Peaches
Thank you.
Me
I just don’t want you to feel like you have to handle things alone.
Peaches
I’ve been handling things just fine, Max. I don’t need a guard dog.
Me
Like I said, baseball teams are families. While I understand you’d rather I not be a guard dog, I can still be a supportive person on the team. Some might even call me the f-word.
Peaches
My mind immediately jumped to ‘fucktard’ but I’m assuming you have another f-word in mind.
Me
I meant friend, but I guess fucktard can work too.
Peaches
It’s nice of you to say you’re my friend, but I think we can both agree that isn’t really the case.
Me
I didn’t say we’re friends.
Me
Isaid we CAN be friends.
Peaches
Technically, you said some people call you a friend.
Me
For fuck’s sake, Peaches. You get what I’m trying to say. Are you always this argumentative?
Peaches
Honestly? No. You just manage to bring out the best parts of me, Sunshine.
Chuckling, I turn off my phone and toss it aside. Leaning back, I stretch my arms out, reaching as far as I can. The sun is setting behind the Rocky Mountains, casting a beautiful ethereal glow across the entire Front Range. I really don’t like it here, but even I can admit it sure is beautiful.
I’d hoped to enjoy the outside more when I moved here. Maybe it was only because when I arrived, I was too busy trying to get settled, and then the weather turned to shit. Winter was long and disgustingly cold, so I stayed inside as much as possible. I was all too thrilled to travel to Phoenix for Spring Training, because at least I could thaw out a little. But now, as the days are getting marginally warmer, I’m feeling an itch to get outside more. I’m mostly acclimated to the altitude, and I think I can finally take on some of the hiking trails within an hour of Denver. I decide to wake up early and head out, since we have an actual day off.
The following morning, after packing up a backpack full of water and snacks, I head out to Golden Gate Canyon State Park. I wanted a park that was a good distance away fromDenver so I don’t run the risk of peopling too much. A good hike will help to clear my head, which I desperately need.
About an hour later, I’m standing next to my car in a dirt parking lot by the Mule Deer Trail, a loop of around nine miles. I take a deep breath of fresh mountain air, exhaling slowly, and I feel the stress begin to melt away. Damn, I’ve needed this. I’ve needed some time to be outdoors, centering myself, and ignoring all the chaos I left behind in Denver.
But it seems the chaos has followed me.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” I hear shouted. Turning, I find a furious Layla. “Asshole, did you follow me here? What the hell, Max? Do I need to report you to HR?”
