Page 56 of Losing Sleep
But what about that phone call?I pushed the thought away, choosing to stay here, happy in this moment.
“I vote for a change of topic,” I said, gesturing to the scenery around us. “Would you rather live the rest of your life in the mountains or on the beach?”
“Do I get to visit the beach if I pick the mountains or am I forever stuck in a cabin in the woods?” Grey asked, following my lead and embracing the shift in conversation.
We continued hiking, making our way through the forest. The trail, while it did wind some, was mostly flat, making me wonder what kind of waterfall could wait for us at the end. Back home, most hikes to waterfalls included steep hills and sharp drop-offs. But my body, used to yoga and walking my dog, was grateful for the milder hike.
When we reached the waterfall, I could only stare, soaking in the simple beauty. While not a roaring, massive waterfall, the steady stream spilling over the cliff face to the waiting cavern and pond below was stunning in its own way. I clambered over rocks and downed trees, eager to get closer to the waterfall. The sound of the steadily rushing water filled my ears as I drank in the view in front of me.
“Wow. Not quite what I was expecting, but still, wow,” Grey said.
A portion of our group had gathered near the pool at the waterfall’s base, watching as water plunged down the cliff face. Grey stood to my right with Kylie on his other side. Brad and Alex had made it to the waterfall ahead of the group and were settled on some rocks, snacking on granola bars and ignoring a curious chipmunk that had skittered over to them. Tory and Trent hung back, choosing to take in the view from farther away.
“I can’t even imagine how long it would take for something like this to form,” Kylie said.
I nodded, continuing to take in the scene and snapping a few photos. As I turned to take a selfie with the falls in the background, Grey looped his arm around my shoulder, joining the photo with a cheesy grin. If the knowledge that he’d photobombed my picture made my smile all the wider, I chose not to question it. Instead, I captured the moment, nestled into Grey’s warmth with my new favorite waterfall in the background.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Our group rested fora while, drinking water and eating the sack lunches we had packed at the cabin. While the hike had been mostly flat, my feet were tired from the long distance we had walked, and I was looking forward to slipping off my hiking boots when we got back to the car. Already the group was talking about getting an early dinner in West Yellowstone instead of driving all the way back to the cabin to fix something. Sandwiches and granola bars only provided so much fuel.
“Grey, Tory said you’re a construction genius. Can I pick your brain for a project I’m working on?” Brad called as we started the hike back.
“Of course,” Grey said, shuffling our hiking order and leaving me alone at the back. He threw me a wink, and I hoped it was a promise he’d join me in the back again soon.
I didn’t mind having a moment alone. I took my time walking, pausing to take pictures and enjoying the scenery a bit more before we got back to the car. I reached the turn back onto the main trail from the Fairy Falls Trail to find Kylie stretching her calves, waiting for me.
“Mind if I walk back with you?” she asked, her ponytail bobbing as she fell into step beside me.
“Of course not.” I shook my head, surprised Kylie wanted to talk with me. I assumed she’d be flirting with Grey and laughing about an inside joke with Tory, Brad, and Alex. While I didn’t think Kylie was intentionally trying to cut me out of the group, my lack of shared history showed.
“It’s beautiful here. Is this your first time in the area?” Kylie asked.
“It’s my first time hiking Fairy Falls, but I’ve been to Yellowstone before.” My words felt stilted as I tried to figure out why Kylie had waited for me.
“That’s awesome! I came with Tory in the early spring, but it was too cold to really do anything besides hang out at the cabin. We did visit Big Springs, though. There was still so much snow!”
The conversation tapered off. I tried to ignore the awkward dynamic between me and Kylie, instead focusing on the fact that at least she’d tried to strike up a conversation. Even if it fell flat.
“So, are you big into hiking?” I asked after wracking my brain for conversation topics. I had a hard time picturing Kylie, with her designer clothes and manicured nails, regularly clambering up mountains, but maybe I was wrong.
“You know,” she gave a flip of her hair, gesturing vaguely at herself in biker shorts and a floral top, “this really isn’t my scene. I prefer days at the spa and shopping, but every once in a while, it’s nice to switch things up. Not to mention you can’t be friends with Tory if you’re not willing to venture into the mountains from time to time.”
I bit back a grin, curious to know what Grey would think of “visiting the spa” and “shopping” being listed as hobbies.
“A change of pace is a good thing,” I said.
“I was thrilled when Tory told me who was coming on this trip. I mean, we’re all, well most of us, are such good friends. It sounded like a blast. Tory told me she thought Trent might even propose on this trip.”
Based on the dynamics I’d witnessed between Trent and Tory this week, I highly doubted that. In fact, I’d be more surprised if their relationship survived the waves of jealousy rolling off Trent every time Brad walked into a room.
“I had some secret hopes for this trip myself,” Kylie said, a sad smile teasing the corner of her lips. “I’d hoped I could convince Grey to see me as more than a friend. I thought he was just playing hard to get, and I’m competitive enough I couldn’t resist throwing my hat in the ring. After watching him with you, though, I realize it’s never going to happen. Everyone tried to warn me, but I didn’t listen.”
“I’m so sorry,” I stammered, not sure how to respond to Kylie’s confession. I had been prepared for some backhanded information-gathering mission or maybe snide comments questioning why Grey would choose me. Kylie’s frankness was startling. Also, what did she mean by “after watching him with me”? Had she seen his interest and realized she couldn’t compete? Or was something else buried beneath the surface of her observation?
She gave a small shrug. “I can’t count the number of times someone told me ‘he’s not the relationship type’ or that ‘leading girls on is what he does.’ For some reason, I thought I’d be the one to convince him to give a relationship a shot. He always seems happy and interested when we’re together.”
She paused, watching me before continuing. I was careful to school my expression, my gaze focused on my feet and the trail.
