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“Notnow.” I go to the windows and throw aside the curtains. “It’s a beautiful day out, the sun is shining, the air is fresh. Tomorrow, we’ll be back in the New York smog and the cramped lifestyle. We need to get out.”
Mason leans on the back of the couch. “And what do you suggest, Nate?”
I take a deep breath, look between my lover and my friend. “A hike. The three of us.”
Other than meals and the occasional chat around the fire, we haven’t spent any quality time together. It’s either Laney and me or Laney and Mason. We’ve been keeping those pieces of us separate. And I, for one, am tired of it.
Neither Laney nor Mason speak.
I can sense their tentativeness. Their fear. They exchange a look, then look back at me.
“It’s our last day.” I don’t feel as confident as before. But earnest. So earnest. “I want to spend time with two of the most important people in my life. Together.”
Laney’s mouth purses. “Nate, I don’t know about that.”
Mason, on the other hand, is right behind me. “I’m game.”
Now, it’s just Laney.
“Why are you guys looking at me like that?” Her lips droop downward. “I can’t think when you look at me like that.”
“Alright, we’ll turn around.” I spin my finger in a circle for Mason to follow suit.
I’m not going to force her into anything, of course, but I know that being stared at by both the men you’ve been sleeping with for the past week isn’t the easiest thing to say no to. “What do you say, Laney?”
Laney is quiet for a moment too long, and I think for sure she’s trying to formulate a way to let us both down easy.
However, I’m surprised when I hear the word, “Yes,” from her beautiful mouth.
I flip around quick, grinning ear to ear. “Really?”
Though her hands are folded at her waist, fingers winding together with nervousness, there’s an undeniable smile on her lips. “Yeah. Sure, why not?”
I glance over at Mason, and we exchange smiles.
I don’t know what this hike has in store for us. But it’s going to be spectacular.
My favorite hikeon this side of the lake is of course the most grueling. It gets you to the highest point overlooking Pollard and the water.
I’ve done this walk many times, early in the morning to catch the sunrise, just before dusk to watch the sunset.
I’ve been on a few easier nature walks during my time here, not wanting to get on Laney’s nerves by pushing my luck.
However, today is our very last day. And I’d be remiss not to make the climb to the top of Pollard Hill.
I start off rather strong but need a bit of assistance during the steeper part of the climb.
Mason and Laney alternate in helping me, at one point both of them on either side making sure I don’t fall.
“I got this, guys.” I know I’ve only got it because they’re right there, but still.
I’m thankful they don’t let go, and they also don’t laugh at my pride. Makes it easier to believe one day I’ll be strong enough to make the climb by myself again.
Other than the labor of climbing, the walk is full of laughter and enjoyment that we had only had around the dinner table up until now.
I have to say, there’s something that makes me giddy about hearing Mason make Laney laugh or making sure she doesn’t slip while crossing the stones of a creek.
To see my care reflected in another man for the same person is strengthening in a way I have never been taught to comprehend.
