familiar trees, I wriggle into the center and try to reach for my journal without tipping over. As I settle here beside the river, geese call to one another. Despite their ruckus, the water around them is so still, it scarcely ripples as it flows. The smooth surface reflects the towering pine trees rimming the water’s edge. So close to the park here, children’s laughter fills the air and a runner’s feet pounds in smooth staccato down the winding jogging path which curves into the woods. As for me, this cozy hammock and river view are just what I need.
I lean back and the hammock rope creeks. Unfolding my journal, I open to a new page and start to describe the events of the last few days. I’m actually recording a lot of my life in the (newly named!) Suddenly Sadie Chronicles, but with lots of fictionalized elements. No authoress in her right mind would actually forget that step.
But what’s landing on the page of Sadie’s stories is becoming a way to share some of my experiences with readers in a way some can hopefully relate to. This journal here? It includes the bits and pieces that I don’t type into the manuscript. This journal holds prayers of my heart, worries, fears, and even a celebration of victories large and small. I scribble all about the silver medal now hanging up in my room, as well as the letter from Justice’s mom that sits beneath it on my dresser. I also mention the picture of the three of us standing on the podium. All treasures to savor.
I describe the trip to the ice cream parlor and the fun memories with my parents, as well as Britt and Daniel. A side note that I don’t record? Sparks were definitely flying between those two. How special it was to hear Britt’s laughter and to see the joy in her face alongside the man who’s starting to win her heart. May he be worthy of it, Lord. Guide her and may she enjoy every stage of this experience.
With a swipe of the pen, I add that I finally told my old editor no. I won’t be writing any more columns for that particular magazine, but I wish them all the best. It’s time for this columnist to hang up her pen on the dating scene. And for the future? It’s still uncertain! I’ve definitely got goals with this book, and perhaps . . . if I don’t chicken out . . . I’ll send an article or two to one of the outdoor magazines in Colorado. Now that I’ve got calluses on my hands, there’s definitely a few new themes I could tackle.
At the sound of an approaching runner on the path, I close the journal. Not that anyone passing by would care in the least about what I’ve written—let alone be able to see. The runner passes by, then the footsteps slow. Moments later, the footsteps return. I sit up.
And nearly flip out of the hammock.
I steady myself, half-panicked and uber self-conscious that the flounder had a witness.
My balance angles precariously as I turn to see who it is. It’s the guy from the climbing gym. Cassidy’s brother. The one who’s been so nice and friendly from the start. I still don’t know his name.
“You’ve found a great spot.” He smiles at me. His burnt-orange Rock Central tank is dampened with sweat.
It’s a pretty normal sight, but I’m not used to seeing him in the great outdoors.
“Oh, yeah,” I stutter. “It’s a great spot. One of my favorites.” I finally free a rogue ankle from the hammock and stand.
He moves to assist, but I collect myself quickly.
Hands to hips, he fights being winded and asks, “Is this your neighborhood?”
I nod. Maybe stranger danger should kick in at this point, but the dude’s not exactly scary. He’s just a nice guy. I’d peg him about five, if not six, years younger than me. Which is another reason I’ve never thought of him as anything more than a friendly staff person at the gym. There are tons of cute girls that circulate through those doors every single day. Loads of athletic females that he could get to know or even date. Strange . . . now that I think of it, I’ve never noticed him hanging out with any of them.
Just answer the question, Sadie. “Yeah. I like walking over here and catching the sunset. Do you run here often?” I’ve never seen him on this path before.
“No. I just thought I’d try some of the different trails around town. I’ve been wanting to check out this spot for a while.” He takes a step back. “Well, I won’t keep you, Sadie. But it’s good to see you and congratulations again on the competition. You did awesome.”
My cheeks warm that he so easily knows my name. For some reason, it’s nice to hear. “Thank you.” When he starts to turn away, I make myself add something I’ve been wanting to say. Standing from the hammock, I have no idea what his name is so blurt out, “Cassidy’s brother!”
His shoulders shake in a laugh before he even turns.
“Sorry. I don’t know your name, so that was all I could think of.”
He grins, flashing fine lines under his faint beard. “No worries. It’s Sawyer. I guess I never introduced myself properly before. My bad.”
