Just Trust Me…

14

WITH ALL the hikers seated on sturdy logs set around a large campfire, Brett breathed in the mouthwatering scents wafting up from the plate cradled in his lap.

“For mountain dwellers such as the Incas,” Paolo explained, “meat, served with potatoes, was a mainstay of their diet. But corn was their most important and revered crop. The food Ana has prepared for you exemplifies that of a typical Inca meal. The corn raised in Cusco and around the Sacred Valley was, and still is, called choclo, and was considered the finest in the entire empire, with large, puffy white kernels and a distinctive, sweet taste. Tonight you will enjoy it in the classic style-boiled on the cob and served with a wedge of mountain cheese.”

“The main dish,” he continued, “is called lomo saltado, which is strips of beef mixed with tomatoes, onions and potato chunks served over rice. She has also prepared rocoto relleno-a hot bell pepper stuffed with meat and vegetables. Ana makes the filling mild, but be warned, the pepper itself is quite spicy.”

He smiled then raised his cup. “Tonight we shall drink one of Peru’s most delicious beverages, chicha morada. It is nonalcoholic and the deep purple color is due to the blue corn from which it is made. But before we begin our meal, we shall observe the Peruvian custom of offering a sip of our drink to Pachamama, or Mother Earth, to show thanks for the earth’s generous bounty.” He tipped his cup and spilled just a bit, then raised it to his lips and drank.

Everyone followed his example, and the cool, sweet, drink slid down Brett’s throat. He looked at Kayla, noticed that her eyes were closed as she savored the unusual but tasty flavor. Paolo then picked up his fork, smiled and said, “Enjoy!” and everyone applied themselves to the meal.

Under any circumstances, the food would have been delicious, but after such a strenuous day, capped off by mind-blowing sex-twice-Brett mentally dubbed the meal the Best Damn Food Ever. Everyone made appreciative noises and comments, to which Ana responded by smiling and thanking them.

Conversations broke out about the day’s hike, with everyone adding their impressions and discussing what they’d enjoyed the most.

“The Inca Trail offers a cornucopia for the senses,” Paolo said. “I invite each of you to tell what you liked best based on which of your senses was most engaged.”

Eileen and Ashley chose sight, enthusing over the exquisite orchids, awe-inspiring vistas, and miles of deep-blue sky. Dan, Bill and Shawn chose touch, claiming they’d most admired the ruins at Llaqtapata, being able to run their hands over the centuries-old stones.

Brett considered for a moment, then said, “I’d have to choose smell. I’ve always been interested in scents, studying the ways they affect us. The combination of fragrances here-clean air, forest, sunshine and something else, something indescribable that is unique to this place-makes it smell…peaceful.”

Everyone agreed that a serene atmosphere permeated the trail, and how, in spite of the rigors of hiking in the high altitude, they felt very relaxed.

“My favorite was the sounds,” Kayla said. “The rushing river, the crunch of leaves beneath my feet, the birds singing, the branches rustling. Living in New York City, I never get to hear the sounds of nature.”

While they continued to share favorite moments of the day, Ana offered second helpings and no one refused.

“This is incredible.” Kayla leaned closer to Brett while forking up another bite of the savory beef. “How Ana managed to prepare such a feast in the middle of a forest, without benefit of electricity, boggles my mind. I couldn’t hope to match something like this even with the aid of a professional kitchen and an assistant chef. I think she should have her own cooking show. I’ll do the PR.”

He popped a piece of the smooth, creamy, mountain cheese into his mouth. “You don’t cook?”

She shot him a sideways glance. “Depends. Do you consider smearing cream cheese on a bagel cooking?”

“Depends. Is the bagel toasted?”

She laughed. “You’re probably a good cook, what with knowing about combining chemicals and all.”

“All that gives me is the knowledge to start fires in the kitchen-and, luckily, how to put them out. I’ve learned the hard way that combining chemicals in a lab and ingredients in a kitchen are two very different things.”

“Here’s something I don’t tell everyone,” she said inching closer and dropping her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “I use my oven as storage space for my bread, cereal and cookies.”

He shot her an exaggerated look of shock. “You mean it has other uses?”

“Not as far as I’m concerned. Who needs an oven when you have a microwave and dozens of take-out places within a two-block radius?”

“That’s my philosophy,” he agreed. “What kind of cookies do you keep in your oven?”

