"Well, Mom…? How 'bout it? Can we go?" Rick said anxiously, though he knew his mother rarely refused his requests.

She turned away from the stove, still relishing the chance to tease her son. "That sort of thing takes time to plan," she said, and she was prepared to continue her kidding until she saw the hurt expression on her son's face. "I mean, we couldn't possibly leave tonight… But, how about tomorrow?" And she was pleased by the warm glow of excitement that radiated across the kitchen.

"Oh, that's great, Mom! I mean, I meant tomorrow! Heck, that still gives us two nights there!" he said hurriedly, and he stood up from the table and hugged his pretty mother.

Her heartbeat quickened as she felt her son's hard young body against her, but she turned away immediately, looking in a pot as if the food might be burning. "There's one thing you haven't considered, dear," she said in her most serious tone, but she waited to go on until Rick had again sat down at the table. "Since this is a three day weekend there is a strong possibility the camp will be full… We may not be able to get a cabin!"

"No problem," he said smiling, "Karen's going to have her Mom reserve us a cabin the moment they get there. I figured you'd say O.K." He laughed loudly, and so did his mother.

CHAPTER TWO

They got a late start the next morning as Linda realized at the last minute she had to wash some clothes for the trip. Rick became somewhat impatient, but remained in good spirits as he helped around the house. They got away shortly after noon, with Rick driving after having promised his mother he would stay within the speed limit.

It was only a two hour drive to Salinas, but from there the going was slower with most of the highway being two lanes. They stopped for a late lunch on the Monterey wharf, eating hamburgers, though the restaurant specialized in seafood. They both detected a slight fishy taste to the beef, but it was fun nonetheless… and neither had any complaints.