My career involved constant travel, multiple online posts a day. I was basically always working even if it didn’t look like it. That didn’t mean I couldn’t procrastinate and right now that was what I was doing.
The barrier between Aaron and I had been removed, yet still, I didn’t call him.
I thought about what our couple name could be,Skaaronwas my top pick.
I talked to Kyle about how we would make room in the van so Aaron could travel with us on his days off.
What I didn’t do was pick up the god damned phone.
I couldn’t even say why exactly except that right now we had a potential relationship, if I called him and he didn’t want this the way I did, then whatever existed between us would disappear for good.
A week or so after I’d last talked to Cliff, my phone rang as I settled into my van for the evening. I picked it up expecting it to be him, but it was Aaron.
My eyes widened and I looked at Kyle for confirmation. He was busy licking his paw so I hit the answer button. “Hello?”
“Skye?”
“Well yeah, you called me. You shouldn’t be surprised who answered.”
He huffed out a breath. “Always a smart ass. Where are you?”
“Where?” It took me a second to remember. “I’m at a campground around Sebring Peak, why?”
“Hang on,” I heard rustling and clicking.
“What are you doing?”
“Just… fucking computer… looking at the fire map for the province.”
“Oh. Something I should know?”
He sighed. “Jasper’s girlfriend is a wildfire fighter working in Lillooet, sounds like things are ugly there. I know Sebring campground isn’t on evac order right now, but I think you should get out of there in case they close the 99.”
I licked my lips and considered his request. Of course, if a professional told me a place was dangerous I wouldn’t go there. But I had another question. “Why are you calling me and not my brother if this place is dangerous?”
He sighed. “Just do as I ask, please?” Thepleasesounded more needy than authoritative.
“I will, just answer my question.”
He mumbled a few curses. “Look, I’m not a writer. I’m not all poetic or whatever like you. When I care about someone, I worry. That’s just how I’m built. And right now I’m worried about you.”
My breath caught. It was hard to tell if he was being romantic or just bossy but I suspected what he’d just said was the mountain man equivalent of asking me on a date.
“Do…do you want to keep worrying about me? Like maybe we could talk everyday?”
“I could make my worrying more specific if I knew where you were.” His voice had lightened.
“More specific worries make sense.”
He chuckled. “I’d rather be with you on some of your adventures, make sure you remember your sunscreen and help keep Kyle from running off.”
“Well, he is a menace.”
We were quiet for a moment and I bit my lip, letting hope bloom in my chest. “Skye?”
“Yeah?”
“I really am worried about this fire. I know you have your adventures and I would never ask you to change, but maybe you could find a safer detour for this part of your trip?”