Page 55 of Between Here and There

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Emily

We return to Bon and Ryan’s house today. The air in the room feels thick, the fans barely keeping up. Outside the window, I can see the hint of the sunrise crawling across the street. It’s mocking me, I’m sure. Bright, cheery, and too damn early.

I see Rob and Denise on the sofa, so I quickly grab Bon’s arm and pull her into one of the empty rooms, shutting the door behind us.

“Bon, you didn’t tell me Rob’s going to be here,” I whisper, trying to keep my voice steady.

Her eyes widen. “I swear I didn’t know! Ryan thinks he assumed he was invited.” She squeezes my hand apologetically. “I’m so sorry. Do you want to back out?” She hesitates. “Although…that might not look great on you.”

I sigh, knowing she’s right. “I know. I don’t really have a choice now. And he brought Denise.”

Bon rolls her eyes. “The audacity of men these days. But hey, you have Kuya to keep you company. You’ll be fine!” She places her hands on my shoulders, giving me a reassuring squeeze. “And, for the record, you’re way hotter than Denise.”

I manage a small smile. “Let’s just hope I’m as athletic.”

Bon snorts. “Em, the girl plays three sports. Let’s just settle for ‘hotter,’ yeah?”

I roll my eyes but chuckle, feeling some of the tension ease. Bon has a knack for making light of any situation, even the uncomfortable ones.

We go back to their stuffy living room to reconvene. I’m starting to get nervous, and I fiddle with the hem of my shirt. I walk up to Joshua, he reaches out his hand and I take it, like he already knows that it comforts me. But of course, he doesn’t. He’s only doing it to keep up the act.

“You’re gonna be fine, Em,” he says. “I brought everything you could possibly need.”

“Did you happen to bring the magic ability to scale mountains?” I ask sarcastically.

“Yup. That’s me.” He flashes his signature cocky smile that transforms my climbing anxiety into a totally different kind of nervous energy.

I roll my eyes at him, and then Ryan tosses him a piece of paper. He swiftly catches it with one hand while maintaining the grip of his other hand on mine.

“Care to do the reminders? Since you’re a hiking enthusiast,” Ryan says.

“I’m not a hiking enthusiast. I just happen to be really good at it, so I don’t need this” Joshua replies, pocketing the crumpled paper. “Anyway, everyone listen up,” he says in a more amplified tone. Everyone gathers in the middle and focuses their attention on Josh.

I make a move to remove my hand from his but he doesn’t let go. He looks at me, very subtly shakes his head, and returns to command the room.

“We’re hiking Mount Pulag, Luzon’s highest peak,” he begins, his voice steady and reassuring. “Now, before anyone panics, it’s not as intense as it sounds. It’ll take us around six hours to get to the trailhead, and another six to reach the summit. We’re heading out early, hiking up by late afternoon, and setting up camp to watch the sunrise tomorrow. Trust me, it’s going to be beautiful,” he says, then he looks at me. “Nothing compared to you, though.” He winks.

“Aww,” Kate says. Bon rolls her eyes, but smiles too.

“Anyway,” Joshua continues, “the road to the trail is muddy, and only two vehicles can handle it. I’ll drive one, and Ry’s got the other.” He says this casually, but there’s a natural authority in his tone, a sense that he knows exactly what he’s doing and how to keep us all safe. Normally, I’m wary when guys start taking charge, but there’s something so steady and unpretentious about him—like I can actually rely on him.

This is not good.

“Now, a few ground rules and reminders for everyone,” he continues. “First, bring plenty of water—hydration’s key. We’re all in pairs, and your buddy system isn’t optional. There’s no cell service up there, so we’ll stick close and keep track of each other. No wandering off for any photo ops unless you’re with your buddy.”

“I’ll be with Emily, obviously, Bon with Ryan, and Rob with Denise,” he says. “Since we’re uneven, I trust you three can be responsible enough to look out for each other?” he looks at Richard, Haley, and Kate.

“Yes, sir!” Haley says.

“Okay, I guess, we’re ready—” Joshua says before I stop him.

“That’s it? Where’s the part about the essentials? Flashlights, layers, bug spray, snacks?” I ask.

“Babe,” Josh says, and the parasites in my stomach squirm. I know it’s fake, for show. But every time he comes up with a nickname, I get flustered. “I was gonna say we’re ready for the final reminders.”

“Oh,” I say. “Go on.” Joshua proceeds to give reminders about what to bring and what to do in emergencies.

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