Jenn swivels her head to me and mouths “Wow.” Even her mom looks impressed.
When the class ends, Deke comes right to my side and drops a kiss on my lips, playing the dutiful boyfriend perfectly.
“Great work,” I whisper to him, and he cocks a curious eyebrow at me. “I’ll tell you later.” I pat his chest and then keep petting it because it’s so yummy.
“You guys want to join us in the hot tub?” Jenn asks. “We’re all headed there.” She drops her voice to add, “Although Scott might be there. He asked me what you were up to today.”
I fake a grimace. “Then I’ll pass.” The truth is, I could care less about Scott, but I know the group socializing isn’t Deke’s thing, and I’m grateful for an excuse to bow out. I feel like a disloyal bridesmaid, but I’d much rather spend time with Deke than the wedding party today.
“You guys have plans for the day?” Lacy pops her nosy head into our circle.
“Uhhhh,” I search my brain for something that involves Deke and I and a low chance of running into Scott.
“I’ve got some ideas,” Deke says, slinging an arm around me.
“I’ll leave it up to you then,” I lean into him, feeling relief. “Deke’s such a romantic, he plans the best dates,” I announce to the group. Jenn and Brigit grin. “But first, brunch. I’m starving.”
“Maybe we can go for a hike,” I whisper to Deke as we head to the restaurant, trying to let him off the hook. “Whatever, I don’t care. I’m fine with ditching the crowd—I know you’re not into it.”
“I’ve got it covered,” he answers, pulling out his phone. He walks me through the buffet line and settles me at a corner table then excuses himself to make a call.
Unfortunately, that leaves me open to a line of attack.
“Is this seat taken?” Lacy and Jenn’s stepdad George sits down before I can say no. They wave over another couple, Jim and John, Lacy’s brother and his husband. By the time Deke gets back, the table is full.
Sorry, I mouth. He squeezes my shoulder and takes his seat, keeping a reassuring hand on me.
“Oh, Sadie, you’re not going to eat those,” Lacy scolds me before I can put a forkful of pancakes into my mouth. Memories of years of playdates at Jenn’s house growing up with her mom imposing all her body issues on the two of us come flooding back. “So many carbs.” She shudders. “But I suppose you can work it off later. Those kindergarteners keep you on your toes, I’m sure.”
I set down my fork with a sigh.
“Are you still enjoying teaching?”
“Yes, I love it,” I insist. Lacy is like the female version of my dad. There’s just no escaping all the judgements.
“I know your father hoped you’d go into law like him. At least you can find a husband to support you.” She pats my hand.
I grimace-smile at my plate and saw my breakfast sausage into tiny pieces. It’s just like a dinner with my dad, where I cut up my food, unable to put it in my stomach. My body is tense, ready for fight or flight as if Lacy’s busybody questions are a threat.
George turns to Deke. “And where did you go to school?”
“Lakewood High,” Deke says without missing a beat.
“No, I meant college.”
“Didn’t go to college. Joined the Army when I turned eighteen. It was not long after 9-11, and I wanted to serve my country. Would’ve joined earlier if I could’ve.”
Swoon. Deke is total hero material.
He’s so different from men like George, my dad and Scott, who are just focused on themselves. Getting ahead. Making appearances.
Deke takes a huge bite of steak. He has no trouble eating.
“Hmmm,” George says. “Any thoughts on getting your degree now?”
“Don’t need it. Army taught me what I needed to know. Rest I can learn on my own.” Deke bares his teeth, and George’s fork clatters to the table.
“You were special ops, right?” I ask, fascinated. I know I shouldn’t reveal how little I know about Deke. Lacy is collecting tidbits of information like a squirrel collects acorns. I’m sure the first time she bumps into my dad back in Taos, she’ll drag all the dirt she picked up out to shame him.
“Special ops in the Army? Night Stalkers?” George asks.
“Something like that,” Deke says.
It’s too much for me. Deke isn’t even a real date. He definitely doesn’t deserve the third degree from these people who aren’t even related to me.
“Okay, that’s enough of grilling my date,” I tell them, using my kind but firm teacher voice.
Lacy looks shocked. I never talk back. At least, I never have before.
I have to say, it feels great. Liberating. With Deke backing me up, it’s easy to be strong.
“Almost finished, babe?” Deke nudges me.
“Yes.” I lay down my utensils, more than ready to be done.
“Going somewhere?” George asks. “A hike perhaps?”
“Not a hike,” Deke says. “Got something special planned for Sadie.” He rises, and I do, too.
“It’s a surprise for me too,” I explain to the table as Deke grabs my jacket and helps me into it. “But I guess I need my jacket.”
“Gotta bundle up,” Deke agrees. “Ride’s almost here.”
And then I hear it. The rhythmic sound of chopper blades. A helicopter is approaching, flying up to the resort.
“What’s that?” Diners turn in their seats.
“Oh my goodness,” Lacy says as the army green helicopter hovers over the huge lawn. “Is there some sort of military exercise?”
“Nope. That’s our ride,” Deke announces. “Called in a favor.”
“Is that even legal?” George frowning, looking over his glasses. The helicopter has landed, but the big rotors still turn, ready to lift off at any moment.
“Come on,” Deke holds out his hand. I grab it, and we head out the doors and then run over the lawn, bent over to the chopper.
“I can’t believe this,” I shout. The sound’s immediately whipped away by the roar of the rotors.
The pilot in the front seat is a giant guy with a bushy brown beard. He’s got muscles bigger than Deke, which I didn’t think was possible.
“This is Teddy,” Deke shouts right in my ear, so I can hear him over the sound of the chopper.
“Nice to meet you!” I shout, and Teddy grins at me. Even though it's cold, Teddy isn’t wearing a jacket, just old fatigue pants and an army green t-shirt that shows off his impressive tattoos and biceps. Another bad ass from Deke’s world.
Deke lifts me into the chopper and straps me in tight. My hair’s blown all crazy over my face, and he takes a moment to stroke it back before fastening goggles and a helmet on my head.
“This is incredible!” I shout. “I can’t believe this! Where are we going?” I doubt he can hear me over the roar of the helicopter blades.
Instead of answering, he boops my nose and climbs past me to his own seat. Once he’s strapped in, he gives a signal to Teddy, and the helicopter lifts off the lawn. I grab the sides of my seat. My stomach swoops as we rocket away, over the resort grounds towards the range. And then we’re flying up the face of the mountain and over it, heading north with the Sangre de Cristos spread under us in stunning vista. And ahead, nothing but blue sky, the eagles and us.