Chapter 157
“I’ll come with you guys too.”
Victoria looked so delicate and fragile that Ailie worried she might get bullied.
Violet frowned, ready to refuse. Truth was, she was a bit wary of Ailie-this woman had no filter, said whatever came to mind, and never cared about the occasion or who she offended.
Curtis walked over to Victoria’s side, sensing she might not want to sit with Violet. “Come on, let’s all go together. The company’s already assigned the cars, and Mr. Langford’s has the most space.”
Victoria’s lips curled into a faint smile. Mr. Langford’s car was indeed spacious— she’d been lucky enough to ride in it before. But after he started driving Violet around in it, she made a point not to get in again. Today, thanks to Violet, she’d be taking a seat once more. Still, with her and McNeil about to part ways, fussing over it would only make her seem like she still cared.
“Alright,” Victoria agreed, and slipped into the back seat.
Their first stop was Echo Mountain Campgrounds.
Victoria barely spoke the entire drive. She kept such a low profile, it was easy to forget she was even there. No matter who struck up a conversation, she rarely chimed in—especially with McNeil in the car, which only made her more withdrawn.
Most of the chatter came from Violet and Curtis, with Ailie occasionally joining in when the topic interested her. McNeil focused on the road, and no one bothered trying to draw him into the conversation.
By the time they reached the mountaintop, the other company cars had arrived as well.
Curtis was the first to get out. Mr. Langford’s SUV was high off the ground, so Victoria followed carefully. As she reached the door, about to jump down, Curtis offered his hand. “Hold on to me-jumping from this height is an easy way to twist an ankle. We’ve only just started; it’d be a shame if you dropped out before the hike even began.”
Victoria hesitated for a split second. McNeil saw the moment in the rearview mirror, his grip tightening around the steering wheel, his dark eyes growing even darker.
Just as Victoria finally reached out and took Curtis’s hand, McNeil threw open the driver’s door and jumped out, slamming it hard enough to make everyone startle. Before she could climb down, he was already standing outside with the others.
Meeting his cold, brooding stare, Victoria instinctively drew her hand back. Instead, she braced herself on the doorframe and jumped down on her own, landing gracefully. She offered Curtis a gentle smile. “Thanks.”
On the other side, Violet had already hopped out, agile and efficient, not the least bit hesitant.
McNeil tore his gaze away from Victoria and looked at Violet. “Why didn’t you wait for me?”
Violet glanced at Victoria—she’d noticed Curtis offering his hand to Victoria and couldn’t help but be pleased. So Curtis really was interested in Victoria. Good. Maybe this hike would spark something between them, and then McNeil’s divorce would be that much easier to justify.
Brushing imaginary dust from her jeans, Violet flashed a charming, lopsided smile. “No need. I’m not that helpless.”
She shot Victoria a pointed look. Ailie had just jumped down as well, rubbing her foot and grumbling, “Mr. Langford, your car is way too high.”
Her legs were still tingling after the jump.
Now, McNeil and Violet stood side by side; Curtis hovered near Victoria, and Ailie lingered a little apart from the group. Watching them, she couldn’t help but feel something was off. This didn’t look like a hiking trip-it looked more like people pairing off for a dating show.
Violet turned to Ailie with concern. “You alright? For most women, McNeil’s car really is a bit tall. But it’s roomy and comfortable inside-and, well, it’s good for more than just driving, if you know what I mean.”
She shot McNeil a suggestive glance, her voice full of innuendo. “I’ve gotten used to it.”