Page 73 of When The Mountains Held Us

“I’m serious! No one messes with my girl.”

She and her cousin are the same in that manner, and I don't think I’ll ever have the words to properly express my gratitude.

We spend a while longer on the summit, eating the sandwiches we grabbed from the deli on our way and throwing the scraps to Bandit, laughing as he catches them in midair. I’m still astounded at the fact that this four-legged beast managed the rock scramble with way more grace and ease than I did. Only when the sun begins to fade, do we stand, gather our belongings, and make our way down the trail.

The forest is different at dusk, the woods darker in the waning daylight. If I were alone on this trail, I would be terrified at the long, reaching shadows cast by the trees.

Before I know it, we’re back at the car, and I hold the door open for Bandit to jump into the back seat. He circles twice before collapsing and resting his head on his paws. I get it, dude. I’m exhausted, too, but still sad that the day is ending.

Jessie makes the last turn into the driveway and pulls up outside the house, killing the engine and climbing out with me. Bandit takes off down the walk, and I turn to Jessie.

“I had such a good time today,” she says, giving me a hug despite how sweaty we both are.

I grip her back, not wanting the day to end. “Do you want to order some food and watch a movie? The house feels weird without Levi here.”

“Sure thing. Let me run home and shower, and I can pick up pizza on my way back.”

“Extra cheese and black olives?” I ask.

Jessie crinkles her nose. “I will never understand your fascination with black olives, but sure. You’re getting your own pie though.”

I see her off with a wave from the front porch before unlocking the front door.

Thirty-Seven

Oakley

The house is dark, the sun having set a few hours ago, and it’s eerily quiet. Unease prickles at the nape of my neck, and a flurry of goosebumps skate down my arms. Bandit doesn’t seem to be bothered though, skidding around the corner to sit in front of his food bowl before looking up at me expectantly. I pat him on the head as I pass, heading to the pantry where his food is kept.

A light buzz has me jumping out of my skin until I locate my cell phone that I’d tucked into the waistband of my leggings. I grab the dog food and deposit a scoop, plus a little extra—for a job well done—into his bowl before checking my phone.

Levi

Hey, beautiful. How was your hike?

I almost fell off a cliff.

I smirk down at my response when the phone comes alive in my hand, vibrating with an incoming call from Levi. My grin grows as I answer, rounding the corner and climbing the stairs to my room. I don’t get a chance to say anything before Levi’s concerned voice fills my ear.

“What happened? Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

I laugh lightly, earning myself an exasperated sigh. “I’m okay. Don’t worry, I didn’t actually fall off the cliff, but it was a little rocky for a minute there.”

“Don’t scare me like that,” he says, relief evident in his tone. “What trail did she take you to?”

“I can’t remember the name of it, but it had this bit of rock climbing at the end that scared the shit out of me. Bandit put me to shame.”

“Rock scrambling. I know the one. Bandit climbs up that part faster than any of us, myself included.”

“He does have two extra legs,” I point out. Tucking the phone between my shoulder and ear, I gather what I need for a shower, including a change of clothes and some of my toiletries from the bathroom across the hall. I could shower in there, but after the debacle last night, and especially after seeing how gorgeous Levi’s en suite is, I decide to treat myself to a more luxurious experience.

“You had a good time though?” he asks.

“Yeah, the view was incredible. Took my breath away. Figuratively and literally. It was nice spending time with Jessie, too. She’s actually coming back over in a little bit. We’re gonna have ourselves a girls’ night.” I’m rambling, but I can’t help it.

Maybe it’s the lingering endorphins from the hike, or maybe it’s the low timbre greeting me on the other end of the phone, but I’m reluctant to cut our conversation short.

“I’m glad you won’t be alone tonight. I selfishly wish it were me keeping you company instead.”