Years of familiarity with the O'Toole house meant that Joe very rarely entered via the front. Tonight was no different. He made his way to the back porch stairs, and upon arriving was relieved to see that all seemed to be well with Oliver and Shane judging by their current cosy position on the porch swing. He called out a greeting (previous experience taught him to announce his presence – he and Shane had never been embarrassed by any fondness he had witnessed, but Oliver certainly had been.)
Shane jumped up, exclaiming, 'Ooh, dinner! Thanks Joe!' as she commandeered the bags, peering inside to see what culinary delights were in store. She hurried inside, and the O'Toole men were left to follow in her wake, something now both were quite familiar with. Also familiar was the slight stumble that Oliver made as he encountered Shane's misplaced shoes. Sighing, and possibly bouncing, Oliver followed Joe into the dining room, remembering to bring the wine and glasses with him.
Serving dinner and beverages was soon accomplished, and grace was offered. The trio set to demolishing the selection of dishes on offer. Joe laughed as Oliver and Shane fought over the last of the admittedly delicious Rainbow Beef, contenting himself with an extra helping of Moo Shu Pork. Next came fortune cookies and a pot of tea. Joe thought that 'Life consists not in holding good cards, but in playing those you hold well' augured well for the next poker night, while Oliver remarked upon reading 'Nothing astonishes men so much as common sense and plain dealing' that the author might have met Lester. He laughed ruefully as Shane read 'Your shoes will make you happy today', remarking that her shoes did not universally make him happy. Silliness over, it was time for Shane to explain her plan.
'Oliver, Joe, I am so sorry that I was so extreme in my reactions today. I think you both know that while I can give people second chances, places and events I find a bit more challenging.'
Oliver smiled. He and Shane had very different opinions about 'Montaldo's'. He was willing to give it another shot, while Shane considered it cursed and never wanted to go there again.
But,' Shane continued, 'I know that I can't consign all of nature to an O'Toole Exclusion Zone, and so I have some requests… well stipulations really …'
She looked at her audience. Both seemed to be taking this well, in fact, Joe looked delighted. Shane leaped up from her chair, only to return almost immediately with her work tote. She pulled her tablet and a stack of small stack of cards from its depths.
Oliver blinked. 'Busy afternoon at work, Mrs O'Toole?' he silkily enquired.
She had the grace to look a little self-conscious, before winking as she replied, 'Uh huh. My supervisor was very pleased with my work.'
Oliver laughed, while Joe wondered when Oliver was going to give up trying to gain the upper hand.
Shane opened her tablet then began to read from her list.
'Number 1: Cell phones with all campers at all times.' She stared at her husband. 'Individual cell phones.'
Oliver once again sighed, but said nothing.
'Number 2: Solar powered power banks.' Joe smiled while Oliver mentally noted that he would ask Joe about this later.
'Number 3: A detailed itinerary left with me, Norman and Dale.' As there was no response, she continued. 'Number 4: Registering the trip with relevant park rangers.'
Oliver thought they were getting off easy. Even though he hated cell phones, he did think this was all pretty reasonable. He also thought there was probably more.
'Number 5: A personal GPS tracker with alert system.' Joe thought this might be a bit much, but wisely refrained from saying so.
'Number 6: No off-trail walks.' Joe looked a little guilty at that. 'Number 7: Camping only in designated campgrounds.' No comment.
'Number 8: Maps and compass with campers at all times, Number 9: Waterproof gear, extra food and water to be carried. Number 10: A comprehensive first aid kit complete with pain relief, bandages, anti-histamines and I am seeking medical advice about carrying antibiotics as well. Number 11: A torch. Number 12: Emergency shelter. Number 13: A knife or multitool, number 14: Fire starting materials.' Shane looked up, finally drawing breath. 'There may be more, but these are my preliminary prerequisites.'
'If only the Donner party had a Shane,' Oliver was foolish enough to mention.
'You are lucky I am not currently wearing my shoes, Mr O'Toole,' was the saccharine response.
Joe jumped in. 'Sure, Shane. We can work with this …'
The idea of requesting Sherpas to carry the required provisions did cross Oliver's mind, but he managed to stop himself.
Shane continued. 'And … I get to pick the destination.'
'And one assumes that task is already done, Shane.' Oliver raised an eyebrow at his wife, who caught her bottom lip with her teeth and flushed.
'Yes..' was the hesitant reply.
'Where are we headed?' Oliver asked.
'Umm, I know it isn't too far away, if fact you will probably think it is not far enough or remote enough, and you both have probably been there, but I thought Aspen Meadows, and you could explore around Golden too, as it kind of has things that might appeal to both of you?' Shane had run out of steam. She was worried she had pushed too far.
Joe spoke up. 'Shane,' he said, glancing at Oliver and seeing him give an almost imperceptible nod, continued, 'You have forgotten the most indispensable thing we need on this trip.'
Shane looked confused.
'You, Shane,' Oliver stated.