“No problem.” I reach for one of the ropes bracing the hammock and start to unravel the knot. “I just wanted to thank you for helping me sign up for my first class. I had no idea what I wanted to try that day in Valley Outfitters. It was either bouldering or fly fishing, and you helped make the decision easy.”
He laughs, and it sounds like that of an old soul.
“You also gave me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone by suggesting the competition. I appreciate that.”
His sincere look makes me glance at my feet then back to his face. “I’m really glad to hear it. Honestly, I felt weird going up to you that day and randomly mentioning the competition, but I had noticed a drive in you that made me think you’d do great.”
My cheeks warm again. I remind myself that there are dozens of women in this town, fresh out of college, who would make a great girlfriend for this guy. “Well thank you again. It was one of the best experiences ever.” I tip my head to the side. “I don’t know that I’ll do it again . . .”
He chuckles.
“But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
His eyes smile as he wipes at his face with the edge of his tank. “I’m glad to hear it. And this might be a good time to tell you that we’ve got an auto belay class coming up. If you’re interested in learning how to climb with a rope and a harness, that would be a good place to start.”
“That’d be fun. I’ve been thinking about it. And your sister is a really good teacher.”
“It’s a lot of fun. But I’ll actually be teaching that one, though.” He looks at me, perhaps gauging if I’m disappointed. Then his focus shifts to my fingers that are still struggling with the second knot.
“Need a hand with that?”
“Oh, it’s fine. I got it.” It finally tugs loose on a wish and a prayer.
He nods, stepping back, looking a tiny shade disappointed. “Well, I’ll see you around.”
“Take care.”
He turns and strides forward before breaking into a slow jog. I begin to bundle up the hammock. As I slowly work the tent-like fabric into its bag, I can feel the sun setting on my shoulders. My mind hums with the mental checklist that every woman who’s been single this long considers. Notice, experience, assess.
Well, after all these weeks, I finally noticed him in that kind of way. I mean, I always noticed him because we interacted at the gym here and there. But just now, I noticed him with a little more clarity. And yeah, he’s pretty good looking. He’s also super nice and seems to have a good head on his shoulders. Notice. Check.
Experience. That one’s easy. I’ve enjoyed all the interactions I’ve had with him. He’s friendly and was the one who angled a fan in my direction a time or two. Just because. It’s hard not to camp out on that feeling, or on the little swirl my stomach gets. It doesn’t feel safe. I’m beyond cautious when it comes to guys now, and that swirly feeling just hasn’t been ideal. It means something is going to hit my heart next, and that’s too scary to risk.
Lastly, I assess.
Sawyer is a handful of years younger than me, so that’s where I instinctually tap the brakes. Not that it’s a huge deal, but it’s just enough that I’ve already decided what to do. I’ll be polite and enjoy his politeness in return. But that’s it. This guy is clearly single and has some great traits to offer a girl. He’s going to find an amazing one given the right time and circumstances. Of that I have no doubt. Maybe I should tell him about the singles group. He’s sure to find someone in a flash.
As for me, I’m going to keep doing my thing. I’ll remember the next time I bump into him to be polite, but also to give him lots of space. It’s easier that way. It always is.
There’s a twinge in my spirit to be so resolved, but I don’t know what else to do. If anyone has any better ideas, I’m all ears.
For tonight, this evening, I’m going to soak up the last strains of this sunset and enjoy the gentle walk home. Hammock bag stuffed down in my pack, I sling the larger bag over my shoulder and start that direction. The Colorado evening air is sweet. It’s a great night for a cup of decaf on the balcony and some takeout. A good chance to treat myself to a little celebration for one of the most amazing months.
And there’s so much more to come. Now that I’m getting close to finishing the first book in what could be a long and meaningful series, I might just dive into another chapter tonight.
Back home, Calypso bounds to the door to greet me. I drop the backpack and scoop up the little black bundle. She purrs, tucking her head beneath my chin. Finally lowering her onto the bed, I place a call to my favorite Italian spot. Chicken fettucine for one along with a small side of garlic bread. The sunset is lingering, and with my laptop in hand, I step out onto the balcony. A single touch awakens the dark screen. It comes to life with a growing Word document. I don’t know what the next pages of this story will hold, but I’m ready and eager to find out.