Chapter 17 #2
Roman and Leo are far ahead, leading the way for the rest of us.
They are framed by Alex and Beth, who are walking on opposite sides of the trail as if to avoid each other at all costs.
Though I can’t help but notice Alex keeps looking toward his right, where Beth continues on the trail.
They are only a few steps ahead of us, but I’m worried that if I can’t catch my footing, we’ll never catch up.
“Here.” Theo holds out his arm for me, as if reading my mind, and I place my palm in the crook of his elbow, ignoring how big his bicep is compared to my hand. The offer comes as a calming sentiment, assuring me I didn’t make him too uncomfortable with my statement before.
“Where are we going anyway?” I ask Theo, trying and failing not to sound too out of breath.
“It’s a surprise.” When he looks down at me, the sun beams through the trees towering above us, shining down on Theo. He looks radiant, and I have to pull my eyes away before my thoughts drift to a place I’ve been working hard not to let them go.
“Alright, fine.” I clutch his arm harder to avoid any more tripping incidents.
“Did you hike this trail when you were kids?” I may be keeping my thoughts from drifting to speculation about what Theo looks like naked, but there’s no harm in learning more about him.
Especially if it’ll help me sell this relationship to his brothers, particularly Roman.
“Oh yeah. Roman insisted on it every year. He said it’s the one thing Dad would take us to do when we came up here. Mom wasn’t much of a hiker either.” He winks at me, and I shove his shoulder in response.
“Your parents took you here then?” I regret the question as soon as it leaves my mouth. It’s not my place to ask about his deceased parents, considering he isn’t my real boyfriend. The thought bothers me more than it should, but I brush it off as he responds.
“All the time. I don’t remember much, but I’ve seen photos of us all here. Mom and Dad bought the place when I was three, so we only had a short amount of time to enjoy it together before they passed.” I squeeze gently on his arm when I hear his voice falter.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked. It seems like the four of you have built a nice tradition of coming out here, though.” He chuckles, some of the tension easing from his shoulders, and in response, the tightness in my chest loosens a little.
“We have. It was Roman’s idea, but he would never admit it. I swear there’s a soft interior to his tough exterior. There just aren’t a lot of people he lets see it.”
I hum my agreement, not sure how to respond, but wanting to believe Theo for the sake of my career.
“I guess it doesn’t really matter if you’ll be getting a job offer any day now.” He keeps his attention forward as he says the words.
“Well, no job offer is guaranteed. I still have to do well in the interview tomorrow. It’s fine if I have your room to myself while I take the call, right?” I ask to check that he’s still okay with the plan.
“Sure, and take however much time you need.” He’s still avoiding eye contact with me.
“Even if I accept the offer, I still plan on following through with my end of the deal. I’m not one to break a promise.” I try to ease any discomfort he may be having over this.
“You wouldn’t have to, I’d understand if you’d want to leave.” He makes brief eye contact with me before continuing, “Although I am curious why you’d want this job. Didn’t you say it was a receptionist position?”
“I did, but it’s still a foot in the door into a construction company. It’s one step closer to an architecture position.”
I catch Theo nodding his head out of the corner of my eye, my grip on his bicep tightening as I avoid another rock with my foot.
“Is that what you want? Just a foot in the door?” Theo asks. “We can help you get a position at a top architecture firm in the city.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I have to be realistic about this. You might be able to get me an interview, but most big architecture firms don’t hire directly out of college. They look for experience, which comes from starting at places like JR Construction.”
“I guess. But you strike me as the type of woman who would go after what she wants. I’m shocked you’d be okay with settling for a position you’re overqualified for.”
I’m quiet as I think through Theo’s statement. It may not be the best job in the world, but it will pay the bills. One that will still help me achieve the future career goals I’ve planned out for myself.
“I am going after what I want.” I try to bite back the irritation in my tone. “Not all of us have a multimillion-dollar company where we are guaranteed a job. Some of us have to start at the bottom and work our way to the top.”
“Sienna…I wasn’t trying to be rude,” Theo says hesitantly.
Sighing, I say, “I’m sorry. I think the heat is getting to me. I know you weren’t.” I give him a small smile of reassurance.
“Send me your portfolio and let me take a look. It’ll help me convince Roman to get you a few interviews. Even if you get this other job, it’d be nice if I could offer you some options.”
