Page 10

ten

I launched into a frantic search through my room, sifting through the mess until I spotted my trusty hiking pants hidden beneath the dresser. I pulled them on quickly, then gathered my unruly hair into a messy bun, stray strands framing my face in an endearingly haphazard way.

As I headed down the stairs, Reggie’s voice cut through the stillness. “Hey, Brynie. Rise and shine!”

Why was he up so early? The sun hadn’t even fully risen, and yet there he was, already awake. I had planned on slipping out unnoticed, but Reggie’s early start had completely derailed that idea.

I stepped into the kitchen, and everything clicked. He was still in the same clothes from yesterday, clearly just stumbling in from wherever he'd been.

He raised an eyebrow, sizing me up. “Where you headed? Not working today?”

I kept my tone light. “Nah, taking a mental health day. Gonna hit the trails and clear my head. I need a break from Sal’s antics.”

Reggie grinned and tossed an arm over my shoulders. “Don’t sweat it, Brynie girl. Sal’s got a wild imagination. He probably just made all that up. I had a word with him—he should be cooling off now.”

I paused, trying to gauge if he was being sincere, but he seemed surprisingly earnest.

“Need me to make breakfast before I leave?”

He grimaced, like the very idea of food disgusted him. “God, no. Just thinking about it makes me sick. I’m going to crash,” he groaned, clutching his stomach like it was in agony, a perfect picture of a night gone too far.

I bit my tongue, deciding not to comment on his state. “Alright, then. I’ll leave you to it.”

I reached for my backpack, but before I could sling it over my shoulder, his hand shot out and gripped my arm, freezing me in place. He leaned in, his breath warm against my cheek. Without thinking, I kissed him—light, quick, more out of obligation than affection. His hand slid into my hair, his fingers lingering a moment too long. The touch was oddly gentle, but it carried a weight, like he was trying to tether me to him, unwilling to let go.

I had just turned toward the door when Reggie called after me, his tone laced with that familiar edge of condescension. “Oh, and Brynie…”

I paused, glancing back. He was already scrutinizing me.

“Be home by 8:00,” he said, polite on the surface, but the command pulsed underneath.

“Sure,” I replied, nodding before stepping outside and shutting the door behind me.

The walk to the trailhead felt endless, my anticipation building with every step. I needed someone to lift my spirits, and I knew exactly who that someone was.

When I reached the meeting spot, Zeke’s car was already parked, and he was standing beside it, fully geared up. His backpack rested snug against his shoulders, and he radiated confidence.

I jogged up, calling out, “Sorry I’m late!”

He turned, his face brightening with a gentle smile. “No problem. I was just soaking up the sunshine.”

By the time I reached him, I was a little out of breath. “Hope you haven’t been waiting long,” I said, guilt tugging at me .

I couldn’t ignore how the golden light clung to him, bringing out every sharp line of his face. He looked like he belonged in it, like the sun had claimed him.

“Speaking of the sun, I wish it had the same effect on my skin,” I said, glancing at his complexion, half-teasing, half-envious. “I’d kill for a tan like that.”

I placed my arm beside his, and the contrast was jarring. My pale, almost translucent skin seemed to glow next to his bronzed flesh. I quickly pulled my arm back, laughing. “Okay, that’s just embarrassing.”

Zeke’s eyes held mine, unmoving, as the breeze threaded through his hair. “Nonsense,” he said with conviction, his words carrying a quiet sincerity. “Your skin’s like moonlight. Soft, radiant…beautiful.”

My heart stuttered. Warmth spread across my cheeks as I smiled, unexpectedly flattered. “Thanks,” I mumbled, feeling, just for a moment, a little more seen. “That was really sweet.”

He nodded, acknowledging my thanks with a quiet smile, and we began the hike, our steps falling into an easy rhythm.

At the trail’s entrance, Zeke glanced ahead, pleasantly surprised. The path, though rough, was far better defined than I’d feared, a clear improvement over the overgrown mess of Dead Man’s Trail.

“I don’t know what you were so worried about,” he teased, tilting his head with a reassuring smile. “This trail looks great. We’ll be fine. ”

I shot him a skeptical look. “Yeah—guess we’ll see.”

The first stretch of the trail turned out to be much easier than I’d expected. The ground was mostly flat, and the path well-marked, making it a breeze to follow. As we walked, I found myself struck by how breathtaking the scenery was, even more beautiful than I remembered.

Zeke’s curiosity was obvious as he leaned in, hands clasped in a playful gesture. “Alright, spill. What’s the deal with Sally?”

