Chapter 9

The world is a pretty good place. I knew that because I awoke with my Tami in my arms. I even decided to forgive Traci for her crack about me not being worth two Swiss rolls. Even my bladder cooperated by not nagging.

I lay holding her close, feeling her warmth, her spirit.

"What are you doing?" she asked when she woke almost half an hour later.

"Just holding on to the most special girl in all the world."

Tami giggled. "I'll bet you say that to all the girls who trade their Swiss rolls for you."

"No one else ever thought I was worth a Swiss roll."

"I'll tell you a secret," Tami whispered. "I would have given both."

I kissed her gently. I knew we were only talking about a pair of Swiss rolls worth maybe a quarter, but the way she said it made me feel warm all over. I half-remembered the Dr. Seuss book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. When he discovered the meaning of Christmas his heart grew three sizes. I think it was three. Right then, my heart grew four.

"I was just thinking," I said as we cuddled. "If we get married for fifty years, we can do this about eighteen thousand times."

"Eighteen thousand two hundred and fifty," Tami corrected. "I don't want to miss a day."

"Well, if you want to get technical, eighteen thousand two hundred and sixty-three."

"Sixty-three?"

"Leap years."

Tami laughed. "Okay, Mr. Math Whiz, but I want a hell of a lot more than fifty years."

"That's just the start, babe. Just the start."

By ten o'clock we were on the road heading south. Mikee drove as we tooled down California-1. She was getting a lot more confident behind the wheel. I wondered if Mom and Dad would thank me for that or want to kick me in the ass.

We had lunch at an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet in Oakland, then took the ferry to our new home, Angel Island State Park, right in the middle of San Francisco Bay.

About five, Tami organized another concert. Today we drew almost a hundred spectators, but it was a Saturday afternoon, so the park was already full. I think we were the only ones who came in today. Everybody else got here yesterday.

Afterward, she and I took a long walk.

The views from the beaches of Angel Island were fantastic. The skyline of San Francisco was impressive. I've never wanted to live in any city, but if I had to, San Francisco would be my first pick.

Tami and I were heading back toward camp when I noticed Traci sitting on a rock, staring out at the bay. I gave Tami's hand a squeeze. She kissed my cheek and turned toward the trail back to the campsites.

"Hey, brat, what you doing?"

"Just thinking," she answered without looking up.

There was a smaller rock next to the one Traci was sitting on. I sat down and stared out at the bay, wondering if Traci saw a different view than I did. "What'cha thinking about?" I asked after a while.

"Nothing important."

She sounded depressed, which surprised me, 'cause when we did our little concert, she'd been positively euphoric. Especially after a couple of teenaged guys asked her when she was trying out for American Idol.

"Is there something I can help with?" I asked.

"Haven't you done enough?" she snapped, then stood suddenly and walked to the edge of the water.

Okay, that narrowed it down. The problem was me. But I couldn't figure out what I'd done. I waited a couple of minutes, but when Traci didn't turn around, I followed her to the water's edge. "I don't understand," I admitted.