patient and understanding, but why did life have to become
so complicated?
nly two days after the first snow had fallen, and
before the ski resort ever received enough to open,
an unseasonably warm wind began to blow from
the south and within twenty-four hours the streets were
rapidly running with melted snow. The warm spell continued
to the end of the week, and Pine Mountain grew soggy and
damp, with shopkeepers and businesspeople growing more
worried and dismal than ever.
"Guess we better get that island man to do some more
praying," said Dolly as she arranged two large bowls of veg-
etarian chili in front of Maggie and Scott, taking a moment
to refill their water glasses.
"Well, you know Michael's from the tropics," said
Maggie as she stuck her spoon into the chili. "I guess when
he prayed for snow, he just forgot to specify that tempera-
tures should remain cold."
Dolly laughed and headed back to the kitchen.
Scott glanced around. "You better not tell my mom I ate
in here."
Maggie laughed. "Rosa knows I come in here about once
a week, and she thinks it's great. She likes Dolly and Jinx-
and it's not like these guys are in any serious competition
99.
100Melody Carlson
with your mom's deli. The menu and atmosphere differ
greatly."
"Yeah, I suppose you're right. Mom doesn't usually get
truckers in the deli. Also, I know for a fact Buckie won't step
foot in here."
"Okay, let's not get distracted. Remember, this is sup-
posed to be a business lunch." She broke some crackers into
her chili.
"By the way, Mag, good story about the wetland issues.
I can't believe you haven't heard anything from our devel-
opment boys yet. I thought for sure Greg Snider would send
in one of his nasty letters of protest."
"Well, I did hear from Cherise just yesterday that he and
Rick are pretty furious about the whole thing."
"And she's still speaking to you?"
"Cherise and I are friends, and it's no secret around ?own
that she and Greg are having some problems right now
anyway. I think she's enjoying watching him squirm a little."
"Do you think they'll stay together?"
"I think Greg's a fool to treat her the way he does. I doubt
he'd ever do any better than Cherise and, despite everything,
I think she might still love him. For both their sakes I really
hope they can work things out."
He nodded and took another bite of chili. "It's nice to see