Page 49 of The Perils of Pretending
We’re quiet on the drive. My second cousins and aunts and uncles (they’re not truly my aunts and uncles since Dad was an only child, but it's just what we've always called them) talk around us, but I don’t feel inclined to join in. I want to shake off what Dorian did, but I’m having a hard time convincing my body that the threat is over and I’m fine now.
I study Max’s hand resting in mine, lying on my thigh. His fingernails are square and cut short. His fingers are long. I can feel his callouses on my palm. I know he likes to do woodworking and play hockey. They must be from that. All I know is they’re good, steady, kind, hardworking, and protective hands. At least, they feel that way.
I look out the window at the scenery as we drive. I can’t get over how incredibly green it is here. We’ve been here four days and the beauty is as striking as the first day. I like Utah. From the red rocks down south to the blue mountains up north, we have a lot of good hiking and camping spots, but they pale in comparison to Alaska. The majesty is overwhelming—in a good way. Almost like a realm in a magical world.
If it weren’t for the Buttcombes and Dorian, my stay would be phenomenal. Maybe someday I can come up with Max and explore Anchorage with him and check off items on my list that I can’t do in Homer, like dog sledding. If it’s not too weird for him to take a trip with his best friend’s little sister. Granted, Max did say we were officially friends now, so maybe it wouldn’t be awkward. I don’t feel uncomfortable holding his hand right now, which is major progress, considering how annoying I found him just a few days ago.
But a man protecting you will make you change your opinion of him real fast.
Which is exactly what’s happening with Max. From the moment he talked normally during our flight to today, my view of him is different. He’s nice and kind. I’m finally seeing parts of Max that match his exterior.
We pull into a gravel parking lot marked off by wooden fence posts. We’re surrounded by trees, bushes, wildflowers, and boulders on all sides. A blue Subaru and black truck are already here, but otherwise it seems like we have the place to ourselves. Piling out of the vans, we get our packs on, waiting for the guide to lead us. Soil and damp greenery permeate the air. Clouds cover the sun, making the trees feel bigger and darker. I’m a little chilly, but once we start hiking, I’ll warm up fast.
“Think we’ll get to have wild berry pie tomorrow?” I ask, clipping my hiking backpack support around my waist.
Max shrugs. “I’m sure if you requested it and provided the berries, they’ll make it happen.”
I raise a finger in the air. “New plan. We eat what we want but the baskets get taken back to the cooks at the lodge.”
“Don’t you want to ship some home?” Brody asks, coming up from behind us. Mom joins our trio.
“If we can figure out a way to do that, then yeah, I want to. But I also wouldn’t mind eating pie tomorrow.”
“Don’t eat too many while we’re picking or you’ll get an upset stomach,” Max cautions.
I’ll be fine. I’m more worried about not picking enough. “Let’s just make sure we all get as many as we can. Okay?”
“All right folks,” the guide says. “This trail goes out and back. An hour in is where the berries will be. You’ll have forty-five minutes to fill your baskets before we make our way back. Moose are common in this area, as well as brown bears—or grizzlies, as you may know them. Do not approach the wildlife. Stay back and stay calm. Feel free to talk and make as much noise as you want. Bears typically avoid humans, especially if it’s loud. Any questions?”
My stomach tightens at the thought of seeing a bear in the wild. In my slight panic, I forget what to do when you come across a grizzly. Play dead? Climb a tree? Stand my ground? Why did I think Max could protect me from a bear? I need my bear spray with me.
Max rubs circles on my back. “We’re a large crowd. We’ll be fine.”
How did he know I was freaking out?
“How many bears have you seen in your life?” Mom asks.
Max shrugs. “I never kept track, but quite a few.”
“And you’ve never been attacked?” He looks fine, but I need reassurance.
“Do you think a bear really wants to maul this awesomeness? Even they know to leave perfection unmarred when they see it.”
I roll my eyes and elbow Max’s stomach. “In that case, you can go right behind the guide.” Maybe the bear will get full by eating the guide and Dorian and will leave the rest of us alone.
“Fine by me.”
The guide starts out on the dirt trail. I want to look up to see the views, but the trail is too rocky, forcing me to keep my gaze on the ground. Brody and Max talk and walk as fast as the guide. Soon there’s a gap between us girls and the boys, with the rest of the aunts, uncles, and cousins behind Mom and me. Mom and I chat about Dani’s writing retreat, Lucy’s new job and boyfriend, and what we should do over Labor Day weekend.
“I’m glad I caught up to you,” Dorian says, coming up behind Mom and me, interrupting our conversation.
What is it going to take to get him to leave me alone? “I don’t want to talk to you,” I get out through clenched teeth.
“I just need a few minutes.”
“It doesn’t matter what you say. I’m not interested in someone who doesn’t understand the meaning of no.”
“Dorian, I’m not sure what your goal is here, but my daughter’s asked you multiple times to leave her be. Please respect her wishes.”