I froze mid-step, a laugh escaping as I doubled over. “Sally? That’s genius. I love it.”

He shrugged, lips twitching. “Feels like the perfect name for him, don’t you think?”

“Yeah,” I said, still laughing. “It really does.”

His head tilted slightly, a brow raised in warning. “Just…maybe don’t say it to his face.”

“Trust me, I’m not looking to start another fight,” I said lightly. Then, in an attempt to steer the conversation away, I added, “Anyway...”

But he didn’t budge. His grin remained, his gaze locked on mine—expectant, waiting, silently urging me to continue.

I sighed, frustration edging into my voice. “It’s just Sal being Sal, you know? He gets these wild ideas and takes them out on me. This time, he called me manipulative and accused me of hiding something from him. It’s…absurd.”

Zeke’s expression shifted, his gaze steady and sincere. “That’s not right,” he said quietly. “I’m sorry he said those things.”

I waved it off, trying to brush away the irritation. “Thanks for understanding. Honestly, I’m used to it by now. He’s said plenty of crazy stuff before, and I doubt this’ll be the last time.”

His eyes stayed on mine, warm with empathy. “Yeah, I know you’re used to it, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt.” He paused, then added with a grin, “And hey, I’m always here if you want to vent. I’m a great listener. Practically professional.”

I ignored the playful note in his voice, letting the weight of his words press into me. Frustration crept in. Quiet at first, but enough to make my breath catch. I drew in a slow inhale, trying to settle the noise in my head.

“You know what, Zeke? You’re absolutely right.”

He spread his hands like he was presenting an obvious truth. “Well, yeah. Am I ever wrong?”

I didn’t respond. Instead, I straightened, fists tightening at my sides. The heat in my chest sparked into something sharper. “I have every right to be upset. And if I want to be pissed— then fine —I’m going to be pissed. ”

His face lit up with pride, his grin widening like he’d just won some victory on my behalf. “Yeah! Own it!” he cheered, fist-pumping the air with the enthusiasm of a coach rallying his team.

I lifted my chin, my voice gaining strength with every word. “If I want to throw a fit, I’ll throw a fit!”

He raised his arms in triumph. “Loud and proud, baby! Let’s scream it out! Let it all go!” His eyes danced with excitement.“On three—as loud as you can...One, two, THREE!”

We both inhaled deeply, then let out a pair of ear-piercing screams, the sound rising and colliding in unison. It echoed through the trees, raw and cathartic, releasing all the pent-up tension.

We screamed ourselves hoarse, then stood there, panting as the last echoes faded into the trees. When our eyes met, laughter bubbled up, unrestrained and contagious, until it spilled from us in waves. It wasn’t just amusement; it was release. A crack formed in the heaviness that had settled over me, the tiniest piece of me beginning to mend. For the first time in what felt like forever, I wasn’t just existing. I was alive.

Zeke wiped a tear from the corner of his eye, his face flushed with exhilaration. “I don’t know about you, but I feel way better.”

A lightness took hold of me as the tension that had been knotting up inside me began to unravel. I exhaled deeply. “Sally’s negativity isn’t worth the energy I’ve been wasting on him.”

He threw up a hand in agreement. “Amen to that!”

As we ventured deeper, the path grew more treacherous, rocks jutting up sharply under our boots. I instinctively reached for Zeke to steady myself as the ground shifted beneath our feet.

“This is way tougher than I remembered,” I admitted, my voice tinged with unease. “I have no idea how I made it through on my own before.”

Zeke’s brow knit as he scanned the rough landscape ahead, his posture tense. “Looks like there’s been a recent landslide or something,” he said, voice cautious. “Maybe we should turn back.”

I met his gaze, worry flickering across my face. Was he disappointed? Still, I didn’t want to back down. “You were so excited about this trail. I don’t want to quit yet. Let’s go a little further before we call it,” I said, trying to sound hopeful.

He paused, then gave a slow nod. “Alright…I guess we can go a bit further.”

We continued down the winding trail, our pace slowing. Each step was deliberate, careful, as the path grew more unpredictable. The only sounds were the crunch of gravel underfoot and the occasional rustle of leaves.

After a quiet stretch, I decided to break the stillness. “So…what do you do for work?” I asked, the question slipping out before I could second-guess myself. “I kn ow you’re here for business, but I never asked what exactly that is...”

Zeke kept his gaze ahead, his voice steady. “I’m in finance. Investment banking, specifically. I’m here to close a deal that’s been in the works for a while.”

It all clicked. The flashy car, the perfectly tailored clothes, the polished demeanor. Of course he was out of my league. And thank goodness he hadn’t seen my old clunker. He’d probably be mortified to be seen with me.

