“He tried to court-martial him on the grounds of being too enthusiastic.”
That gets a laugh out of Allie and Leo. Roxanne glances at meout of the corner of her eye, lips tight, but her hands are more relaxed.
“And for the record,” I add, “I can’t carry a tune to save my damn life.”
“That’s a lie,” Topper says. “You should’ve heard Duke belting out ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart.’ The man was born for the stage.”
“I’m dying,” Allie says. “I need to see this. Please tell me there’s a karaoke night at the ranch?”
“Every other Saturday,” Topper says.
“Oh, this keeps getting better and better,” Allie says, clapping her hands together.
Topper and I keep the conversation going by recounting a few more of the pranks we’ve pulled on each other. Roxanne still isn’t saying much by the time we pull off the road even though she looks more relaxed.
Georgia waves to us when we pull into the launch site. Rusty is leaning up against the truck drinking out of his thermos cup. The Arkansas river churns beside us, steady and relentless. It’s not even class five water today, should be smooth, but something about the energy in the air feels … tight. I shake it off and line up our guests so we can run through the safety protocols while Georgia and Topper help get everyone fitted with a helmet and vest.
Topper and I get the medium-sized raft ready at the launch point while Georgia instructs everyone on what to do if they fall in. Roxanne is still fiddling with her helmet and trying to take deep breaths.
“You okay?” I ask. “You’re usually quicker with a snarky remark when I’m around. I’m feeling a little let down.”
“I’m fine.”
Those words again.I’m finecan sometimes be the most dangerous phrase in the English language.
“Uh-huh,” I murmur. I take the helmet back from her gently, noting how her fingers brush mine for a second too long. “Let me help.”
She sighs, like I’m the biggest irritation on this side of the Rockies, but she tips her chin up, letting me fit the helmet to her head. My fingers skim her temples as I adjust the strap beneath her jaw. Something in me heats and it’s not from the sun pouring through the forest.
“You’re safe,” I say, my voice quieter now. “I’ve done this a hundred times, and Topper is one of the best guides around.”
“Shit, Duke,” Georgia says, checking her watch. “It’s not even noon and you’re already telling tall tales.”
“He ain’t lyin’,” Topper interjects. “Iamthe best.”
“Because I trained you,” Georgia says. She then turns to Roxanne. “I decided to sit this one out and see how the boys do on their own for once.”
“You’re not going with us?” Roxanne asks, her voice quivering.
“Not this time,” Georgia replies, spraying herself with sunscreen. “Going to drive along to monitor safety from the riverbank, then I’ll be ready with beers and snacks when y’all are through.”
“Oh,” Roxanne says.
“We better git to it,” Topper says.
“Yes! I’m so excited!” Allie chimes.
We take our places in the raft. Leo insists on being in front once Rusty says that’s the most splash prone position. Allie and Roxanne take the middle, with Topper and I steering and shouting commands from the back. Sitting behind Roxanne will also allow me to keep my eyes on her at all times.
“Have fun!” Georgia shouts as we push off.
At first, the water feels good and smooth as we glide gently. The river’s a hell of a thing, though. It’ll lull you into submissionwith sunlight skipping off the surface and the kind of soft current that makes you think it’s on your side. The quiet stretch we’re gliding through now, before the next rapid, is pretty.
Almost.
Topper calls out “rest,” and everyone lifts their paddles. The raft slows to a lazy float, and Allie, who has a Go-Pro attached to her helmet, takes video of the tree-lined cliffs.
Roxanne is right in front of me, in the middle seat, half-turned toward Leo, her shoulders more relaxed than I’ve seen all day. Her hair’s tied back, but a few wet strands cling to her cheek. She laughs when Leo and Allie crack jokes. Damn, if it doesn’t hit me hard how good she looks when she’s not carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. For a second, I let myself enjoy it too. Sun overhead, water gliding under us, a strange peace settles in my chest. I’m quickly reminded that peace never lasts long on the river.
