Page 62 of Missed Steps

“Whichever one you feel like,” I say.

“I’m assuming you’re the expert, given your brother.” Bethany glances across the lot to Chris. “A total ten, by the way. How old is he?”

“Thirty-one. And he’s in a relationship,” I lie.

Bethany looks around herself, and then frowns.

Mark grins. “No point in checking anyone else out when Eddie’s not here to wind up?” His tone is playful.

“It does defeat the entire purpose of it, yes,” Bethany sighs. “He was such a baby this morning.” She fixes an unimpressed stare on Mark. “I told you to say something to him so he’d stop sulking and come with us.”

Mark shrugs. “I’m not his keeper.”

I study the side of his face. He probably didn’t invite Eddie because he didn’t want to make me uncomfortable. I want to say that he could have but honestly, I’m not sure I’m there yet. I think it’ll be easier for me to be around him when it’s not lining up with an activity that’s going to have me feeling vulnerable.

“Should we do one of the mid-range ones?” Louis breaks the silence. He glances at Bethany as he suggests it. “You won’t find that too hard, will you?”

“Why? You think I can’t handle the harder trails because I’m a girl?” Bethany challenges.

Louis reddens as he casts her an innocent smile. “No?”

“Why does that sound like a question?” she follows up.

Mark meets my eyes. “What do you think?”

“You guys can do whichever you like, but Chris made me promise to do the beginner trail,” I say. I don’t mention that Terry told me I hadto start small or risk getting set back months in my recovery.

“Short and sweet,” Mark says with an easy grin.

I grunt. “I doubt it’ll feel like either of those.”

“Oh,” Bethany says, realisation dawning in her eyes. “Is that why you wouldn’t make up with the guys? You’re injured, and can’t play sports? And they ignored your texts…ah, I see.”

“Pretty much,” I tell her. “You don’t have to tag along with me,” I say, glancing at her, then Louis. “The short trail won’t be a challenge at all for you guys.” I throw a glance in Mark’s direction, to which he raises his eyebrows.

“It’ll be a challenge for me,” Bethany says.

I look past her to see Chris approaching us.

“Mark,” Chris greets as he reaches us. “The short trail only,” he directs the order at Mark.

Mark nods. “Kyle just said that.”

Chris offers him a piece of paper. “My number, in case of an emergency. Call if there are any issues.”

“Will do,” Mark says. He tucks the piece of paper into his pocket. I narrow my eyes at the two of them.

Chris looks at me. “If your leg starts to hurt—”

“I know, I know,” I interrupt. I don’t need a rehash of the talk we had this morning.

Chris glances at Mark. “If you notice him in pain, text me.”

“Chris, get going,” I say, unamused.

Chris goes to the group waiting for him at the start of the trial and they head off. I give Mark an unimpressed stare. “You two are suddenly getting along now?”

Mark shrugs. “Guess so.”