Chapter 8

The next day, the semi was brought to the resort, so Bonnie could work on Kitt. She tuned him up, checked his CPU and other major systems, then went to look his interior over. "Kitt, it's going to take a while for your upholstery to dry out."

"Believe me, Bonnie. Swimming in a lake was not part of my agenda on this trip."

Amy was busy helping Michael pack his and Cara's things into Star's trunk. "Are you sure you have to go, Michael? You and Cara are paid up for another day."

"Yeah. I'll have paperwork to fill out on this case when I get back to the Foundation. But are you sure you'll be alright with things here?"

"We should be. I.A.G.S. made me a very generous offer. One where they can study the lake, but also allow us to keep the resort open, and not disturb the land of Pete's ancestors. With some of the money, we can even afford to make some repairs around here. And best of all, no more Jerry."

"He won't be bothering you for a while. The Foundation will help see to that."

"Thanks. Um…Maybe I can convince you to come back next year?" she asked.

He smiled back. "It's a date." He leaned in, and they kissed softly.

Cara walked along with Eric, her arm wrapped where she was scratched by the bats. She watched as Bonnie worked on Kitt. "So are you going back on the slopes again?"

"Not for a couple more weeks. Doctor said I need to rest my shoulder for a while before I try to maneuver downhill. After that ride we took yesterday, I'm eager to try some new moves out."

"It won't be the same as gliding down in a Trans Am."

"True. I guess you and Kitt helped me change my mind about older models. I may just opt to get one of those instead once I earn the money. Uh, honestly of course."

"That's good to hear."

"I'm lucky Aunt Amy decided not to fire me. Look, Cara. I want to thank you for what you did for me and my aunt. It means a lot."

"Eric…."

"Lemme finish. I know what you said the other night and I respect that. And I'm sure you've got someone in else your life, but maybe we can hang out sometime? Just as friends?"

"Sure." She felt relieved, but also a little confused. "But what do you mean by someone else? I told you I was single."

"Just a feeling." He had noticed how she was looking at her friend since they had come out of the mountainside, the way she fussed over him. Eric knew Cara's heart was with someone else. "I hope he knows how lucky he is." He hugged her. "See ya next year?"

"Count on it." she said, waving as he walked away, still not understanding what he meant. Cara turned and faced Kitt, who was still behind the semi, watching her and Eric as well, also feeling relieved.

"So how is he?" Michael asked Bonnie.

She shut his hood. "He should be in good working order now. He's still a little damp." She wiped her wet hands on her coat. "But he'll be at a hundred percent soon enough. Just like all those other messes you got him into."

"What do you mean?"

"Like father, like daughter?" she teased.

"I heard that." said Cara, walking up. "We all packed?"

"Yeah, I think we're all set." said Michael. "I'll just drive Kitt into the semi, and you and Star can…"

Kitt interrupted him. "Actually, Michael, Cara and I still have some unfinished business to take care of."

"We do?" she asked.

"Yes. I promised you hot chocolate, and I believed you promised me a hot wash and a wax. After this so called 'vacation', I could use one."

"Actually, hot chocolate doesn't sound too bad right about now." Cara smiled and got inside his cabin.

"I think I saw a diner and a car wash back in town." said Bonnie.

"Great. How about we take the scenic route?"

"Good idea." Kitt responded. "It will give me a chance to dry out and for us to take in the scenery." Cara pulled him out the parking lot, and drove down the road.

"Those two are becoming good friends, aren't they?" Bonnie asked.

"Yeah." Michael said, thoughtfully. "They are."

An employee of the resort then walked up to him. "Hey, this your car?" the man asked, pointing to Star.

"Uh…yeah. Kinda. Is something wrong?"

"Yes. I know don't know how, but it broke my snow blower."

Michael turned around. "Star?"

"Michael, I didn't." she said, innocently. "This man was spraying me with snow, so I just…I thought…."

"Yeah?"

"Kitt told me to do it!"

"So who's going to pay for a new machine?" the employee asked annoyed.

"Well, Star?"

"I uh…. You know, I just remembered. I could use a wash myself." She pulled out from the lot. "Hey, Kitt! Cara! Wait up!"

"Get back here!" yelled the man. "Someone's gotta pay for my machine!"

Michael and Bonnie just looked on, laughing.

The End

Thanks to Phoenix for allher help and the beta read.