“All kinds, because my philosophy is-There’s no such thing as a bad cookie. But my favorites are the hand-dipped double chocolate chunk biscotti from Delriccio’s bakery on the corner near my apartment.”

“Sounds pretty uptown to me, princess. I’m an Oreo man, myself. Although, I’m a sucker for anything dipped in chocolate.”

“Me, too.” Her eyes glittered with mischief and she sent a very pointed look toward his groin. “Which fills me with all sorts of ideas.”

His body’s reaction was swift and immediate and he had to press his lips together to withhold a groan. “I’m going to choke on my mountain cheese if you keep looking at me like that,” he warned in a laughing undertone.

“Not to put too fine a point on it, but I wasn’t looking at you. I was looking at your…” she silently mouthed the word cock. “And imagining it covered in chocolate.”

Okay, who the hell tossed him onto the campfire? Heat sizzled straight to his groin. His fingers went lax and he dropped the piece of cheese he held. It landed on his plate with a soft thud, utterly forgotten.

“Are you trying to kill me?” he asked in a low, strangled voice.

Before she could answer, Ana stood and asked, “Who wants dessert?”

“I do,” Kayla answered immediately, laughter dancing in her eyes. Everyone else chorused their yeses. The empty dinner plates were cleared away to the sound of many compliments, then Alberto and Miguel offered coffee and tea while Ana served them each a small, individual cake baked in its own ceramic bowl.

“It’s still warm,” Kayla said, wrapping her hands around the bowl.

“And it smells delicious,” Dan said, leaning his face over the bowl and breathing deeply. “Chocolate. My favorite.”

“Mine, too,” Kayla and Brett said in unison. Their gazes met and they both smiled.

“After dinner the first night on the trail,” Paolo said, “it is customary for everyone to share something of themselves, about their lives, with the group. Where you live, your occupation, your hobbies, things of that nature. And most importantly, what drew you to make this journey. It helps to bring you closer to the people with whom you are sharing this wondrous experience. Many times lasting friendships are formed on the Inca Trail.”

He smiled, then continued, “I usually go first so there is no shyness. I was born and raised in Cusco and still live there, very close to the house I grew up in-the house where my younger siblings Alberto, Miguel and Ana still live. Although, they tend to spend very much time at my house.”

“Pretty girls always at your house,” Alberto said with a wide grin, and everyone laughed.

“And handsome men,” Ana added, ignoring the scowls her brothers instantly shot her way.

“I teach history during the school year,” Paolo continued, “and spend my summers guiding tours along the Inca Trail. I feel a deep connection with the history of this area, and although I’ve traveled extensively throughout South America, nowhere I’ve visited fills me with the same sense of tranquility as I find here. I look forward to every summer, to hiking to Machu Picchu, to renewing my spirit and filling my soul with peace.”

He took a sip of his tea. “On a personal note, I am twenty-eight years old and not married, a fact my mother reminds me of every day.” Everyone chuckled. “I keep hoping to meet the woman of my heart, but she has so far eluded me. Maybe someday she will hike the Inca Trail, and we will find each other, but since you all are couples or-” he smiled at Dan “-single gentlemen, this is not the hike.” His gaze circled the group. “Who’s next?”

“I’ll jump in,” said Bill. “Eileen and I hail from Atlanta where we’re both high-school teachers. We have twin sons who just graduated from college, one of whom earned a degree in accounting and the other who plans to follow in our footsteps and teach.” He glanced at his wife, and took her hand. “We love the outdoors and discovering new places and have looked forward to this trip for a long time.”

“We’d actually planned to visit Machu Picchu two summers ago,” Eileen added, “but had to postpone our plans when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a scary time and definitely gave both of us an appreciation for what’s really important.” She laid her hand over Bill’s and smiled at the group. “I’m happy to report that I’m now cancer-free and very happy to be here-literally and figuratively.”

The entire group gave her a whooping round of applause, and with a laugh, she stood and bowed.

Since Shawn sat next to Eileen, he volunteered to go next. “I grew up in Pennsylvania, the oldest of six kids-all girls except me-in a house that had one bathroom.” A murmur of male-voiced sympathy rose from the group, and Shawn nodded. “Dudes, it was harsh. Me and my dad, we didn’t stand a chance. With all those kids, my folks couldn’t afford fancy vacations, so we went camping. It was cheap, and I loved it because I could escape my sisters in the woods.” He wrapped his arm around Ashley. “This is the first girl I ever went camping with who I wasn’t related to and who I didn’t want to get away from. I graduated from college last month, and this trip is my graduation present to myself, and the first time I’ve ever gone anywhere that required a passport. Next week I’m starting a new job-my new career-and it’s kinda scary, this whole being a responsible adult instead of a college student. But this week is for me.” He hugged Ashley closer. “Me and my best girl.”

