A light went off in Alice’s head. “I know exactly where we can go.”

“Yeah?” Tina looked interested. “Where?”

“Leave your labels at home, and break out your flannels, girls.” Alice cast a glance at Shane. “Don’t worry Shane, the dress code for you is ‘as is’.”

“Hey!”

Dana snorted a giggle and then sobered, exchanging a worried glance with Tina. “Where are we going, Al?”

Alice folded her hands and looked around the table conspiratorially. “If Tina wants a change of pace, she’s going to get one. We… are going to the woods.”

                                                                                                        *****

“Alice, are you sure you know where you’re going?” Dana asked, looking on with concern from the passenger’s seat as Alice fiddled with the GPS.

“Positive. Maris gave me explicit instructions.”

“What a stroke of luck that you knew someone willing to offer us the use of her cabin for the weekend. What you described sounds awesome. I can’t wait to go hiking and explore!”

“She told me it had all the modern amenities. Done up like a home away from home. I’m just happy I remembered her – and the favor she owed me.”

Shane yawned hugely from the backseat and scratched her shaggy black hair. “Well I’m glad it’s not going to cost me anything. Al, I’ve been asleep for like two hours. Since the car is still moving, I take it we’re not there yet?”

“Nope,” Dana said, switching on the car radio. “I’m glad you’re up, though, ’cause now we can listen to some music.” Dana cranked up the volume and Alice reflexively turned it back down.

“I can’t concentrate with all that noise,” Alice said, glancing uneasily between the road and the GPS.

“Concentrate on what?” Dana wanted to know. “It feels like we’ve been going around in circles for the last hour. Maybe you should just go back to that little town we keep passing and ask for directions.”

“I know where I’m going,” Alice said irritably. “If you would just pipe down…”

“Yeah, I’m supposed to sit here in silence while Shane snores and you refuse to admit you’re lost.”

“Hey, I just got a text here from Bette and Tina,” Shane interrupted. “They’re already at the cabin and they want to know where we are and what’s taking you so long, Al.”