Page 86 of Best Wrong Thing

Our final stop is Pico de las Nieves, the highest point on Gran Canaria. The coach takes us to a parking spot a short walk from the top, and we all file out. Dark green bushes and a few tall, thin trees cling to the dusty mountainside. We’re so close to the clouds it’s tempting to reach out and touch them.

“I’m glad we didn’t have to walk up here. I bet you’d run up, wouldn’t you?” Barry asks.

“Maybe not run. I’d walk or cycle if it wasn’t too hot.” It’s definitely not something I’d attempt in the height of summer.

“Jacob was never into sports. He doesn’t even like football.”

Jacob tenses his jaw.

“I don’t like football either. I went to classes as a toddler, but as soon as I had a say in it, I quit,” I say.

“Oh. Well.” Barry mops his brow and the back of his neck with a handkerchief.

“I think football is overrated. I don’t get the appeal when it comes to watching or playing it.”

Barry opens and closes his mouth but then gestures to the summit. “We should keep up with everyone else, or we’ll miss the sunset.” He strides away from us.

“You didn’t have to do that,” Jacob says quietly.

“Do what?” If only I could hold his hand.

“Stand up for me.”

I shrug. “I didn’t say anything that wasn’t true.”

We amble towards the group at a slower pace so we can stay far enough behind Barry to talk without being overheard.

“I’ve never seen anyone leave Dad speechless before.”

I chuckle. “I’m used to handling Mum. Don’t take this the wrong way, but how do you stay so calm when he’s digging at you like that?”

“Years of practice?”

“I’d have lost my shit.”

He arches a brow. “Really? You’re always so laid back.”

I risk nudging his shoulder with mine. “You’ve never seen me worked up because you’ve never got on my bad side.”

“Umm, I’m pretty sure I pissed you off at Dad and Molly’s wedding reception.”

“Yeah, maybe. But then you kissed me, and that made everything better.” I ensure I keep my voice to a whisper, just in case.

“It did?”

“Yeah. A kiss from you could fix anything.”

Jacob smirks. “I’m going to have to remember you said that.”

“Go ahead. I won’t deny it.”

“Even after we’ve had a huge argument?”

I scrunch my nose as if thinking about his question. “Yes.” I gesture to the group, which has stopped, and mime zipping my lips shut.

We join everyone in sitting on the rocks. We’re not the only tourists here, but we manage to find space to enjoy the view. And what a view it is. Jagged rocks, wispy clouds, steep drops, and far below us, lush forests.

“Isn’t it amazing?” Barry asks. He’s sitting a short distance from us, with his back half to us.