Page 36 of Bold Encounter
In the clearing was a circle of grass surrounded by towering trees.Sunlight filtered through the canopy, creating patterns of light and shadow on the ground.A fallen log provided a natural bench.Abe had brought a small backpack with water bottles and what looked like a packed lunch.
"You came prepared," Genevieve said, then sat on the grass beside the log.
"Boy Scout training," he said, unpacking sandwiches and fruit."Always be prepared."
They ate the delicious meal surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the forest.Genevieve felt a deep contentment, and a sense of rightness that felt good.She didn't need constant conversation with Abe.His presence was enough.
"This is perfect," she said, lying back on the grass and looking up at the canopy above them.
Abe stretched out beside her, close enough that their shoulders touched."I wanted to give you a few hours where you could just be yourself.Not a target, not someone who needs protection.Just you."
She turned her head to look at him, struck again by his thoughtfulness."Thank you for all of this.And for making me feel normal again."
He took her hand."This is how it should be."
For another hour, Genevieve talked quietly with Abe or just enjoyed the peaceful surroundings.When the sun began to climb higher and the air grew warmer, he packed up.Reluctantly, she headed back toward the main trail with him.
The return pace was relaxed, and Abe pointed out interesting plants and wildlife.Genevieve felt refreshed and energized in a way she hadn't in weeks.Whatever challenges lay ahead, she could face them with renewed strength.
*****
Back at Abe's house, they sat at his dining room table with tall glasses of iced tea.Genevieve felt relaxed and happy.Her skin was still warm from the sun, and her muscles were pleasantly tired from the hike.
"I should probably start thinking about getting ready for tonight," she said, checking her phone."I prefer to get there early."
"What time do you want to leave?"
"Maybe around five?"She took a long drink of her tea."The venue isn't far, but I don't want to rush."
Abe nodded."I'll coordinate with the security team.We'll have plainclothes officers in the audience and—"
Genevieve's phone rang, interrupting him.She glanced at the screen and saw Brooke's name.
"Hey," she said."What's up?"
Brooke's voice was tight with stress."You won't believe this.Jason came by the restaurant today."
Genevieve's stomach dropped."He came to Jasper's?"
"Yes, he did.He waltzed in around lunchtime, ordered coffee and one of my apple turnovers, then asked to speak to me."Brooke took a breath."I went out to the dining room and recognized him instantly.I remember him from when he was your band leader."
Genevieve felt sick."What did he want?"
"He'd eaten half of his dessert and politely told me how delicious it was.I couldn't figure out what his game was.And I could hardly have Jasper throw him out because he complimented the pastry."
Genevieve waited for the punch line."Of course not."
"Then he smoothly transitioned to bringing you up.He wanted me to know that he'd always admired your ability and would do whatever he could to support you in your career."Brooke's voice got sharper with each word."He acted like he was a concerned friend looking out for your best interests."
"What did you say?"
"Well, I lost it.I told him to leave, that I was well aware of his meddling in your career and I didn't appreciate it."Brooke took a shaky breath."I couldn't control myself."
"What did he do?"
"He just shrugged, like my reaction was nothing to him.Then he stood up and walked out.He didn't even pay the check for his pastry and coffee.It was like he was challenging me to go after him."
Genevieve closed her eyes, and the peace of the morning evaporated."I'm so sorry, Brooke.I never wanted him to drag you into this."
