“It’ll be in the fifties. So by our standards, it’ll be quite cool. But moving around on some trails will keep us warm. There are also some scenic loops we can drive as well. Right now, the forecast is showing sunny and a high of fifty for the day we plan to go to the park.”
“I’ll pack layers.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t let you freeze.” I made a gesture of wiping my forehead with the back of my hand in relief. “Okay, so day three, after we check out of the hotel, we head to Vail, Colorado. It’s only about four hours away—”
I stuck my index finger up to interject.
“Is that four hours including an appropriate lunch and urination station?” I asked with some sarcasm, but mostly to have fun with him.
“It doesn’t include lunch, nor does it include the time for me to find a place to pull off the road to spank your ass.”
“Mmm.” I rubbed my hands together mischievously. “I’m liking the way this stretch of the road sounds. So, Vail? I’ve heard it’s a very nice place. Cold, though.”
“Yes, it’s a beautiful ski resort and village. It’s actually very majestic and has quite the alpine feel to it. We can explore the village, take a gondola ride the day we get there. We should have plenty of time. Then, the next day, I’m taking my little surfer boy skiing, or snowboarding if you prefer.”
“Yes! I’ve always wanted to try to snowboard!”
“Well, you’ll have your chance, and there’s no better place to try than Vail. We’ll rent the skis and snowboard and some clothes and give it a try.”
“Can you ski?”
“I can, yes,” he replied.
“Ha! I knew it!”
He can do every-fucking-thing.
“Are you going to ski or snowboard?” I asked as my eyes pored over the video of Vail Russell had playing.
“I plan to ski. I don’t think the mountain needs both of us fumbling around.”
“Speak for yourself, Obi Wan. I won’t fumble,” I promised. I could surf and skateboard; my body naturally knew how to move like that.
Right?
I thought.
I hoped.
“Day four will be skiing and snowboarding.”
“This will be so much fun.”
“Day five we’ll check out and head to Kansas City. It will be a long day as it’s a ten-hour drive to Kansas City from Vail.” I held my index finger up again, but Russell caught on. “Not including stops for breaks.”
“We can get candy and Cokes for the drive. And coffee.”
“When we arrive, we won’t have time to do much but have dinner somewhere and relax. But, on Monday, day six…” Russell paused and brought up a screen for Arrowhead Stadium. Two tickets spun onto the screen. “We’re going to the Monday Night Football game between the Chiefs and—”
“Chargers!”
I jumped out of bed and slapped the mattress in excitement. I had never been to a Chargers game, though I had been a fan my whole life. I loved them when they were in San Diego, and even more when they moved to Los Angeles. I was so excited for this!
“This will be great, Russell! I’m really looking forward to it. Thank you.”
I got back into bed beside him and leaned over to kiss his cheek. He set the iPad down on his lap and turned his head to look at me. His eyes looked happy, and the smile on his face made me feel good.
“What?” I asked.
