Page 57 of The Quit List
Just like she’s hoping to do on our hike.
It’s very… convenient how that all worked out. I can’t say exactly why I was so hesitant when she first proposed that she be the one to do the multi-day trip with me. After all, I do need to practice my guiding with a novice hiker. And if she can take immersive whats-its for my social media (or whatever), all the better.
It’s probably just because she screams “city girl.” Hollywood. Maybe a part of me is reliving the whole Laurel situation. But at the same time, Holly surprised me when we climbed Stone Mountain. She has so much grit, so much determination.
And though I do prefer to hike alone, I have a feeling she won’t be a bad person to hike with. I might actually… enjoy myself. Enjoy spending those days with her.
I file those thoughts away—they’re not important or relevant right now.
But before I put my phone away, I’m finding myself scrolling back through our conversation so I can look at her selfie again.
There really is something about her. Maybe it’s the glimmer in her eyes, the hint of sarcastic, self-deprecating humor and wit lurking right below the surface…
That, and her zest for adventure; the confidence she seems to be gaining by the day, while remaining unafraid to make fun of both herself and, well, me.
I type out another text.
Remember to bring a bathing suit, by the way.
What? Why?
Should I bring sunscreen, too?
Probably yes. Unless you want to burn like a lobster.
Should I be scared?
Nah, not scared. Worried, at worst.
You’re the worst.
See you in the morning!
At that moment, a pinecone hits me in the face, ricocheting off my forehead with no small amount of force.
“What are you grinning at over there?” Seb asks.
“Oh, I know that smile.” Aaron points at me like he’s accusing me of murder. “That’s the exact smile Seb started wearing when he and Maddie started sending each other all those NSFW texts.”
“That, I didn’t need to know,” I say dryly. “And nothing, I’m texting a friend.”
“That Holly girl again?” Seb pries, and before I can answer, he turns to Aaron with a triumphant expression. “He says they’re just friends but he’s taking her hiking. To the backcountry.”
“Ooh, the backcountry,” Aaron says like he’s ten years old, and the two of them snort with laughter. “Is she hot? Are you into her?”
“I’m only taking Holly because Maddie was too busy being knocked up to come with me.” I elbow Seb as I say this, and he laughs. “We’re going on a multi-day hike to build up my guiding experience, and she’ll be helping me with social media content and all that stuff, too.” I gesture towards the deck we’re sitting on. “You know, so I can run a business and make money. We can’t all be pro athletes, can we?”
“You guys gonna get all cozy in one tent?” Seb winks, totally ignoring my attempt at a subject change. “Try not to get too cozy. Or on second thought, do. Baby Slater could do with a cousin.”
“Yeah, hold that fantasy. No coziness will be happening. Period. And she will have her own tent, thank you very much.”
A tent that I will be staying well away from. Because, well, maybe I like her. Maybe a little too much.
But I also know what she’s searching for and it ain’t me.
I’m the temporary distraction, not the happy ever after, remember?
And Holly needs no distractions right now. She’s a woman on a mission.