN: 978-1-60370-451-9, 1-60370-451-5
Available file types - html. lit, pdf, prc, epub, Sony Reader pdf
Kevin spends year after year at the same cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains, unwinding in the beautiful natural setting. Every year, cabin manager Ben watches Kevin from afar, slowly falling in love with the man he comes to know. They share an appreciation for the mountains, and Ben hopes they have even more in common.
This year, Kevin is on the rebound, which leaves him open to Ben's care. Kevin's old flame might not give up so easily, though, and more than one misunderstanding threatens the new relationship. Can Ben and Kevin's love for the Smokies, and for each other, win the day?
Sample
Kevin stepped out onto the deck and looked down on the tops of the trees in the deep valley below. Beyond that, the Smokies stretched out before him. The brilliant fall colors of the trees were bright against the blue of the sky.
The air was crisp and it wasn’t long before his breath came in puffs in front of his face. His cell phone vibrated and he looked to see who was calling. When he saw who it was, he smiled and answered it.
"Hi, Thomas."
"Hi. Did you make it okay?"
"Yeah. I was just standing out on the deck. We got a good location this year. The view is beautiful. There’s even a hot tub out here."
"Sounds nice," Thomas said. "Wish I could be there."
"Well, your plane gets in tonight," Kevin said. "You’ll get to wake up to it tomorrow morning."
"About that," Thomas said.
"What?" Kevin tensed.
"Well, something’s come up." Thomas hesitated. "I’m not going to be able to make it."
"You’re shittin’ me, right?" Kevin gave a laugh. "I’ve been planning this trip for weeks." Kevin felt the old resentment creeping in.
"I know. But I just found out that I have to work."
"Thomas, please don’t do this…"
"Kevin, it’s not like I want to miss our trip. I’ve been looking forward to it."
"Have you, Thomas?" Kevin tried to calm down before his anger flared. He paused and then tried another tactic. "This was supposed to be for us. To give us some time alone together. To work on things between us."
There was silence from Thomas’ end.
"Thomas? Are you there?"
"Yes." He heard Thomas sigh. "Look, Kevin. I should have said something sooner. I don’t think it’s working anymore."
"What are you saying, Thomas? Are you breaking up with me?"