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Despite living in Haven Springs for several months now, Alex had yet to truly explore the nearby national park (and frantically searching for Ethan at night didn’t count). It just got a bit awkward whenever people from out of town asked about the hiking opportunities, and all she could offer was a sheepish shrug followed by a “Sorry, never been!”
To be fair, the idea had been simmering in the back of her mind for a while now, but once she had finally established a routine for herself, it had been easy to get stuck in it. It was familiar. It was safe.
But this was the weekend to change all that. The weekend to venture outside her comfort zone, especially since peak-season had just ended and the park was no longer clogged up with tourists.
Ideally, she would’ve gone with at least one other person, but both Ryan and Steph were working today. So here she was, perusing the visitor center all by her herself. It was a cute little place equipped with its own gift shop, a help desk, and a few displays with 3D topographic maps explaining the history of the park. It almost made her want to learn about the science behind the rock formations. Almost.
From a rack on the wall, she pulled out a brochure and unfolded it entirely. Her eyes darted across the complex web of trails depicted.
Hoo-boy, this was a lot.
She overheard a few avid hikers nearby as they enthusiastically discussed their trail selections, weighing the pros and cons of each.
Shit. She should’ve done some research beforehand. Unfortunately, planning had never been one of her strong suits.
It was embarrassing how easily overwhelmed she had become over something that was supposed to be so simple and straightforward. Wasn’t this what people did to relax?
“Alex?”
She glanced up from her pamphlet and felt her heart skip a beat.
“Ryan?”
He looked pleasantly surprised to see her. “Hey uh, what are you doing here?”
“Oh, you know. Just thought I’d try out the whole outdoorsy thing now that I’m officially a Colorado girl and all.”
He nodded, seemingly satisfied with that answer.
“So what are you doing here?” She asked.
“I work here.” His lips quirked in amusement.
Alex finally took in his appearance for the first time. Namely, the park ranger uniform he was fashioning.
“Ohhh, right. Duh.” She shook her head. “I guess when I pictured you working, I just imagined you high up in one of those watchtower thingies, staring at birds through your binoculars all day.”
He snorted, grinning. “I think you’re thinking of fire lookouts. Yeah, that’s not what I do. That’s not even what fire lookouts do either actually.”
“Oh. Well, bummer. That sounds like a pretty sweet job.”
“It really, really does,” he laughed. “But I enjoy this kind of work too.”
“That’s good…” Alex commented distractedly, eyeing him up and down. “Love the outfit,” she said, scrunching her nose up cutely. “Sorry, just had to get that out there.”
He seemed to squirm a little under her scrutiny, a blush creeping across his face.
“Yeah, Steph had a real field day seeing me like this for the first time.”
“I can see why.” Alex couldn’t help but smirk at him, feeling thoroughly entertained.
He cleared his throat. “Well, enough about me. How can I help you? Or…do you already have a game plan?”
Remembering her earlier dilemma, she began rubbing her arm. “I’m not really sure, to be honest. There are so many paths. It’s all a bit overwhelming.”
“Oh hey, don’t feel bad. That’s what we’re here for. People come in here all the time and line up to ask questions about what they should do, and we provide them with suggestions based on their preferences. How much time they’re willing to spend in the park, the sort of views they enjoy, the type of terrain they can handle, and so on.”
She let out a breath. “Alright, I don’t feel like a complete idiot anymore then. Thanks.”
“Don’t mention it,” he replied, smiling warmly.
“So do you…have any suggestions for a novice hiker?” she joked.
“Of course!” He then launched into a whole spiel she suspected he’d done countless times before.
Alex had only managed to pay partial attention to what he was saying. She’d been somewhat distracted by his proximity and the way he leaned in close in order to trace out the trails on her map. But she'd gotten the bulk of the info and was feeling a whole lot better than when she had first walked in.
“I think the Eagle Falls trail and the North Vista trail are looking like my best options. Nothing too crazy, and I still get a nice view of the lake.”
“Great choices.”
“Well, I guess it’s settled then,” she said, adjusting her backpack straps. “Thanks for all your help.”
As she was starting to head out, he spoke up.
“Yeah, you could do that or…”
Alex turned towards him curiously. “Or what?”
He glanced at the clock, fiddling with his hands a bit. “Well, my shift ends soon. Did you just want to…go together? I can be your personal guide.”
“Really? But you must’ve been through every trail like a million times by now. You’re not bored of it?”
He scoffed. “Bored of nature? It’s like you don’t know me at all.”
She smiled fondly at him. “My bad. I guess I forgot who I was talking to for a second there.”
“So…how about it?” He looked so adorably hopeful. It would be a crime to say no.
“Under one condition.” She paused for dramatic effect. “You have to keep wearing the uniform.”
He blinked in surprise before chuckling. “Deal.”