Page 9 of Just a Plot Twist
“Me, too. My friends tell me I work too much.”
“She definitely works too much,” Rich adds, with ayuck yucklaugh.
I give him the briefest glare that I dare to do because I have to be civilized right now. It’s a look that says:We’re not friends, Rich, so I wasn’t referring to you.
An older gentleman with a wide-brim straw hat and a short, white beard clears his throat nearby. “Can I have everybody’s attention? Welcome to the inaugural hike of this season’s Longdale Hiking Club!” His grin is gap-toothed. “Thanks for coming out this morning. I’ve been chomping at the bit to go all winter long and the moment is finally here. And don’t worry, we’re starting out with this nice and easy one to slowly get us back in shape.”
He consults the clipboard in his hands before looking back up at the crowd.
“I’m Al, your trail guide today. I’m also the president of the hiking club, so I’ll state the rules now.” He gazes out over the group, tucks the clipboard under his arm and clasps his hands in front of him. “We ask you to be respectful of the natural resources on the trail and leave no trace. Please be courteous to your neighbors. If you tend to hike at a slower pace, file into the back. I’ve asked a couple to bring up the rear for us. It’s been a long winter, am I right?” The group of about twenty snickers. “We’re excited to be back at it, so let’s get started.”
There’s something in his eyes—a passion for Longdale and our mountains.
Solidarity, brother.
Rich and Liesel immediately step to the front of the line, which is where I definitely don’t want to be. I could hold up the line if I start sucking wind.
I stand back, allowing several people to step in front of me. Thank goodness I won’t have to hike right behind the McClains because I’m in no mood to hightail it up this mountain like I’ve got something to prove.
People talk excitedly as the group starts. A family with two preteen kids file in behind me, and I lose track of the handsome stranger.
It’s just as well. I don’t need to socialize or talk with people. I’ll focus on nature, immersing myself in the vision of the trailways project.
We get started through a clearing in the trees, aspens and pines forming a canopy overhead. I’m huffing and puffing way too soon and it’s embarrassing. Still, luckily, the pace isn’t too fast for me. The air is still chilly since the sun’s not up yet and I tug the sleeves of my sweatshirt down over my wrists.
The cozy, winding trail is narrow, the smell of clean, morning air floating on the breeze. It’s just…nice. Makes sense that people go out of their way to do this.
Our trailways project will only enhance the experience. We’ll provide public restrooms instead of the portable kind and better mile posts along the trail. It’s going to be perfect. I make a mental note of all the possibilities so I can share them with Inez on Monday. I have to be her eyes and ears now…her boots on the ground.
Not that I’m wearing boots. Just some beat-up old sneakers.
Rich’s too-loud voice booms up ahead as he admonishes his fellow hikers to refrain from dropping any food wrappers on the trail. He’s right, but it’s annoying. “Maybe respecting nature could mean you tone down the voice, Rich,” I mutter under my breath.
A low chuckle sounds behind me and I startle, whipping my head around to look over my shoulder.
“Oops. You weren’t supposed to hear that.” I offer an apologetic smile. It’s the cute guy from earlier.
He sticks his thumb behind him. “The family in between us had to stop and rest for a minute, so now I get to hike with you.”
I take in a quick breath. “Lucky you!” I mean it to sound light and funny, but with how hard I’m breathing, it probably doesn’t.
“Lucky me,” he agrees. “Do you want to take a breather?”
“No!” I wipe a thin line of sweat from my upper lip. “I’m fine. Doyouneed a breather?”
He chuckles again. “Not yet. Besides, we’re only a few minutes from the top. Almost there.” A companionable pause, then: “So what do you do when you’re not out enjoying nature?”
I glance behind me, wishing we could walk side by side, but the trail is too narrow to do that.
“I’m the assistant manager for the city of Longdale. My friend, the city manager, was supposed to be at the trailhead, but she’s not feeling well.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re here.”
I don’t answer right away. I can’t due to being a bit out of breath. It’s on an inhale that I’m suddenly aware that my posterior, in these tight leggings, is just…out there.
Great. As we climb, he’s got a perfect view of the junk in my trunk.
And there’s more junk back there than there has been in the past, which is another reason this trailways project is so perfect. Ireallyneed to get back in shape.
