Page 27

If this trip has given me any epiphanies so far, it would be that I use my family as a crutch. As I’ve hiked throughout the day, I’ve realized this is the first time I’ve ever traveled without my family. I don’t even hang out with anyone else. Even when I worked at an accounting firm before starting my own business, I never attended work functions.

Then when I’m home by myself every evening, I wonder why I’m alone. I’m pretty stupid for a smart person.

I realize Isa is posing with the fire in the background and the blonde girl, Hannah I think is her name, is snapping photos of her. Of all times to be taking photos for Instagram. I swear, women these days.

Isa meets my gaze, and I realize I’ve been staring at her. I quickly look down at my mug and take a sip of hot cocoa. I drink it too fast, not only burning my tongue in the process but making it go down the wrong pipe. I start coughing like a lifelong smoker and everyone stares at me with concerned expressions.

Our guide, Rocco, sits next to me and gives my back a few hard thumps. “You okay?”

I nod and he puts two fingers to his lips and whistles loudly to get everyone’s attention. “Great first day everyone!” He claps for us and the group laughs softly. “So, we like to create sort of a family atmosphere on these expeditions, really get to know each other and make lasting memories. Why don’t we go around the circle and tell everyone what made us decide to see Machu Picchu?”

Starting clockwise, everyone explains how they ended up here. Anthony and Hannah tell us they love hiking and this was one of the hikes on their bucket list, so they came for their anniversary. Chris and his buddies explain they wanted to do something unique for their friend’s bachelor party. And Isa talks about her love for travel and wanting to see where her ancestors lived.

When everyone’s finished, I’m the only one left. I shrug my shoulders and tell them, “I’m here because of a bet I made with my brother.”

Isa’s jaw drops open. “A bet?”

“Yeah.” I grimace. “He didn’t think I was capable of doing something unpredictable. So we bet on it.”

Hannah, who’s next to Isa, laughs. “Okay, we have to know what the bet was.”

I run a hand through my hair nervously. I’m not usually one to speak in a large group like this. But everyone’s eyes are focused on me, waiting for me to continue with my story.

Clearing my throat, I continue, “Basically, if I didn’t do something unpredictable by Christmas, I had to go skydiving with him. But if I did… he couldn’t date for four months.”

Isa still looks shocked.

“So you already won the bet?” Hannah asks.

I grin. “Yep.”

Chris scoffs. “Not going on a date for four months doesn’t seem that crazy.”

“Not for me either,” I agree with him, probably the first and last time that will happen. “But Brooks is a serial dater. He can’t go anywhere without flirting with a woman, or multiple women, and getting their numbers.” Briefly, my mind wanders back to the awkwardness between him and Molly. I wonder if he’s ever dated her?

Gerald and Austin guffaw from the left side of the circle. “Sounds like you back in your prime, Gerald!” Austin tells his brother, nudging his shoulder with his own.

Our group laughs and continues in conversation while we finish our hot chocolate. Rocco then stands up again and announces we should all get some sleep and rest for another day or hiking tomorrow.

Most everyone knows who they’re sharing a tent with and grabs their backpacks, heading off to bed for the night. I stand and walk over near the tents, awaiting instructions from Rocco. Isa, Chris, and his buddy Nick, as well as Hannah and her husband Anthony, are standing nearby. I meander over their way as does Rocco.

“Isabella, it’s really not a big deal for me to share a tent with you. Anthony will be fine.” Hannah glances at her husband. His face is set into a serious pout.

“What’s the trouble here?” Rocco asks.

Isa glances at me, raising her eyebrows slightly. I’m not sure if she’s trying to silently ask if my offer to share a tent still stands, or if she’s trying to convey that she hates my guts and wants me to fall off a cliff… so I just shrug my shoulders.

She huffs out a sigh. “Everything’s fine. I’ll be bunking with David.”

“Are you sure you trust him?” Chris asks in a loud whisper.

She rolls her eyes. “Mo is an excellent judge of character; I’ll be safe.”

“Mo??” Chris asks, seemingly having forgotten our conversation at lunch.

“Her cat,” I remind him, feeling exasperated and ready to get away from him.

“I’m sure we can find a female for you to share with. It’s very important to us that everyone feels safe here.” Rocco looks intently at Isa as he speaks.