Part 62 (1/2)

patient and understanding, but why did life have to become

so complicated?

nly two days after the first snow had fallen, and

before the ski resort ever received enough to open,

an unseasonably warm wind began to blow from

the south and within twenty-four hours the streets were

rapidly running with melted snow. The warm spell continued

to the end of the week, and Pine Mountain grew soggy and

damp, with shopkeepers and businesspeople growing more

worried and dismal than ever.

”Guess we better get that island man to do some more

praying,” said Dolly as she arranged two large bowls of veg-

etarian chili in front of Maggie and Scott, taking a moment

to refill their water gla.s.ses.

”Well, you know Michael's from the tropics,” said

Maggie as she stuck her spoon into the chili. ”I guess when

he prayed for snow, he just forgot to specify that tempera-

tures should remain cold.”

Dolly laughed and headed back to the kitchen.

Scott glanced around. ”You better not tell my mom I ate

in here.”

Maggie laughed. ”Rosa knows I come in here about once

a week, and she thinks it's great. She likes Dolly and Jinx-

and it's not like these guys are in any serious compet.i.tion

99.

100Melody Carlson