Chapter 7
Chapter Seven
PATRICK
Ihad to run out to one of the trails after getting word that one of the information markers was knocked over. I love being outside and didn’t mind the hike but I was sure I was going to miss Elle arriving at work, which meant I was going to miss her reaction to the flower I left on her desk.
I saw it on my way into the building, the unique shade of purple caught my attention and reminded me of my unique work roommate.
It’s been a few days since the pamphlet incident and I’ve tried my best to stay out of Elle’s way but I’m struggling to fight the pull I feel towards her.
I can’t shake there was more than just the grumpy facade she put out to the world.
My grumpy goddess had more going on than she wanted people to see and I hoped one day she would let me see behind the mask.
I take a deep breath as I finally make my way to the wooden sign.
It looks like it hadn’t been supported properly when it was originally placed. At least it would be a quick fix. I sent a thank you out to the universe that it hadn’t broken, requiring replacement.
Replacing it would mean it would be missing from the first couple of tours and I didn’t want anything to mess with the flow I’ve been working on this soon. Disasters down the line I could handle but I wanted to show I was an asset before having to solve any major issues.
“Rick!”
Lola’s voice echoes throughout the area, making me jump and drop the sign I’d just picked up. I straighten as I hear a low manly chuckle alongside Lola’s laugh. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you! I heard you had come out here and thought I could kill a few birds with one stone.”
Lola raises a rubber mallet in the air. “I came bearing tools and I wanted to introduce you to Jude, my right hand man.”
Jude is hella intimidating, I’m not a small guy by any measure but this dude has a good 4 or 5 inches on me and big ass everywhere else.
Literally, if he stood in front of Lola, she would completely disappear.
He claps his hand against mine in a greeting and I have to try to subtly shake my hand out to get rid of the sting.
“I would have introduced you sooner but Jude was off site for the last few days.” Lola’s smile is wide looking between us.
She totally noticed me shaking my hand out.
“Pleasure to meet you.” He only offers me a nod in return.
Guess he’s a man of few words.
With the assistance of Lola and Jude, getting the sign back in place is done before you can say ‘rubber mallet’. Jude probably could have just tapped the sign and it would have sunk into the ground.
“We’ll walk you back.” Lola smiles warmly and Jude gives another nod. Not a talker, this one. The walk back is quiet until Lola breaks the silence with a loud gasp that startles both Jude and myself. Jude swings his arm out in a protective move. “Jesus, woman.” Jude grouses.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, I just forgot to tell Patrick about tomorrow!” She’s practically vibrating at this point and I’m not sure if I should be scared.
“I’m sure Elle mentioned it but we are closing out early today and tomorrow the Warren siblings, Jude, and some other friends are going to hike Timpanogos Cave, you should come!
We all meet up at Mama Donna’s for breakfast, carpool down, hike up and visit the cave.
We hike down and have lunch—packed by Mama Donna—before coming home.
We do it a couple times a year and, oh, you should come!
You’d love it, please say you’ll come. Please, please! ”
She’s jumping up and down at this point, she looks so excited. How could I say no?
“I know no one wants to get up early on a Saturday but it’s so lovely, you won’t regret it.” She continues on as I smile and nod. “I’d love to. What time should I show up?” Lola lets out a squeal which makes Jude cringe but smile. “LJ, you need to chill. You’re going to scare him away.”
“Nah….I’m tough.” I joke, flexing my bicep. Jude’s biceps are almost as big as my head, I don’t think anyone would call me tough when I’m standing next to this guy.
This gets a loud laugh out of Jude, however.
Huh.
Maybe he’s just slow to warm up. I know someone else like that on the farm.
I turn and wave back to Lola and Jude who said they were heading over to the Big House to let Mama Donna know that there would be an extra mouth to feed for tomorrow.
I didn’t have much to do today, just folding more pamphlets and trying to wiggle my way out of Elle’s ire.
Maybe this hike will help out. I haven’t been able to get this girl out of my head and I don’t know what to do with myself most of the time. Her frown is like my own personal siren’s call and makes it hard to concentrate. I shake my head and walk into the office.
There’s a man leaning against Elle’s desk.
A man.
In the office.
Leaning against Elle’s desk.
And she’s not frowning.
She’s not smiling but she’s not frowning.
“There’s my girl.”
What in the world?