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Brooks: *gif of a man crying and eating ice cream*

I snicker to myself and grab my phone charger. My phone pings with a text from Drew.

Drew: Heard you made it to Peru! How ya doing?

I take a deep breath and then release it slowly.

David: Anxious about tomorrow. I’m worried I’ll miss my bus ride or forget something important.

Drew: Try not to overthink it. Everything will be fine. Can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back.

David: Thanks, man.

Drew: Let’s resume training when you get back, mmk? *gif of Spongebob lifting a stick with stuffed animals on each end*

David: *gif of Jim from The Office leaning the seat of Dwight’s car back until he disappears*

Drew: Haha. Night!

I silence my phone, plug it into the charger, then turn my bedside lamp off. As I lay in the dark, trying to fall asleep, I swear I hear a woman on the other side of the wall who sounds just like my next-door neighbor.

Wow, I must be so exhausted I’m hallucinating. I realize I’ve gone this entire day without hearing a meowing cat, having an argument with Isa, or stumbling over a ceramic goose dressed in a rain jacket.

I smile to myself, relieved that at least I don’t have to deal with any of that for the next five days.

Chapter eight

Isabella

I’m finally in Peru, embarking on a journey I’ve dreamt of for years. I could hardly sleep last night I was so excited to start hiking and exploring. In four days, I’ll finally see Machu Picchu in person instead of on my television screen.

I was a ball of energy during the short bus ride from the hotel to the meeting place for our expedition. When we arrive at our meeting place, I see that the porters already have the mules loaded up with everything the team needs to make camp each night. They’re piled high with supplies, and I make a mental note to give the mules extra pets every evening.

Our group is easy to spot, not only because of the mules, but because all of the travel expedition employees are wearing matching green, long-sleeved tees with the travel company logo on the front. Their first names are printed on the backs of their shirts along with a little cartoon llama and fun letters that say, Only you can prevent drama.

We all pile into a small hut for a safety briefing. They announce that there are thirty-one people hiking in this group and then they go over some basic safety tips for the trek.

I already made friends with a young couple on the bus ride here from the hotel—perks of being an extrovert. I find a place next to Anthony and Hannah—aka my new besties. They’re probably around my age, but they’re both extremely fit and look like this hike will be nothing to them. Anthony has dark hair pulled back into a man bun, and Hannah is blonde with gorgeous blue eyes that remind me of someone’s, but I can’t put my finger on who. Definitely not David’s.

Once our guides introduce themselves and their team, the safety briefing wraps up and we chat amongst ourselves for a few minutes.

Rocco, a native to the area and the expedition leader, whistles to draw the group’s attention. “We have about fifteen miles to cover today, so let’s get started!”

The group cheers and we begin our hike up the Andes.

About five minutes into the hike, Hannah strikes up a conversation. “So, Isabella, are you single? Because there’s a really cute guy a few yards behind us.”

“Hey!” Anthony says in mock defense. I note that he has a thick European accent, possibly Italian.

Hannah and I laugh. “Not nearly as cute as you, babe.”

He winks at her.

“I am single. But I’m not looking for a relationship. My parents are already bugging the crap out of me about that.” My breathing is beginning to get heavier as the incline becomes steeper.

I had hoped the extra strength training I’ve added in with my yoga would help me out, but I can already tell this trek will be a challenge.

“Ugh, parents can be so smothering sometimes,” Hannah says, her voice not even strained like this is literally a walk in the park.