CHAPTER 6

"Well, it looks like you're stuck with me, that is if you still want to go to the camp," Josh says as he really looks at Jasmine for the first time.

"I know I was dumped on you and I don't want to take up your time, Mr. Bolt. You must have better things to do than to spend your day off going back up to your camp, your workplace."

"I think we were kind of dumped on each other," Josh laughs. "And I don't mind at all showing you around."

"Well if you're sure you don't mind, I would be delighted to go to the camp with you, provided that you tell me about Jeremy and Candy."

"What do you want to know about them?"

"Jeremy mentioned something about Candy and the other women moving here. Why would they move here to all this. . . mud?"

Josh laughs again. "It's a long story, but if you really want to know, I'll be glad to tell it. Tell you what, I'll go over to the dormitory and have Candy pack us a picnic basket to take with us. We might as well make a day of it."

"A picnic? Oh, I haven't been on a picnic since I was a little girl. I would enjoy that tremendously. I think I'll go freshen up a bit while you're gone. I've been sitting here for quite some time."

"May I recommend you changing into something less fancy, like something more casual. Do you happen to have a gingham dress instead of satin? And. . .and one that doesn't reveal so much?" Josh asks.

"I think I may have packed a dress or two like that. Does the way I dress bother you, Mr. Bolt?"

"Bother me, uh no, but it does make me a little uncomfortable. You're a lovely woman and I see no reason you should show. . .uh, I'm sorry. It's none of my business how you dress," Josh says embarrassed.

"Is that the way the men feel around here? I mean they have kept their distance from me. I'm not use to that."

"I guess so. The men like to look but they're hesitant to get too close. We're not use to seeing women as well endowed as you around here."

"Really? Then what about Lottie?"

"Oh, Lottie is well endowed, but she only shows a little cleavage. Not enough to embarrass the men."

"I see. Well, I'll see what I can find to wear so I don't embarrass you, then."

"I've offended you, haven't I? I'm sorry," Josh apologizes.

"No, I'm not offended. I appreciate your honesty. I'll see you in a little while," Jasmine says.

"Right. I better get that basket before Candy leaves for her own picnic." Josh heads for the dormitory.

Before Jasmine gets to the saloon door, Aaron Stempel walks up to her. "What are you doing with Josh? You're suppose to be with his baby brother, Jeremy."

"I was with Jeremy, but he dumped me on his brother so he could spend the day with Candy. Maybe I can find out some information from Joshua to help me in my endeavors with Jeremy."

"You better if you want to make your loan disappear. Remember if Miss Pruitt doesn't leave, you get nothing and you'll have to start repaying all that money I lent you. I hope to see some progress on your part soon. Good day," Aaron says as he goes into Lottie's. He orders a drink and watches Jasmine scoot up the stairs.

Josh enters the dormitory and sees Jeremy and Candy sitting at a table holding hands and talking quietly as they stare into each others eyes. He stands right beside them and they do not even know he's there. "All right, you love birds. You two are pathetic," he laughs.

Jeremy jumps and stammers, "Uh, J-J-Josh. What are you d-doing here?"

"Well little brother, since I'm taking your abandoned guest up to the camp, I think you should fix us up with a well filled basket of delectable food."

Candy rises saying, "Of course, Joshua. I'll get that for you right now."

"S-sorry about that Josh. I didn't know what else to do to get rid of her," Jeremy apologizes.

Josh laughs, "It's okay this time, Jeremy. I'll be happy to show Miss Westover around the camp. But why did you want to get rid of her?"

Jeremy shakes his head, "I don't really know, there's just something about her that bothers me and no, it isn't the way she dresses. But that is a little unsettling. I don't think I trust her. Don't ask me why because I don't know."

"Has she done anything to make you feel this way?"

"Not to speak of, it's just a feeling."

Candy brings the basket and a quilt over and sets them on the table. "I don't like the way she keeps trying to get close to Jeremy and she's always touching him. And to think I was the one to encourage Jeremy into showing her Seattle. All because I wanted to know what business she had here in Seattle. I've learned my lesson. I want Jeremy as far away from her as possible."

"I'll see if I can find out what her business is here. I better go, she went to freshen up. See you two later and thanks for the food," Josh says as he picks up the basket and quilt and heads for the door.

"Yeah later Josh," Jeremy replies. Looking at Candy he asks, "You ready to go?"

"Yes, I am." She picks up her basket and quilt and hands the basket to Jeremy. "Let's go."

When Jasmine returns to the buggy she finds Josh already there waiting on her. "Does this meet your approval?" she asks as she spins around with her arms outstretched.

"Sure does. You look very nice. Miss Westover, are you sure I didn't offend you?"

"I'm sure. Now, if we're going to spend most of the day together, don't you think we can call each other Joshua and Jasmine, like Candy said? Mr. and Miss sound so formal."

"Sounds good to me. Candy packed us a great looking lunch," Josh says as he places it in the buggy. "And she even lent us this quilt for us to sit on. You ready to go?"

"I am ready," she replies as she holds her hand out to Josh for him to help her up in the buggy.

Josh climbs up on the buggy seat, takes the reins, and heads for camp.

Meanwhile, Jeremy and Candy head for a quiet meadow to have their picnic.