Page 39 of Love Letter Lost
“Mal isn’t a big fan of bowling.” Audrey laughed, coming over to pat my back. “She recently had a…traumatic experience.”
“It sounds like there’s a story there.” Ridge quirked an eyebrow as he paused, waiting for a response. Audrey and I looked at each other, grinned, and remained silent. “A story I apparently don’t get to hear. Any other suggestions? You mentioned that you’re in the process of painting your place, Mal. Want help?”
I shook my head. “We don’t need paint fumes adding to our centerpiece party later.”And I don’t need reminders of Ridge every time I look at a section of ceiling he might have helped paint, no matter how little time I might have left in this apartment.
“If you’re sure you wouldn’t mind me joining, I’d love to go hiking. It would be nice to be outside for a bit.” Audrey’s words were hesitant, and I wanted to strangle Lyle, her ex. He had taken a shy but confident woman and turned her into a self-doubting, shrinking girl.
“Of course we don’t mind! The more, the merrier. Though I get to pick the music on the ride,” I teased.
Audrey smiled. “You have no respect for the classics, though I’ll probably drive separately anyway so I can stop at the store.”
“Are you sure Jovi can make it?” I would never know how Audrey’s car continued to function.
“Let me worry about Jovi. She’ll be fine. Which hike do you want to do?”
I considered our options, ignoring Ridge’s puzzled expression. “There’s always Battle Creek Falls. Or we could drive up the canyon a bit and try something there.”
“As long as it’s not too long, I’m in. You guys choose something while I change.” Audrey rushed from the room, leaving me alone with Ridge once more.
“Is Audrey always so hesitant?” Ridge asked after she’d closed her bedroom door.
“She didn’t used to be.” I was surprised Ridge had noticed. “Her ex-boyfriend did a real number on her.”
“That’s horrible.” Ridge looked outraged, something I could appreciate. “She seems like a kind, sweet person.”
“Which was apparently the problem. Because she was so kind and sweet, she never suspected that he was cheating on her with her best friend.”
Ridge gave a sharp intake of breath, and I could see fire in his eyes that I’m sure matched my own. Before he could respond, Audrey stepped into the hallway, ready to go. Her ponytail swished from its high perch on her head as she bent down to tie her running shoes.
“Did you decide where we’re going?”
“Battle Creek,” I said.
“That one’s short enough Ruby can come along.” Audrey moved to grab Ruby’s leash, and the dog came running.
“I don’t think I’ve hiked that one before. Sounds great,” Ridge commented. “But I am confused about something. If the dog is Ruby, who’s Jovi?”
Audrey and I laughed as we walked out the door.
“Jovi is Audrey’s car. It’s short for Bon Jovi.” I locked the door after everyone had exited and began walking to the cars.
“I’m guessing you’re a fan of classic rock?” Ridge asked.
Audrey shrugged. “That’s one reason.” She climbed into her old, battered car that I was pretty sure had more rust than paint, refusing to say more.
Ridge held my door, and I climbed into his car.
“I’m sensing there’s more to the car name.” Ridge pulled out of the parking lot, and I directed him to the trail.
“It’s a bit of an inside joke between us. We dubbed the car Jovi because I’m pretty sure the only thing keeping it alive is luck and prayer.”
“I get it!” Ridge laughed. “It’s ‘livin’ on a prayer.’” He sang the song title, causing me to laugh at the out of tune song.
“Nailed it.”
The car ride to the trailhead passed quickly, with Ridge and I catching up on lost time. I steered clear of questions about Amber. Audrey was waiting for us when we climbed out of the car, Ruby sniffing around the gravel of the parking lot. I had been laughing at something Ridge said, and I caught a look of concern cross her face. I simply shrugged, telling myself it was nothing.She’s wrong. I’m not getting too close. I’m not getting attached.
It was about a mile hike to the waterfall, though the climb did get steep towards the end. The rocks and dirt crunched beneath our feet as we got moving. I listened to Ridge and Audrey talk, asking the get-to-know-you questions that surrounded introductions. They seemed to hit it off, and I was content to listen as we moved up the path, crossed the worn wooden bridge, and started the steep incline that led to the waterfall.
