always preferring a textbook over the outdoors. He knows he should feel grateful that this man cares, but he can’t help but feel annoyed, knowing he’s going to have to climb the damn thing all over again tomorrow once he finally shakes him.
THREE
LEO SETS THE fastest pace he can without killing the poor kid. On the outside, he makes sure he portrays a calm demeanor, but inside, Leo feels anything but. His life as a SEAL meant a lot of rescue missions, but never has a mission had such high personal stakes for him before. He wipes the sweat from his brow with his shirt sleeve, hoping Elliot thinks it’s from exertion, even though he could do this trek in his sleep.
“You all right?” He checks in with Elliot, who is huffing and puffing so loudly Leo can hardly hear his response. “We’re almost there now. Just a bit farther and we’ll be at my truck.”
Elliot nods in understanding and keeps up the best he can, stumbling as he goes. Living in a war zone for part of his life taught Leo how to recognize desperation and defeat with just one glance. The minute he saw the kid’s face, he knew he had his work cut out for him.
Leo’s not naïve. He knows the chances of Elliot still going through with his plan is a high possibility. But it’s not one he’s willing to let happen if he has any say at all. He’s seen a lot of hurting people in his life. There’s no question this guy is alone and in pain. Leo might not be able to change the latter, but he might be able to help with the first.
Leo looks at the rapidly setting sun and passes Elliot the water bottle, slowing down enough for him to hydrate. The faster they get off this mountain, the better he will feel. Sure, the kid could turn around and go right back…but he’s hoping after the workout he just gave him, that won’t be possible.
After what feels like an eternity, the trail finally ends with the parking lot in sight.
“Thank God. I didn’t think I’d make it,” Elliot wheezes when he spots a single truck in the distance. “Funny, I don’t remember seeing it there when I set out on my trek, even though that feels like a lifetime ago now.”
“You also probably weren’t in the best mental state to take notice of things. Look, we made it. You did good, kid.”
Leo can tell Elliot doesn’t feel well. The fact that he feels like he failed is written all over him…yet hiking that mountain up and back must feel like he accomplished a great feat at the same time. Even though Leo doesn’t know him personally, he can tell just in the short time they’ve spent together that he has conflicting emotions as they near his truck.
“Hop on in,” Leo invites as he pushes a button on his keychain.
Without another word, both men climb into the truck, and Leo starts the engine. The bar is only a few miles away, so Leo takes his time getting there, as he sets a slow pace.
“You know, sometimes the best way to get over your problems is to get under someone else’s,” he offers, knowing he has very little time left to make an impact on this guy.
Elliot, however, doesn’t look impressed at his insight.
“Isn’t the saying the best way to get over a girl is to get under another?” Elliot’s voice is heavy with sarcasm.
“Well, both apply, I guess,” Leo responds, sending him a cheeky grin.
“You know it’s not about a girl. I’m not just having a bad day. There’s no relief in sight for me.”
“Bad life, huh?”
“Something like that.”
“From what I saw, you put a lot of energy into ending your life…so why not put the same amount into starting over?”
Elliot glares at him then turns his eyes to the door handle of the truck. Seeing that one movement, Leo can’t help but put himself in Elliot’s mind. If he flings himself out and lands just right on his neck, then maybe, just maybe he could end it all right now. With that horrible thought, Leo slows down even more than before, and that’s saying something since he’s pretty sure they were passed by a little old lady flipping him the bird.
“Here we are,” Leo declares as he pulls into the lot of a dive bar that has seen better days. Elliot winces when the truck’s tires crunch on the