I wouldn’t have wanted to be seen with me either.

“Whoa, Mr. Fancy Pants,” I teased, poking him lightly in the ribs. “So, what about your friends back in New York? You must have a whole crew of them, right?”

Zeke brushed my poke away with a grunt, eyes flickering with amusement. “Yeah, I’ve got a big social circle, but only a few people I’d really call close.”

I leaned in, curious. “Like who?”

“Well, there’s Israel, my best bud—and twin brother,” he added, as if it were the most casual thing in the world.

My feet stopped dead, a rush of disbelief flooding through me. “There are two of you?!” I gasped.

He let out a soft laugh, running a hand through his hair as he kept walking. “Yeah, but I’m the older one. By a whole four and a half minutes,” he said with a hint of pride.

I snorted at the thought of two Zekes in the world. “Now I’m dying to know. Tell me about him. ”

His expression softened with a quiet tenderness. “Israel—Izzy, as I call him, he’s kind of like a lighter version of me. He’s got nearly white-blond hair, skin so pale he practically glows, but we share the same eyes.”

He pushed a stray curl from his face. “And like me, he’s a jokester. Always trying to make people laugh. Sharp with the jokes, but deep down he’s got a heart of gold.”

His voice dipped, quieter now. “He’d literally give you the shirt off his back. He’s the kind of guy you want in your corner.”

I felt a warmth as I watched him speak so fondly of his brother. It was clear how much Zeke cared for him. There was no doubt in his words, no hesitation. It made me wonder what it would feel like to have someone who cared for me in the same way.

“He sounds great,” I said, keeping my voice steady. But inside, a quiet stir of something—longing, maybe—unfurled low in my stomach.

His smile deepened, his eyes warm with affection. “He really is. You two would get along well.”

“What about a special friend?” I asked, watching him.

Zeke shot me a quick sideways glance, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. “No girlfriend,” he said casually. “Work’s too demanding. I don’t have time for a relationship right now.”

I nodded, letting it settle in. Obviously he was too busy. That had to be the reason. With that face, it definitely wasn’t for lack of options. “Makes sense. ”

We walked in comfortable silence, our steps naturally aligning. The crisp air filled my lungs, the coolness making the excitement buzz through me. After a brief pause, I turned to him, a spark of mischief brightening my eyes. “Now for the most critical, personal question of all…” I drew out the pause, barely keeping a straight face.

Zeke cocked his head, his brow quirked in playful curiosity. “Oh? This sounds serious,” he teased, stuffing his hands into his jacket pockets.

I locked eyes with him, keeping my face completely neutral, as if this were the most important question he’d ever face. “What’s your favorite color?”

He reeled back as if I’d just delivered a scandalous accusation, pressing a hand to his chest. “Whoa, slow down! You should’ve at least bought me a drink first if you’re gonna hit me with questions like that!”

After a dramatic pause, he relented. “Fine. It’s green,” he confessed, grinning goofily.

I narrowed my gaze, feigning suspicion. “Hmm, I would’ve pegged you as more of a black kind of guy.”

Zeke moved closer, his devilish wink paired with a breath that brushed against my skin, carrying the faint scent of mint. “Oh, Bryn,” he said, his voice dipping low, teasing and full of something else I couldn’t quite place. “I’m full of surprises.”

I nudged him playfully but lost my balance, stepping onto a slick rock. My feet flew out from under me, and I slid uncontrollably down the steep hill, the ground slipping away beneath me. My stomach lurched as I picked up speed, my frantic attempts to regain my footing only sending me further out of control.

As I tumbled downward, my mind blank, my body heavy, numb to everything but the rush of falling, the trees blurred into streaks of green. Jagged rocks surged toward me from all sides, and a sickening wave of panic coiled inside, tightening my chest and clouding my thoughts.

I heard Zeke’s voice—faint, distant—calling my name, muffled, as if it were coming from underwater. I tried to brace myself, but everything around me was nothing but air and speed, and there was nothing solid to hold onto. The ground was coming up too fast, and then…

Thud.

I lay there, disoriented, my head spinning from the fall. A sharp pain shot through my left hand, and I instinctively raised it to my face, only to find it covered in blood. The sight of it made my stomach churn, bile rising in my throat.

As I examined my hand, I saw that the ruby stone in my wedding ring had chipped, a tiny imperfection that mirrored the frailty of my own shaken sense of self.

My vision narrowed, the edges of my sight darkening like a veil being drawn across my eyes.

Then, darkness.