“What is this?” Zara panted. “You said it was easy. I came for waterfalls, babbling brooks, fields of flowers, and selfies of my glowing face as I pose on flat forest paths.”
“It was all right there on the topographical map.” Jay frowned. “I thought you looked at it.”
“I didn’t understand it. Geography was my worst mark in high school.” Her legs shook with each step. Unlike the stair climber at the gym, there was no off switch, no TV to distract her, no juice bar to replenish her energy, and no shower to cool her down.
“Do you need a rest?”
“Maybe just a breather.” Shirt soaked with sweat, she bent over and heaved in a breath while Jay ran up the trail to see what was ahead. Faroz followed after him, their hike turning into a testosterone-laced sprint as they raced for the top. Parvati sat on a log beside Zara and offered her some water.
“Did you mention to Jay that your workouts usually consist of watching reruns of Castle while you pedal the stationary bike on level one? Or running from the couch to the fridge and back before the end of a commercial?”
“I walk,” Zara said indignantly. “I’m not out of shape. Look how far I’ve come and I’m still standing.”
“We are half an hour into a four-hour hike and your shirt is so wet you’ll need to wring it out the next time we stop.”
“But he’s so happy,” she said. “I’ve never seen him so happy. He’s like a kid. Look at him bouncing around, running up and down the hill, doing pull-ups on the branches. I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts climbing trees.”
“Just watch your energy,” Parvati warned. “He won’t be so excited if you crash and he has to carry you down the mountain.”
“He made me eat an energy bar and fill my bottle with Gatorade. I’ve also stuffed my pockets with gummy bears and trail mix. I’m good to go.”
After Faroz and Jay returned, they followed Webb Creek and stopped to check out waterfalls and cascades before ascending a canyon nestled in a flourishing redwood forest. When Jay finally called a break, Zara collapsed in a soft bed of pine needles and tried not to sob.
“You’re doing good.” Jay bit into an energy bar. “We’re almost halfway. There’s a fixed ladder to help on a particularly steep section.”
“It’s so steep we need a ladder?” Her voice rose in pitch. “I can’t believe I agreed to this.”
“I can.” Jay stretched out beside her. “You’re doing it because you are a kind and generous person and because you like me.”
Zara’s gaze slid over to him, noting the smug expression. “You’re okay.”
“I’m more than okay or you wouldn’t be here.” He rolled to one side, propping up his head on his hand. “People with barely used hiking boots don’t go on hikes with people they just think are ‘okay.’？”
“Fine.” She heaved a sigh. “I like you.”
“You more than like me.” He scooted over until he was only inches away, his voice darkly teasing.
“Are you attempting to cross-examine something out of me?” She pushed herself up on her elbows. “Because I am a cross-examination master and I can see through your tricks.”
“Is it a trick to admit a truth?” he asked softly. “I more than like you.”
Zara’s pulse kicked up a notch and she jumped to her feet. “Break time is over. Let’s get some more miles under our boots. The peak is waiting!”
“That’s what Sven Helfenstein said when we were climbing Everest.” Faroz caught up to them, his arm around a suspiciously disheveled Parvati. “Poor bastard didn’t make it to the top. I don’t use that phrase anymore because it’s a bad omen.”
“I don’t believe half the things you say,” Zara snapped, irritated that Jay had to make an already-challenging day worse by saying nice things and sharing his feelings.
“That hurts,” Faroz said. “Just because you choose not to see what’s in front of you doesn’t mean it isn’t real.”
“I liked you better when you were sleeping on my couch in the office.” She stomped away. “You didn’t talk as much.”
An hour later they reached the peak. Zara stood in the open grass, taking in the stunning view of the ocean and surrounding hillside. With the sun warm on her shoulders, a gentle ocean breeze cooling her sweat-soaked skin, and the subtle spicy-and-earthy scent of redwood in the air, she felt her pain and anger fade away.