at how well she slept after she’d read and responded to Joe Fox’s message. Something about his words resonated within her, calming her spirit and making her take a second look at her past and her current situation. It had been four years since she’d lost Randy. He’d told her to go on living, but she hadn’t. Not really. Her love for him would never die, but she wanted to love again.
And she was entirely too wound up about dating through BODS and seeing Tag on a regular basis.
She needed to calm the hell down and let life happen.
With that in mind, she slept soundly, no dreams, no tumultuous thoughts, just much-needed rest.
When she woke the next morning, she dressed for a hike, had a cup of coffee and told herself she would have fun that day, no matter what. In her message to Joe Fox, she’d said she’d be open to the possibilities. She might as well start today.
Before she set off on the two-hour drive to Enchanted Rock, she filled a water bottle full of ice and water, then texted Tag, letting him know she was leaving.
He texted back that he’d be there as soon as he and his date could get there. If she felt uncomfortable with her date, Tag said don’t get into his car and stay around other people.
Leslie smiled. That was just like Tag to worry about her. He’d always had her back, even when she’d been married to Randy.
Leslie climbed into her SUV, set the directions on her GPS and took off on the day’s adventure.
She hadn’t been back to Enchanted Rock since she, Randy and Tag had gone all those years ago. Leslie smiled at the memory. At the very least, she’d get to hike the massive pink granite dome in central Texas. The sun was shining, the temperature would be warm, but not overbearingly hot. It promised to be a good day all around.
When she arrived at exactly ten o’clock in the parking lot, she parked her car, got out and stretched, looking around for a man who looked like the photo on BODS of Herman Lansing.
A man fitting his profile jogged toward her from the visitor’s center, a smile on his face. He wore navy-blue running shorts, hiking boots and one of those red, moisture-wicking T-shirts runners loved. As well, he wore a small backpack.
He came to a stop in front of her and grinned. “You must be Leslie.” He held out his hand.
She shook it and smiled up into his handsome face. “And you must be Herman.”
“I am.” He tipped his head toward the domed rock. “Have you been here before?”
Leslie shook her head. “Once. A long time ago. I’m looking forward to hiking it again.”
“I love it. The hike isn’t too hard, and the view is amazing.”
“Yes, it is amazing,” she agreed.
“I brought some snacks for lunch.” He jerked his thumb over his shoulder, indicating the small backpack he had on his back. “I thought we’d take our time at the top. Did you bring a water bottle?”
“I did.”
“Good. I forgot to tell you to do so. They have water refill stations along the way, if you run out.” He grinned like a kid setting out on a field trip. “I’m ready if you are.”
Leslie glanced around the parking lot, wishing Tag had arrived before they started out.
Herman was ready to go, and she had no real excuse for waiting.
“I’m ready.”
“Then let’s go.” He turned and waited for her to step up alongside him before he took off at a quick walk.
“Let me know if I’m walking too fast,” he said. “It’s a habit. I like to step out and cover the ground quickly.”
So much for smelling the flowers along the way, Leslie thought. She skipped several times to keep pace with Herman. And they were still on the flat trail leading up to the base of the rock.
“So, you’re a software developer?” Herman queried.
“I am.”
“I’m a car salesman.” He named one of the large dealerships in the Austin area. “I like it because it keeps me outside and up and moving throughout the day. In my off hours, I like to run, swim and ride bicycles. I’m training for an Ironman competition.”
“I’m impressed. That takes some stamina.”
He nodded. “I got hooked on fitness after high school. I’d gained a lot of weight and was very unhappy with my life. I saw my reflection in a window one day and hated what I’d become. So, I did something