Page 20 of Worth the Risk
“Fine. I’ll see you in 20.” His answering smile is one of my favorites, it’s the one he uses when he gets something he really wants. I would do almost anything for that smile. Like go on a hike on my only day off this week.
I’m smiling 20 minutes later as I walk next door to pick Winnie up for our date. She may not know that’s what this is, but she will. She was a little hesitant in saying yes to a hike, but I’m just taking her on an easy three mile loop that goes by the lake. It’s supposed to get pretty hot today, so I told her to bring a swimsuit in case we decide to swim. I’ve got my backpack loaded with sunscreen, bug spray, towels, water, and a small picnic. I wish I could have gotten a better selection but salami, cheese, crackers and some fruit will have to do. I shake my head, still floored that she accepted my invitation to go on a hike. Willingly.
She said that she’s been trying to hike more but it’s hard to believe when I’ve seen her on a trail. I wince at the memory. She managed to get poison ivy the last time Colt convinced her to come with us. That’s not the easiest thing to do in Colorado, but she fell into a patch, wiped the hair out of her face and by thetime we got home…her face…oh man, it was so swollen she could barely see. Mom and dad took her to Dr. Jones’ office and she had to get a shot and slather her face in cream. She vowed that night that she would never go on a hike with us ever again. So, imagine my surprise when she agreed to go with me.
I walk up her steps and knock on her door. I hear a thump and then she opens the door for me. She’s rubbing her elbow.
“You okay?”
“Hello to you, too.” She smiles.
“Hi,” I say grinning as I lean on the doorframe. “Are you okay?” I point at her elbow.
“Oh…yeah. I’m fine, just clipped my elbow coming around the corner to get the door.”
“Eager to see me then?” She blushes.
“Oh, get over yourself will you?” I give myself a minute then to take in her appearance. Her hair is tied back on the back of her neck with little pieces escaping and curling at her face, freckles are on full display. She’s got on an orange tank top and tight little black shorts There’s a small sliver of skin showing across her waist and my eyes bug out of my head when I see the hint of black ink on the right side of her stomach.
“What do we have here?” I motion to her stomach and she follows the gesture.
“Oh, well that would be a tattoo.” She informs me.
“What is it? When did you get it? Can I see it?” She dissolves into a fit a giggles.
“Now who’s eager?”
“I’m not ashamed to admit it. I really want to see your tattoo right this minute. I have no chill.” She’s still giggling as she inches the tank top up and pulls the band of her shorts down just enough for me to see.
“It’s a rosemary sprig.” I run my eyes over the design, from the outside of her ribcage, curving across her belly and back down towards her hip.
“When did you get this?”
“Um, I got it on my 24th birthday. It symbolizes remembrance.” She swallows. “I wanted to have something physical to remember my parents.” She puts on such a tough exterior, but I know she struggles with losing them at such a young age.
“That’s really special, Winnie. It’s beautiful.”
“Thank you. I don’t always remember them that clearly but I thought this would be a way to keep them with me.” She reaches next to the door and grabs a book and a little bag that she slings over her chest. It’s just big enough to slip the book in. She grabs a chapstick and puts a worn green plaid flannel on. She’s not even trying and she looks so adorable I can hardly stand it.
“Have you read it?” I look at her confused.
“What?” She taps her little bag.
“The book.”
“Oh um, no. I haven’t read it. What’s it about?”
“Well, if you haven’t read it. It’s kind of hard to explain.”
“I better read it then.” Her mouth pops open a little. “As good at distracting me as you have proven to be—I do have a date planned.”
“A date? I think you mean ahike.” She pulls on her boots over her tall socks and laces them up. “Well let’s go be one with nature then.” I grin at her fake enthusiasm.
“Let’s go, honeybee.”
The ride to the trailhead is only 30 minutes. I’ve looked over at Winnie as much as possible in that time. Having missed so much time with her over the years I don’t want to waste anymore. I have the windows rolled down and the sunroof open in the truck. I’m distracted by Winnie’s hair blowing around inthe wind, despite having tried to contain it in a bun. I let out a laugh and she looks over at the sound. I can see myself reflected in her sunglasses and I look happy. Really damn happy. I feel that way, too. For the first time in a really long time. I loved hockey and I loved playing professionally but as great as it was it never made me this happy. She laughs with me as we pull into the parking lot.
It’s around 2 by the time we get started and the sun is as brutal as always. Once we get to the tree line we’ll have a little shade for a while. I notice Winnie’s shoulders already getting pink.