“Okay, everyone say ‘awww,’” Paolo said in a teasing voice, and everyone chimed in.

“I graduated with Shawn,” Ashley said, “but unlike him, I wasn’t much of a camper until he came along. I grew up in Idaho, near Sun Valley, so I’m a skier. Not being a college student any longer is…weird. On the one hand, I feel very grown-up and look forward to starting my career, but on the other hand, I’m scared to death because now I’m in the real world.” She made air quotes around the last two words. “It’s sort of like walking on a high wire without a safety net beneath you. I came on this trip with Shawn because I love going places with him. We’ve been together three years, and he’s taught me how great sleeping under the stars, communing with nature can be. I’d rather be in a tent with him than in a fancy hotel with someone else.”

Everyone clapped and again said, “awww,” to which Ashley smiled and buried her face in Shawn’s collar.

“I guess I’m next,” Brett said. He wasn’t sure if it was sharing this campfire under the stars, or the day of hiking, or the meal, or all three, but he felt an undeniable bond of camaraderie with this group of strangers. And a sudden, strong need to unburden himself.

“I’m from New York, and I came here to escape the chaos my life’s been over the past four months,” he said slowly, but then the words came faster. “I’m a scientist, a chemist. After I published my findings on a new skincare formula I developed, everything just went…crazy.”

He rested his forearms on his knees, clasped his hands together and stared into the fire, reliving the insanity that had been thrust upon him. “Everyone wanted a piece of the formula. At first, I can’t deny that the attention was flattering-it was the sort of recognition most scientists dream of yet never receive.

“But it quickly spun out of control. I was being pulled in too many directions by too many people. I didn’t know who I could trust or what was best for my future and career. The pursuit by various cosmetic firms was relentless, and I couldn’t stand it any more. I’d read an article about getting your life back in balance, and one of the things it recommended was going somewhere you’ve never been, to do something you’ve never done. I’d always been interested in Machu Picchu, so I packed my bag and here I am. And I have to say, this is the most peaceful I’ve felt in months.” His gaze flicked to Kayla. “And the happiest I’ve been in a very long time.”

He drew a deep breath, and a profound sense of relief filled him, as if he’d carried a stack of anvils on his shoulders and they’d now evaporated. Into the clear, brisk, mountain air. He looked at Kayla and smiled. “Your turn.”

She moistened her lips, and Brett noted that she seemed rather uncomfortable. “I’m also from New York, and I actually read that same article as Brett, about rebalancing your life by doing something totally new, and believe me, a four-day hike in the Andes is about as far outside my comfort zone as you can get. So, here I am, an escapee from the daily stress of my public-relations job and high-maintenance family. And in spite of being so far outside my usual box, I’m feeling very…peaceful.”

“I would suggest it is because you are so far outside your usual box that you’re feeling this peace,” Paolo said. “It is a common phenomenon on the journey to Machu Picchu. These trails, where the Inca once walked and lived, possess the power to infuse each of you with serenity, to help you find what you seek if you allow it.” He turned to Dan. “You have the honor of going last, señor.”

Dan hesitated several seconds, then combed his fingers through his short, military-cut gray hair. “Well, I wasn’t going to tell anyone, but since you all have been so honest, I don’t feel right not extending that same honesty back.”

Kayla shifted on the log beside him, and, noting her frown, Brett scooted closer, rapping his arm around her shoulder.

“I lost my wife three years ago,” Dan said, staring into the fire’s dancing red and gold flames. “Car crash. Hit by a drunk driver. He’s in jail now, but that doesn’t bring Marcie back. We were married thirty-five years.”

Brett felt Kayla stiffen beneath his arm, then, along with everyone else, murmur her sympathy for Dan’s loss. He could almost feel the waves of sadness rolling off the man and compassion filled him. His parents had recently celebrated their thirty-eighth anniversary. They were like two halves of a whole, and he couldn’t imagine either one of them losing the other.

“We have two daughters,” Dan continued, in a strained voice. “Both are married, and lucky for me they don’t live too far away. I get to see them and my grandchildren often, which has made things a little easier.”

