Page 61 of New Year, New Guy
Eight months later – back in the Smoky Mountains
‘Remind me again why we’re doing this?’ Polly gasped and perched on a rock half-way up the steep trail.
‘Because you wanted to make the most of this holiday and see everything Tennessee had to offer? My darling boyfriend somehow convinced you this was the best way to round off the trip.’ Laura now appreciated the warmth of the new jacket Hunter insisted on buying for her last week because they left behind the mild, autumn temperatures as they started the hike up to the top of Clingman’s Dome.
‘Are those two idiots racing?’
Their men were striding out in front, almost out of sight around the next wide curve. ‘Probably. It’s what they do.’ Laura tugged her sister back on her feet. ‘Come on or we’ll meet them on the way down and that would be embarrassing.’
‘Not to me it wouldn’t. You’re the exercise nut these days, not me.’
Ever since she returned from her impromptu trip to Tennessee when Hunter’s father was ill, she’d made drastic changes to her life. After quitting her hospital job she’d continued to nurse but with a private agency. It gave her the flexibility to accept as many jobs as she needed to pay the bills and the chance to really get to know her patients for a change. With her expanded free time, she’d joined a Dartmoor ramblers’ group whose members also took on extended hikes beyond the local area.
‘Did I tell you I almost bumped into Mike the other day?’
‘Where?’
‘In Plymouth.’ Polly screwed up her face. ‘I crossed the road so he wouldn’t see me.’
Hunter had been right. One complaint too many led to it being ‘suggested’ that he consider leaving the hospital environment for something better suited to his abrasive personality. The pay cut that came along with his new administrative post in charge of a blood testing laboratory was the alternative to losing his medical licence.
‘He looked in serious need of a haircut and was wearing scruffy jeans and trainers instead of one of his usual budget-busting suits. He’s probably strapped for money after paying out a whack each month to Kiki for Demelza.’
‘Quite right too.’
‘I’m glad you got away from him.’
‘Me too.’
‘Things are good with Hunter?’ Polly probed.
‘Yes.’
‘Yes? That’s all I get?’ Her sister griped and struggled to keep up. ‘The poor man’s visited Plymouth twice in the last six months.’
‘I know.’
‘He’s gone to a therapist like you suggested and could sleep in a pitch-black cave now.’
Laura beamed. ‘I’m really proud of him. I know it’s been incredibly hard.’ She’d helped as much as she could long distance but in the end Hunter had dealt with it all alone. He’d gone through desensitisation treatment that slowly exposed him to dark and confined spaces helping to re-train his brain to behave differently under stress. The therapist spent multiple sessions talking him through the traumas he’d suffered and taught him relaxation and visualisation exercise to use when he became anxious.
‘He’s not the black sheep of the McQueen family any longer, so what more do you want from him?’
‘He’s doing everything right, okay?’
‘So, what’s the problem?’
‘There isn’t one. Don’t rush me.’ Laura left her sister to trail along behind and almost walked into Hunter around the next corner. By the rigid set of his jaw he’d heard every word she said.
* * *
He struggled to smile but took a wild guess he resembled a dead body with rigor mortis setting in. Last night, after he and Johnny left the women to gossip in the hot tub, they sank a few whiskies and he’d confessed his intention to propose to Laura today. Johnny’s only reservation was the timing and now he couldn’t help wondering if his friend was right.
‘Are we nearly bloody there?’ Polly gasped.
‘Yep, see that concrete dome that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie? That’s the observation tower at the top.’
‘Thank God. Remind me to ignore you when you talk about going on an easy half mile stroll another time.’
