Page 10

This kind of trip wouldn’t usually be something to spark my interest, but a part of me is fascinated. I love history. However, the idea of staying in a hut and hiking fifteen miles a day doesn’t really speak to me. The times I’ve traveled with my family, we’ve stayed in five-star hotels that include a hot tub and room service.

My bet with Brooks pops into my mind, as well as the look of shock that would be on his face if I were to go on this excursion. It would be extremely out of character for me, but would definitely win the bet and show him I’m not so predictable after all—at least, not when I don’t want to be.

I laugh to myself and pull out my phone to look up the travel company.

Sunday afternoon, I head over to my parents’ house for a family BBQ. Normally, I’d be mildly annoyed about it since we just saw each other two days ago. But I can’t wait to see the look on Brooks’ face when I tell him about my trip.

I pull up to my parents' large historical home that’s only about ten minutes from my place and see everyone else has already arrived. Usually, I make it a point to be early, but today I wanted to increase my shock factor by being late.

Heading straight to the backyard, I type in the code to the wrought-iron gate and let myself in. My parents have an impressive backyard. A gardener has professionally landscaped and maintained it weekly. They use the space to host many events, but I prefer it as it is now… with just my family.

As I round the corner, I see everyone gathered on the patio surrounding the large outdoor table as I expected. They’re all gawking at me, making a show of looking at their watches. Of course, I assumed they’d be dramatic—they always are—but I’m amused by the rigamarole, nonetheless.

My mother enforces a certain… dress code… to our family BBQs. She seems to think the president could waltz into her backyard at any moment and we should all be photo-ready. Most of us appease her to keep the peace, and glancing around the patio, I see that it looks like a Vineyard Vines catalog could be shot here. The guys are wearing polos and khaki pants and the ladies all have on flowy sundresses. My eyes land on Brooks last and I resist the urge to wrinkle my nose at his messy hair and backward ball cap.

Brooks is the baby and has always been able to get away with anything. Mom would make me or Madden remove our hats to come into her perfect backyard. But not her baby. It doesn’t really bother us, though. Mom is overbearing enough without us having to be smothered with her affection the way Brooks is. There’s a part of me that wonders if that’s why he dates no one seriously… he knows Mom will hate anyone he brings home.

Slowly, I swagger my way over to join everyone on the patio. With my hands casually in my pockets, I’m the picture of cool and collected.

“David, did you realize you’re… late?” Mom asks, genuinely shocked. Or maybe perturbed.

I smile and adjust my glasses. “Yeah, this is the new me. Super chill and unpredictable.”

Brooks guffaws. “Wow, do you think you’re going to win the bet by being fifteen minutes late to a family BBQ? I don’t think so.”

He runs a hand through his blonde waves to sweep them out of his eyes. He needs a haircut; he’s looking like Justin Bieber from 2008.

“Actually, I’m only thirteen minutes late.” I pretend to inspect my fingernails, huff on them, and wipe the non-existent dirt away from my freshly pressed blue polo.

I smirk, and Brooks narrows his eyes at me. “However, I do think I’ll win the bet with this.” I pull the Machu Picchu travel brochure out of the back pocket of my khakis and hold it up for everyone to see.

Sophie comes closer to get a better look. “Peru?”

“Yep, I’m leaving in ten days,” I tell them before casually taking a seat at the table. During my research last night, I discovered there was one slot left for September and I know September is the prime month to visit… at least it is according to the Peru documentary I watched last month.

Brooks sits in one of the off-white lounge chairs near the table and stretches his arms before resting them behind his head. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

My dad takes the pamphlet and peruses it with Mom looking over his shoulder. Dad clears his throat. “Uh, you realize this is an outdoor hiking and camping expedition, right?”

“Yes, Dad. It’s six nights total, and only four of those are camping. Anyone can hike and camp for four days.”

“But David,” Mom places a hand on my shoulder as she speaks, “you’ve never even left the country before.”

I shrug her hand off with a bump of my shoulder. “I’m a grown man. I’ll manage,” I say confidentially, although I have my own doubts about that.

My brother-in-law, Drew, raises an eyebrow. He’s solid muscle and is looking at me like he doubts my capability. “How many miles will you hike each day?” he asks.

I shrug my shoulders. “Ten to fifteen miles a day.”

“It won’t be easy. But it’s doable.” He sighs. “You really should’ve trained for a few months before booking the trip, but I’d be happy to work out with you a few times before you leave, at least.”

I purse my lips, knowing he’s right. But I wanted to book the trip before I thought about it too much and changed my mind or chickened out. I wanted to rip off the proverbial band-aid.

“That’s probably not a bad idea. Text me your schedule and we’ll plan a few times to work out.”

He grins, looking way too excited about the prospect.

Odette and Madden are standing behind me and Odette pats my shoulder. “I’m proud of you, David. I bet you’ll have a great trip.”