As they walked farther and farther into the open wilderness, Ethan and Hank talked about their businesses. They talked about supply chains and management structures and strategic planning. They talked about their mutual disdain for investors and boards of directors. In short, they confirmed to each other that they were on the same page, and Amy stood back and stayed silent. It wasn’t that she couldn’t identify with their experiences in running a business. It was that she didn’t know what she’d say when Hank asked her a question that would require her to lie.
Amy didn’t have a problem lying. In fact, she had a natural talent for it, one she had developed over her years in Washington’s inner circles. It was a strength, an asset, a necessary precursor to almost any career involving the rich and famous. Though she liked to think she told small lies to help reveal or maintain bigger truths, she didn’t feel comfortable lying to Hank. He seemed too kind and genuine with her. So she was content to listen to he and Ethan puff up each other’s egos as the sun followed its arc high overhead.
After a while, they began to pick up speed, and Ethan started to walk up ahead of Amy and Hank, then waiting for them to catch up. Amy wondered if it were some kind of game Ethan was playing, proving to himself that he was somehow more fit than Hank, more capable. Hank smiled and looked over to Amy when Ethan had gotten ahead again. “How’d you like to have a little fun?” he asked.
“Oh?” Amy asked. She looked ahead to Ethan, who had stopped and was waiting for them to catch up. “I think I have a good idea of what you mean.”
Hank gave her a wink. “He’s lucky to have someone to knock him down a few pegs every now and then. Of course, it’s best when you can return the favor for each other.”
Amy grinned. “Oh I have a few ideas about how to do that.”
“What was that?” Ethan called to them. He waited for them to reach him. “Are you two scheming behind my back?”
“I was just telling Amy here that the footing gets treacherous ahead, and that less experienced hikers often lose their balance if they aren’t careful. It just takes one wrong step and you’re down.” As Hank finished his sentence, Amy gave Ethan a little shove and watched as he tumbled into the snowdrift next to him. A moment later, he righted himself and began to laugh.
“I think I’ve been set up,” Ethan said. He gave Amy a knowing look. “I think I need a hand to get up.”
Amy turned to Hank. “Looks like I’m saving him once again.” Then she turned and offered her hand to Ethan.
As she helped him get up out of the snow, he pulled her close and whispered, "Remember, we're deliriously in love."#p#分页标题#e#
Amy gave him a kiss on the cheek and whispered, "Oh, you're delirious alright." She laughed as she looked at Ethan and then at the broad expanse of snow that stretched before them. The sun was sitting lower in the sky, and the entire landscape had begun to take on the warm yellow glow of late afternoon. The hike, snowshoes and all, had turned out to be much more enjoyable than she had anticipated.
As the sun warmed her face, Amy felt good. She felt like she belonged out there with Ethan and Hank, walking, joking and enjoying a beautiful early spring afternoon. Within a short while, they had reached the bluff that overlooked the mountains, and Amy reached for Ethan. As they stopped to admire the view, she wrapped her arm around his waist, and he put his arm over her shoulder. She leaned against him and relaxed her body. Maybe Ethan had been right. Maybe this trip was good for her.
A few feet away, Hank cleared his throat and waited for Amy and Ethan to turn back around. "As much as I enjoy bearing witness to young love, I am an old man, and, if we don't get going soon, I fear you'll have to bury me out here." He winked at Amy before turning around and heading forward. "You two are young enough, I'll get a head start, and you can catch up."
"We're right behind you," Ethan replied as Hank reversed course. Ethan leaned against Amy and let out a little sigh. “This is nice,” he said softly. “I’m glad we got to do this together.” Then he patted Amy on the back and said, "After you, love."
Amy gave him another little push and watched as he regained his balance. She smiled and raised an eyebrow. "If you insist." If she had to play the role of Ethan’s doting wife, at least she could have some fun. What didn’t sound fun at that moment was trekking all the way back to Hank’s lodge. Didn’t he have some snowmobiles or a helicopter or something to get them home with less effort? “We really have to walk back all that way?”