Page 124 of Unspoken Hearts
Reid
Myolduterevsloudly as we climb the mountain. The road winds around the steep drop to our left, overlooking the town below that’s still going with festivities.
By mid afternoon, I could tell Macie was slowing down, no longer plastering on her fake grin, so I told Mum I was taking her away for a break.
Macie sits silently beside me, her feet up on the dashboard, face looking out over the impressive view of the countryside that I don’t think either of us will get tired of looking at. I like coming up here to escape reality sometimes, when I need my quiet time, but I’ve never brought anyone with me to my secret place. I always dreamt of driving up here with Macie, but I never thought it would actually happen. This might be another one of those pinch me moments I need to make sure that is real and not my imagination.
Gliding along the road together with soft music playing, our phones rattling in the middle console and keys chiming against the wheel, I run my finger through my hair, enjoying the calmness. I turn off the main road, heading across the mountain top on the narrow gravel lane linedwith trees and shrubs. This lookout is almost always empty, which is why I chose this place as my hideaway. When I’m overwhelmed, fed up or needing some alone time, this is where I withdraw to, usually with a good book.
But with Macie, this is way better than coming up alone.
I slow the car when we reach the small carpark, backing into a spot. Macie glances at me, a little confused. “Aren’t we meant to be facing the view?” she asks quietly.
I just grin, turning off the engine and opening my door. “We will.” I jump out of the car. Macie follows me, staring down over the rolling fields and blue sky shining down on the Blue Mountains.
Pulling down the tailgate, I hop into the tray, opening up a crate I keep in here for when I need to escape, and pull out the inflatable mattress and cushions.
She turns to watch me, realising what I’m doing. I see the ghost of a grin on her lips. “What’s this?”
“Well, the tray is not comfortable on its own. Believe me, I’ve tried it. So I bring these with me to relax.”
Helping her up, Macie kicks off her boots before sitting down on the mattress. I lower myself down beside her, stretching my legs out and smiling. Crossing her legs, she leans back against the cushions.
I grab out a bag of lolly snakes for her. “Your favourite.”
She snickers, taking them from me and fishes out the pink ones. “You remembered.” The giddiness returns to her voice, making my chest flicker.
“I always do,” I murmur.
Draping my arm around her, we sit in silence, listening to the birds chirp, distant cars rumble down the mountain and the breeze rustlingthe tall trees. It’s peaceful, and I just know that Macie needs this after everything that’s happened today.
Breathing slowly, I soak up the sun that’s weakening from the incoming autumn, allowing my muscles to melt as it always does when I’m here. Macie nestles into me.
“How did you find this place?” She asks after a few long minutes.
“I came here a lot when I first got my car.” I sniff a laugh. “Believe it or not, I like my quiet time.”
She feigns a gasp. “What? Really? I never knew you were the timid type.”
I poke her side, and she giggles. “The timid type is your type, so I think I lucked out with that.”
Her eyes lift to mine, rounded with intrigue. “I think only you is my type, Reid.”
I lean down, gently kissing her copper hair.
Macie rests her head on my shoulder as I take a long inhale, eucalyptus and dirt tingling my nose. “I like coming up here when I need to be alone. It’s quiet and you can’t beat this view. My family knows that I need to retreat sometimes, so they’ve never asked me where I disappear to.”
My eyes find her green ones, blinking up at me slowly, as if she’s thinking before Macie sits up. “That’s why you used to go off riding all the time in school?”
I nod, not realising she knew I was going with my horse to the spring before I could come up here.
“I used to hide out at the spring or in a pasture away from the chaos of my brothers. I can’t believe you noticed that.”
She shrugs. “I noticed you more than you think.”
I smile at that.
“How long until you move into your new house?” asks Macie. I hear the slight nervousness in her tone.
