Page 59 of Losing Sleep
I leaned back on the bench, trying to think through my options. “Maybe there’s a bus or something? If you could drive me to Rexburg, I could get a rental car. Or…” I trailed off, realizing I really didn’t have many options. It wasn’t like I could ask my roommates to drive five hours, pick me up, and turn around and drive back. While I had no doubt they would, I’d feel guilty for asking them to give up so much time.
“If Kylie hadn’t ridden up with us, I could drive you home. We could be back to Utah before midnight,” Brad said, reminding us of his presence.
“But that would cut your trip short,” I protested half-heartedly.
Brad shrugged, his expression one of practiced nonchalance. “It might be better for everyone if Trent and I got some space from each other.”
Pain flitted across Tory’s face, making me wish we were alone so I could talk to her about it but knowing now wasn’t the time.
I bit my lip, hesitating for only a moment before voicing my thoughts. “I could take Kylie’s place. She could stay, ride back with Grey, and I could ride back with you and Alex.”
I’d already gone on one long distance car ride with a near-stranger once this trip, why not repeat the experience in reverse with a different set of guys? These ones would be safer. They weren’t bearded, snarky men wearing lumberjack apparel who were too perceptive for their own good. It was already guaranteed to be a better experience for my emotions this time around.
“Are you sure?” Brad leaned forward, gauging my expression. “I know driving at night with wildlife isn’t your favorite thing.”
I shrugged, surprised he’d noticed. It made me wonder if Tory had said something. “I’ll survive, but only if you’re okay with this, Tory. I don’t want to ruin your birthday trip.”
I turned to Tory, trying to gauge her reaction to this change of plans. I didn’t want to cut the trip short, but if I didn’t leave soon, whatever was building between me and Grey would only become worse.
Tory studied me for a moment before nodding. “I’ll miss you, but we’re leaving in two days anyway. I don’t want you to stay if you’ll be miserable the whole time.”
“I wouldn’t be miserable…”
“We both know that’s a lie,” Tory said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and pulling me in for a comforting embrace. “Just promise me you won’t leave until morning. I can run interference between you and Grey. I just don’t want to have to worry about the three of you making that drive at night.”
I gave a sad, relieved smile, shifting to face Brad. “If you’re still okay with it, sounds like we’re heading home early.”
“Let me talk to Alex and Kylie and get it arranged. First thing tomorrow, we’ll head back to Utah.” He gave a decisive nod, pushing up from the bench and walking towards the store entrance where the rest of our group had started to gather.
My heart might be breaking, but at least I wouldn’t be trapped here with the reason for my heartbreak.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
As we arrived atthe restaurant, my stomach churned with nerves and anticipation. We still needed to tell the rest of the group we were leaving early, and I knew Grey wasn’t going to like it. But I couldn’t bring myself to stay another day, falling in love with Grey and knowing it would just end in heartbreak. I couldn’t take the risk.
We settled at our table, everyone commenting on the rustic décor that made the burger joint feel like an old-time saloon waiting for a cowboy to step in, spurs jangling like in an old western film. I glanced at the menu. Nothing sounded appetizing, but I needed to eat.
“Have you ever had bison before?” Grey asked, leaning over and pointing to one of the menu items. “Do you think it tastes different enough from cow to justify the additional five dollars?”
“Only one way to find out,” Brad said, quirking an eyebrow at Grey. “I’m a firm believer that everyone needs to try bison at least once in their life, if for no other reason than being able to answer that exact question.”
Our waitress arrived, carrying a tray of waters. Everyone else was ready to order, so I quickly selected something, landing on a cheeseburger topped with barbeque sauce and onion rings. I also ordered a Pepsi, needing the caffeine kick to make it through dinner and the rest of the evening.
Conversation tapered off as we waited for our food, the first awkward silence of the trip descending over our group and making me wonder if somehow they already knew what Brad, Tory, and I had discussed.
“What’s on the agenda for tomorrow? Another float down the river? Campfire and stargazing? It’s our last full day at the cabin. We’ve got to make it count!” Kylie said, grinning at Tory with clear excitement.
“Yes, to all of the above! Also, I’d love to do another hike, maybe drive up to Sawtelle for the sunset,” Tory rambled.
I fidgeted with my straw wrapper, tying it into a knot and then tearing it into little pieces as I waited for the right time to share our news with the group.
“That sounds fun. Anything else people want to do?” Grey asked, trying to draw the rest of us into the conversation.
Brad took this as his opening.
“It’s really up to the four of you.” He gestured to Trent, Tory, Kylie, and Grey. “Alex, Audrey, and I are heading back tomorrow. That is, if you’re okay riding home with either Grey or Tory, Kylie.”
Alex gave an encouraging nod, having clearly talked to Brad about the decision before now. I bit my lip, waiting for everyone’s reaction.
