Page 93 of The Bro Pact
“Brooo . . .” Kyle exclaims, gazing around at the field of balloons with wide, unblinking eyes. “No freaking way.”
“Told you it’d be awesome and worth the five a.m. wake-up call.”
“Yeah, yeah,” he says with a small smile and sleepy eyes.
I park Carmen in the grass lot outlined by a white fence and tall, beautiful sunflowers. We immediately hop out, excited to get going. There’s something thrilling about being awake this early and going on an adventure.
Not to mention, everything is stunning in the soft, morning light.
Expansive, rolling hills and rows of vines surround us, with dark, foggy mountains in the distance.
“Check-in’s over here,” I say, grabbing his hand and tugging him across the field toward a table set up outside an old wooden barn.
“Good morning. Welcome to Adrift, your premier Napa Valley hot air balloon company. I’m Clara. Who do I have the pleasure of checking in today?”
“Warren Moretti and Kyle Fitzpatrick,” I say to the kind-looking woman, giving Ky’s hand a reassuring squeeze. I know he’s excited about this excursion, but also a little nervous. Heights aren’t exactly his thing.
“Alright. Got you right here. Just sign these waivers, and you’re all set. You can go inside and enjoy coffee and croissants. The balloons are going through some pre-flight checks. They should be ready for takeoff in about half an hour. So please, relax and enjoy.”
Clara hands us each a clipboard, and we step to the side, allowing the family behind us to check in. I quickly sign my name without reading more than the title.
“Dude. Never do that,” Kyle admonishes. “You could have just signed your kidneys away.”
I chuckle, shrugging my shoulders. “I’m not too worried about it. I got two.”
Kyle huffs, rolling his eyes before he reads the entire waiver word for word and still hesitates to sign it. “Man, I don’t like this shit. It basically gives them a free pass if we die.”
“We’re not gonna die, Kyle,” I laugh. “Just sign the damn thing.”
Kyle grumbles under his breath before he signs the waiver, and we hand the clipboards back to Clara, heading for the barn.
I smile wide, admiring the dozens of light bulbs draped along the ceiling, tables of breakfast food, a coffee bar, and cozy wooden picnic tables with sunflower centerpieces. There are ahandful of other people already inside, ranging from couples to large families. But I paid the extra fee for a private balloon ride.
Just Kyle and I.
“Let’s get some breakfast,” I suggest, desperately needing a coffee and sure Kyle needs at least two.
Grabbing plates, I hand one to Kyle as we make our way down the buffet table.
I choose a cream cheese croissant and some fresh fruit, wandering over to the coffee station to make Kyle’s just the way he likes it.
An extra-large cup with two creams and two sugars.
Luckily, they have different sizes to choose from, so I don’t have to make multiple trips for him.
“Here you go,” I say, handing him the coffee, and he takes a sip, closing his eyes and humming at the flavor.
“Mmm.Thanks. I’ll grab us a picnic table, it looks like more people are arriving.”
I make my own hazelnut coffee with an extra shot of espresso before finding Kyle at one of the tables and sliding into the seat across from him.
“How much do I owe you for this balloon ride?” Kyle whispers before biting into his sausage, egg, and cheese croissant.
“Nothing. This one’s on me.”
His brows crease, and he shakes his head no.
“Seriously,” I assure him. “I know heights aren’t your thing, so I appreciate you being a good sport and indulging me. I wouldn’t make you pay.”
