“Did it work?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
“Yes, but just to be sure…” Robert said, trailing off as he closed the gap between us. He tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear and let his hand linger on my cheek. I tried to swallow but my throat dried up, clenching shut. My heart accelerated and the butterflies in my stomach alighted in full flutter. Our bodies were less than an inch apart as he leaned toward me. My hand found its way around his neck and I closed my eyes.
Someone knocked at the door. “Violet, are you okay in there?” Annabel asked. Her voice sounded muffled through the heavy wood door.
Robert and I both jumped at the noise. I could feel his breath on my lips and desperately wanted to curse Annabel for the intrusion.
Robert smiled. “That was interesting,” he said under his breath as he pulled away from me.
“Violet?” Annabel called again.
“Yeah,” I said and cleared my throat. “I’ll be right out.” I did my best to keep my voice even as I whispered, “You’ve got to get out of here.”
“Don’t worry, they won’t see me leave,” he said as he leaned against the door again and crossed his arms.
I put my face wash back in my bag and fiddled with the zipper. “I should get back to the girls.”
“You should,” Robert agreed but didn’t move away from the door.
I took a step toward him and put my hand on the door handle. He shifted his body so we were face to face and his shoulder leaned against the door. I looked up at him and saw the uneasiness in his eyes.
“I’ll be fine… and if anything happens you’ll feel it,” I said and turned off the light, placing my hand flat on his chest. I could barely make him out but I still felt the warmth radiating off of him.
“Just be careful,” he said, taking my hand from his chest and kissing the back of my palm.
“I will,” I promised with a hushed voice. My heart gave a gentle squeeze as I undid the lock and turned the handle.
Robert leaned away from the door so I could step through.
“Goodnight, Violet,” he whispered.
“Night,” I whispered back and closed the door behind me.
I leaned back against the smooth wooden door and let out a shaky sigh. This is going to be a long weekend, I thought as I made my way back to the girls in the living room.
>>>><<<<
The next morning we got up early and made a quick breakfast. Yosemite could get crowded this time of year so it was best to hit the trails just after sunrise. I finished putting my pack together and checked again to make sure I had remembered my zoom lens. Becky tried several times to get me alone so we could finish our conversation from last night, but thank goodness we found little privacy in a cabin with five people. I couldn’t avoid Becky forever, but I hoped I could delay this conversation at least until we got home.
Rachel took charge of picking which trails we hiked. She loved the outdoors and always came prepared with a new and exciting trail. She promised this hike would give me an excellent view of Half Dome, once we got to the top. Every year I tried to get a shot of the mountain but the weather had never been on my side. The straight smooth surface juxtaposed with the half circle dome was not only one of the main tourist attractions, but also one of the most beautiful sights in the whole park.
Supplied with plenty of water and lunch, we headed out the door a little after eight o’clock. The trailhead was only about a ten minute walk from our cabin. Once we arrived, we started up into the wilderness. Rachel took the lead of course and I picked up the rear with Annabel. I wanted to be able to stop and get the shots I wanted without holding up the rest of the group.
Yosemite was photography heaven for me. The trees sprung out of the ground and stood with stoic beauty, creating a world of lush green leaves and pockets of blue sky above. The contrast between the hard granite rocks blanketing Yosemite and the softness of the pine trees made a beautiful photographic composition.
“You sure are quiet back there, Violet,” Rachel said about forty-five minutes up the marked path. “Are you struggling that much? I didn’t think this trail would be that bad.”
“Not that bad!” Christy gasped, struggling for air. “I feel like I’m gonna keel over!”
“Stop your complaining, Christy, exercise is good for you,” Becky laughed.
“Exercise, yes… having a heart attack on the side of a mountain, not so much.” Christy planted her hands on her knees and panted.
“Here you go.” Annabel handed a water bottle to Christy and helped her sit down.
“Why don’t we take a short water break?” I suggested, trying to keep the peace.
“Yes, water break!” Christy said taking another sip from the bottle Annabel had given her.
“So what gives, Violet? You’re never this quiet,” Rachel noted as she sat on the rock next to me.
“She’s just a little… preoccupied, shall we say,” Becky said in a teasing voice as she wiggled her eyebrows at me.
If looks could kill, Becky would have burst into flames with the glare I was giving her. Putting me on the spot like this was her way of guaranteeing she would get her questions answered. There was no way I could get away with short, noncommittal answers with all of them ganging up on me. Everyone’s eyes turned to me then and I squirmed under their scrutiny. There was no escape.
“Preoccupied?” Christy said, looking at me with raised eyebrows and a smile.
“That’s right,” Becky said, squeaking with excitement.
“About what, exactly?” Rachel asked.
“Oh, isn’t it obvious,” Becky said. “There’s a new man in Violet’s life.”
Annabel and I shared a glance. This was going to be mortifying.
“Who?” Christy asked with more excitement than necessary.
“Thanks a lot,” I said, shaking my head at Becky. “Yes, there is someone, but it’s not what you think. We’re just friends.”
A short laugh escaped Becky’s throat.
“Violet, seriously, who is he?” Christy asked as she leaned on the edge of her rock.
“It’s Robert Maxwell!” Becky blurted out.
“Do you wanna tell them, then?” I bit, seething at Becky.
“No, sorry. I’ll be quiet now.” She mimed locking her mouth and threw away the key.
“Robert Maxwell, like the Robert Maxwell? Steamy, rich, mysterious Robert Maxwell?” Christy asked with a gaping mouth.
Annabel laughed out loud and I covered my eyes with my hand.
“He doesn’t usually put an article before his name, but that would be him.” My cheeks flushed as I pinched the bridge of my nose.
“Well good for you! You need yourself a good man,” Rachel announced.
“I have to say, I do approve.” Annabel chimed in.