Page 31 of When The Mountains Held Us

“You love me.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

I peel down the driveway and onto the open road. I look over at Justin as he yawns. His hair is sticking straight up in the back, and there’s a white spot on the corner of his mouth; there’s no doubt in my mind that, yes, that is, indeed, drool.

“Did you even look in the mirror this morning?”

“Come on, I had a half-hour’s notice!” Justin yanks down the mirror, trying and failing to smooth down his hair.

I lick my thumb—knowing I’m about to get major shit for this—and swipe it across the smear of dried drool.

“Dude, what the fuck!” Justin shrieks, and I guffaw as he frantically wipes at his face.

I’m in an exceptionally good mood this morning, anxious to get on the trail, and excited to see Oakley again.

“Can’t have Jessie thinking you don’t know how to take care of yourself.”

Bandit lets out his woof of agreement from the backseat. Justin whips around, his seatbelt locking and jolting him back as he glares at my dog.

“Not you too,” he says, sounding utterly betrayed. Bandit cocks his head in the rearview.

We approach the small parking lot, and it’s already packed with cars—everyone else clearly wanting to take advantage of the gorgeous weather, too. I pull onto the shoulder, and the two of us climb out, Justin opening the back door to let Bandit out. He springs ahead of us as we head for where the girls are waiting for us by the trailhead, but I let out a sharp whistle, and he recalls immediately.

Jessie and Oakley might be okay with Bandit running up to them, but not everyone feels the same way about a large German shepherd hurtling towards them, despite the gentle giant I know him to be. Bandit circles my legs before returning to my right and walking alongside me. I give his head a pat and mutter a low, “Good boy,” to him as we reach the girls.

I greet Jessie with a one-armed hug before turning to Oakley. I long to reach out and touch her, draw her into my arms, but we’re not exactly on that level yet, so I settle for a small wave that she returns with a blush. Justin groans beside me.

“This is already torture.” He sticks his hand out in front of him, and Oakley takes it tentatively. “I think we might have gotten off on the wrong foot.” I loudly clear my throat and Justin shoots me a look. “Scratch that. We definitely got off on the wrong foot. I’m Justin. I can be a dick. Sorry about that. I hope there’re no hard feelings.”

“Oakley. It’s all good. Nice to officially meet you.” She laughs, and the sound reminds me of sunshine and maple syrup—warm and sweet.

Beside her, Jessie shifts on her feet, narrowing her gaze at my best friend.

“Justin.” At the sound of his name from her lips, even dripping with all the disdain she can muster, he beams a cocky grin in her direction.

“Jess.” He makes a show of looking her up and down, and I have to tamp down the urge to smack some manners into him. I know it’s technically my doing, bringing him here specifically with the intention of him spending some time with my cousin, but still. It’s the principle of it all. “Nice to see you. You look good.”

“Don’t sound so surprised.”

“It’s no surprise, sweet girl. You always look good.”

“And on that note, it’s time to go.” Jessie rolls her eyes and spins on her heels, her mahogany hair cascading out behind her.

“Aren’t we waiting for a few more people? I thought you said you were giving a tour,” Oakley says as she follows after Jessie, who waves a dismissive hand over her shoulder.

“I only said that so you’d come with me. Besides, I’ve been here before, and you haven’t, so, technically, I am giving a tour.”

Justin and I follow behind the girls, who chat animatedly. I catch bits and pieces of their conversation. Jessie’s telling Oakley about some of the native trees and plants that can be found in the mountains here. Bandit lets out a low whine, looking between Oakley’s swaying form and me, his eyes begging.

“Go ahead, bud.”

He takes off at a sprint towards the girls and sidles up to Oakley, who reaches down to pat the top of his head while she continues her conversation, like it’s the most natural thing in the world to have my dog beside her.

Justin whistles low. “You are so screwed, man.”

“What do you mean?”

“I think Bandit likes her more than he likes you.”