Page 31 of Alluring Adventure

Mark starts talking about me joining a tour travelling through South America. I did a similar trip five years ago, but it’s a long enough gap to revisit a place. Much can change and this trip seems to be a bit more rough and ready than the last one, involving a lot of camping.

I wonder if the phone signal in the region has improved. In the cities probably yes, but in rural areas. The thought of not being able to get one of Oliver’s goofy texts does put me off the trip.We are just exchanging friendly messages, strictly no flirting because we’rejust friends. But they are still a favourite part of my day. He’s started working again and his sister is driving him nuts by hovering over him to make sure he doesn’t do too much.

I won’t tell him that she’s acting on strict orders from me.

“Keeley?” Mark’s voice invades my thoughts.

“Oh, sorry, Mark. Sounds good. I’ve been to Colombia before but I would love to go back. Peru and Ecuador are new to me, so also super exciting.” I pretend to be thrilled.

“Excellent. You can join the group in Cartagena and then leave them in La Paz. That should take roughly a month. You could also stay on until Santiago and travel with them through Bolivia and Chile.” Mark passes me a folder. I flick through it and see details of the company as well as background on the countries and the trip itself.

“Sounds good. I’ll think about the extension.” I pick up my bag and the folder. I really don’t know why he insisted on an in-person meeting other than perhaps he wanted to check I’m really okay.

When I step out of the building the cold wind makes me shiver. I don’t know why I’m surprised that it’s raining harder now than when I went into the building. Maybe a few weeks in the sun wouldn’t be so bad after all.

My jacket is dripping by the time I’ve walked from the train station to the block of flats where I live. After I unlock my front door, I take off the drip hazard and roll it up in a ball with the dry inside pointing outwards. I toe off my shoes and place them on the shoe rack before racing to the bathroom, where I hang the jacket over the shower head.

Ols

How has your day been?

As always, a smile appears on my face when his message pops up.

Me

It’s raining cats and dogs here

Ols

We have beautiful weather

Me

Sure you do

There is no way it’s this shitty down here and nice up north. On average they have way more rain than we do.

Ols

[Photo of sunny lake district]

I know that view. It’s a small lake called Rydal Water, not far from Fellside.

Me

What are you doing out and about? You should be resting!

Another picture appears in my messages. It’s of him and Hannah having ice cream at the lake.

Ols

Relax, prison warden. Hannah has granted me temporary release as long as she can come. She’s taking me back to my cell imminently.

Me

I will need to see proof of that. What did the doctor say?

Oliver had a check-up today at the hospital. I guess they probably stopped at the lake on the way back.

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