“Thank you. That would be nice.” When he flashes his smile at me, I can’t help but return the favor.
“Does your brother always hike like this, or?” Beth asks from ahead of us, trying and failing to whisper.
We’ve finally caught up to her now that I’ve gone the last ten minutes without stumbling.
I still haven’t let go of Theo’s arm, though he doesn’t seem in a rush to put distance between us despite our almost disagreement.
“No, he’s definitely doing it to look at you,” Theo responds from my left. The two of them are referring to the fact that Alex hasn’t stopped looking to the right of the trail, rather than watching where he’s going.
“I can hear you, you know,” Alex says, only a few paces ahead of us. “And for your information, I’m only looking to make sure the women don’t get hurt. I am a gentleman, after all.”
“Oh, I’m sure you’re such a gentleman,” Beth responds, lacing her words with heavy sarcasm.
Alex stops in his tracks, letting us catch up to him. Once we do, we all come to a brief stop as Beth stands facing Alex, her arms crossed over her chest. Theo and I glance at each other. When our eyes meet, it becomes harder for both of us to hold in our smiles.
Alex takes a step toward Beth, causing her to strain her neck to look up at him as he towers over her short frame.
“Something tells me you don’t care too much for ‘gentlemen’ anyway.” He speaks quietly, but Theo and I overhear, holding back a chuckle at his words.
Beth’s only response is a scoff as she turns to continue up the trail. When Alex follows her, Theo and I bend over with laughter, holding on to each other for support, unable to hold it back any longer. I don’t think Beth has ever met a match as equal as Alex.
I’m thankful for the laugh, as it helps break whatever icy tension was created between Theo and me during our prior conversation.
He’s looking to be made an equal partner in his family-owned company right out of college.
I’m looking for any entry-level job remotely related to my field of study.
Without building my career immediately, I fall behind on my life plan.
Unfortunately, I’m not sure Theo will ever understand the pressure I’m under.
“I swear, you guys get slower every year!” Leo calls out to us. Alex lifts two middle fingers in response and runs to catch up to him and Roman. Beth and Theo continue to ensure that I’m not at risk of falling on my face, and we eventually catch up to the rest of the group as well.
Looking at the view at the end of the trail, I’m speechless.
“Surprise,” Theo says to me. “Told you it was worth it.”
“Absolutely.” It’s all I can manage as I look out at the expanse of the lake in front of us.
We’ve hiked to the top of a small cliffside. The lake is surrounded by more evergreen trees as the sun sits high in the sky, reflecting off the deep blue water.
Somewhere in the distance, a flock of birds flees from one of the trees, and their caws punctuate the air. We’ve all fallen silent as we take in the view.
“It’s beautiful,” I whisper, more to myself than anyone else.
“Stunning,” Theo agrees. When I glance at him, I notice he isn’t looking out over the cliff.
He’s looking at me. The green of his emerald eyes is all-consuming.
Theo is a sight to behold, framed by the trees behind him, the sun shining down on his lightly tanned skin.
There’s no question he belongs in a place like this.
My eyes fall to his lips, forgetting we aren’t alone until Leo interrupts the silence.
“Food is ready.” I look past Theo to see that Leo has set up a large picnic blanket. A spread of snacks and sandwiches lay out across the plaid design.
Looking toward Theo again, I feel a sliver of hope that the previous moment isn’t gone forever. But my stomach growls in protest, and when he notices, he grabs my hand, pulling me toward the blanket.
“C’mon.” He chuckles.
Sitting on the blanket with the others, we’re all enamored by the view as we indulge in the cold summer snacks.
Finger sandwiches, bowls of fresh-cut watermelon, strawberries, grapes, and ice-cold lemonade are all enjoyed in complete silence.
It’s a type of peace I don’t think I’ve ever had the chance to experience.
I’m overjoyed when we stay sitting there for a few more moments, no one moving to clean up the empty containers. When Theo leans back on his hands, placing one of them behind me, I lean my head on his shoulder, relishing in the added comfort he provides in this peaceful moment.
If this is what relaxation feels like, I’ve certainly been missing out.
Theo breathes steadily beside me, and I watch as the breeze blows through the tops of the trees across the lake.
I should be more concerned about bringing my plan to fruition, but I just can’t seem to give a damn at this moment with Theo by my side.