Page 3 of Out of Bounds

As I scribble my strategy on how best to approach him and how to get his itinerary on a pad, my phone buzzes with a message from Hal.

Hey Little sis. Fancy taking a break from the city? I’m thinking about heading to the cabin this weekend. You game?

Hal always seems to know just what I need. Hiking, fresh air, and a break from the city chaos sounds appealing, especially considering the impending stress of interviewing Jesse Edison.

Grateful for the distraction, I text back telling him how thrilled I am. It feels like ages since I’ve been to the mountain cabin my dad purchased ten years ago. We occasionally vacationed there during the holidays until my dad retired and gave the cabin to his kids, including Hal, each of us owning a part of it.

My phone begins to ring. “Hey, sis. I just saw your message. When do you want to meet at the cabin?”

“ASAP! I need a break to think. I just received my first assignment at work, and I’m going crazy."

"Is it that bad? Who is it?"

"Jesse Edison ... why are you laughing?" I ask angrily as the guttural sounds reverberate through the phone.

"I'm sorry. I don't know what to call this. Serendipity or fate."

"What do you mean?"

"I also invited him. He's coming with us."

I freeze for a moment. "Wha...what?!"

“It makes sense. You’re my sister and he’s my best friend. You guys haven’t seen each other in years. Plus, this would be a great opportunity to get your exclusive from Jesse in the flesh.”

"I ... I don't know what to say."

"How about, 'thank you so much big brother,’ or, ‘You're the best.’ Or how about, ‘I don't know what I'd do without you ... ’" he says with a mocking high-pitched voice.

"Erm … I don’t sound like that,” I reply, lowering my voice a shade.

"Yes you do! Look, I need to get back to work. See you at the cabin."

***

The scenery surrounding the cabin never ceases to amaze me. Surrounded by towering pines and crisp mountain air, I feel a deep sense of calm. The cabin always welcomes me with its rustic charm. Hal had been so gracious to come down to Chicago just so we could drive to Colorado together. It's the most time we've spent together in a while. We barely saw each other during my graduation as he had to go right back to Los Angeles after the ceremony.

Hal lugs in our bags and we settle in our rooms. Jesse hasn't arrived yet and my nerves are raw with the thought that he'll be here soon. Over dinner, I share my concerns about Jesse Edison and the upcoming interview. Hal listens intently.

"You know how the media is, Liv. Jesse is someone I have known all my life. Yes, he's not the usual sports star who's into media rounds and paparazzi, but he's a decent guy."

"Can I ask you a few questions about ..."

"Don't even think about it. He'll be here soon. You can ask him the questions yourself! Just have an open mind. You might just discover something completely unexpected."

Chapter Three

Jesse

"Thought you'd changed your mind," Hal said as I get out of the car, stretching my legs from the longest journey. I’m looking forward to the next few days; a bit of rest and relaxation is just what I need.

"I'm sorry. I should have been here sooner.” I say to Hal, as he answers the door. “I had a meeting with the team about strategies for next season.” I follow Hal inside as he invites me in. “Man, I love it here. I've been here only twice but every time I come here, it's like a new experience."

"Make yourself at home, buddy. Liv is making dinner."

"Liv? Wait. Your girlfriend is here?"

"Liv as in Olivia, my half-sister. You remember Olivia, right? You met her a long time ago but she was ..."

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