Missed Steps by L Sherleen

Author:L Sherleen [Sherleen, L]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-07-30T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

“I was thinking about joining the hiking club,” I say. Tommy and Mark have been giving each other enough looks to make me jealous. Granted, they’re most certainly dirty looks, but that’s not the point. I sat down with Tommy for lunch in the cafeteria, and Mark joined us.

They both look at me.

“I can’t do the rock climbing or some of the steeper inclines, but I can handle the smaller trails.” The only reason I hadn’t joined it first year was because after the climbs I’d gone on with Chris, the local trails seemed too easy. Now, Chris’s climbs are daunting while the park trails appealed to me. It’ll be nice to be out and moving my body.

“Can I come?” Mark asks.

“I won’t be competing with you,” I warn.

Mark grins. “I’m happy to get along instead. What time are your classes finished later? We can go into town and pick up hiking boots.”

“I have a lab left, then I’m done. Although, I have hiking boots. But I can help you find a good pair,” I add quickly, so Mark doesn’t think I’m turning down his plans. I stressed about seeing him after snapping on the weekend, and I’m glad he’s being normal with me.

“I guess, given Christopher’s job, you know your stuff?” Mark asks.

“He’s given me pointers,” I confirm. And I know from personal experience what kind are comfortable.

“What about me?” Tommy asks gruffly.

I glance at him. “Do you not have hiking boots from last summer?” I ask. We had gone on several hikes together.

Tommy grumbles and I pretend I don’t know why he’s griping. Mark casually puts his arm over my shoulders, casting me a mischievous grin, clearly pleased that I’m not letting Tommy tag along.

“Here you are,” Eddie says, stopping next to our table. His gaze darts over me and Mark’s arm as he sits down, placing a tray packed with food onto the table. “You couldn’t have waited in line for two minutes?” He scowls at Mark.

“I was saving us a spot.” Mark shrugs. He takes the plate with a burger and chips from Eddie, keeping that arm around my shoulders as he snags a few chips. “You want any?” Mark asks me. I’m trying to subtly get out from under his arm without drawing attention.

“I’m good, thanks,” I say.

Chris had a cooked breakfast ready when I stepped out of my bedroom. I’m still full from it and eating what I had for lunch—soup and bread—had been a struggle.

“Is Louis coming this weekend?” Eddie asks, directing the question at Tommy.

“Should be,” Tommy answers before meeting my questioning glance. “Basketball hang out.”

“We’re booked into an indoor adventure park,” Eddie elaborates. His gaze moves to me and he grimaces, though from the way his facial features twitch, I think he tried not to. “I’m sure nobody will have a problem with it if you want to join us,” he says in the tone of someone who has a problem with it. Still, props to Eddie for inviting me. Between this and the party, he’s making an effort despite his clear dislike.

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