He fell silent for several seconds, and it was obvious he was gathering his composure. After clearing his throat, he said, “Six months ago, my eyes started bothering me. Can’t deny I hadn’t kept up with regular doctor appointments after Marcie was gone. Oh, I did my normal exercises-racquetball and golf-but I didn’t bother with annual check-ups until my eyes began to trouble me. Doc told me I have macular degeneration. In simplest terms, it’s an incurable eye disease that leads to blindness. He gives me a year, two at most, before my eyesight will essentially be gone.”

Dan studied his clasped hands, and the only sound was the snap and pop of the flames. “Me and Marcie, we loved to travel. That woman was never so happy as when she was packin’ a suitcase. Went somewhere new every summer. When the girls were growing up, we took them with us, and after they left home, we went on our own. Had a long list of all the places we wanted to see together. She kept it hung right on the refrigerator, and every year we’d cross off a new place.”

He lifted his head and once again stared into the flames. “I’m trying to see as many of those places as I can in this next year. While I still can see them. So I can tell Marcie what they looked like. Hiking to Machu Picchu was on our list. So…here I am.”

No one spoke for several long seconds, then Kayla rose. Brett looked up at her and stilled when he saw that her eyes were bright with tears, her cheeks glistening with silvery wet tracks. She sat down next to Dan, taking the older man’s hand in hers.

“I’m so sorry, Dan,” she said, in a low voice. “My father…he died in nearly the same way. Car crash. Hit by a teenager high on drugs. I know how much it hurts. How hard it is to talk about.”

Tears misted Dan’s eyes and his head jerked in a tight nod. “Rips my heart out every time.”

“I know.” Fresh tears rolled down her cheek, and Brett’s heart squeezed tight. For her. And for Dan. He couldn’t imagine the pain of losing a loved one under such tragic circumstances. “What you’re doing,” she said softly, her gaze steady on Dan’s, “traveling to the places you and Marcie wanted to go…I hope you’ll get to see all of them. For both your sakes.”

“Me, too, Dan,” said Eileen, and Brett and the others chimed in with similar sentiments.

Dan pressed his lips together then cleared his throat. “Thank you. All of you. I appreciate the kind words.” He gave a shaky smile. “But I feel like I’ve cast a pall over the party.”

“No,” Paolo said quickly. “It is in the talking about our lives, in the sharing of our hopes and dreams and pains that we find answers and comfort and peace. And those can often be found not only in those closest to us, but in the presence of strangers, as well.”

Paolo rose and swept his hand toward the area behind them. “Your tents are all prepared, and you will find a flashlight in each one. You can retire, or remain around the fire if you wish. There is water in the kitchen tent for teeth-brushing and face-washing. Please do not wander from the campsite, nor go any further away than the bathroom tent. Normally we break up into two groups at this time-men and women. Ana will escort the ladies to the bathroom while the men brush their teeth here, then we’ll switch. After that, if you go anywhere, bring your flashlight and do not go alone. If you need anything or experience any problems, do not hesitate to awaken me or Alberto, Ana or Miguel. We will wake you early to begin our second day, which, I will warn you, is the most difficult day of the hike. I wish you all a good night and a good sleep.”

Everyone rose and made their way toward the tents. Brett’s gaze remained fixed on Kayla and his insides tightened with sympathy at her bleak expression. Clearly talking about the circumstances of her father’s death had upset her. She reminded him of a deflated balloon. He approached her slowly, uncertain of what to say or do and cursed his inexperience in dealing with such a situation. Certainly the least he could do was offer his sympathy.

Before he could speak, however, she raised her damp gaze to his and said in a voice that sounded so sad and inexorably weary, it broke his heart, “After the bathroom break…I’m sorry, but I think I’d like to just go to sleep.” Without another word, she headed toward her tent, which he noted was next to the one outside which his gear was stacked.

She looked so…lost, so tired and upset. Sympathy and an entire flood of other feelings he couldn’t name washed through him as he watched her dejected form disappear down the path toward the bathroom tent, following Ana and the other women. He wanted to comfort her, to erase that bleak sadness from her beautiful eyes, but he didn’t know how, especially without it seeming as if his ulterior motive was to get her into bed.

And while Brett couldn’t name the unsettling feelings coursing through him, the very depth at which they grabbed him and wouldn’t let go scared the living daylights out of him.