Page 82 of True Abandon

“Why is your password my birthday?”

“After realizing how simple it was to break into my phone, I knew I had to change it. And since you’re the only one I want digging through it, I thought I’d make it easy for you.”

“You’re crazy.”

“I thought we already established that when I flew all the way to Hawaii to see you. Can I ask you something?” He stammers a little, but I tilt my ear toward him in interest. “I know I said you didn’t have to do the whole concierge thing with me anymore, but there is something I really want to do. And I’d like you to do it with me. Tomorrow. That is, if you want to.”

“Is it a dangerous thing?” I ask cautiously.

“No. It’s incredibly touristy. You might even think it’s cheesy.”

I look at him with a twisted face. The truth is, whatever he asks, I’m going to say yes, no matter what it is.

And damn my heart when he responds, “I want to see the sunrise.”

Chapter EIGHTEEN

I pick up Jax at the hotel at five thirty in the morning. I have two cups of Kona coffee, and blueberry muffins on hand, as a van takes us up Waimea Canyon.

He said he wanted to see the sunrise, and there’s no better way than from the top of the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.

“This isn’t frightening for you?” he asks when we reach the top. It’s still dark, but from the drive, he knows we’ve ridden quite a long way on an incline.

“I’m good because I’ll be grounded. If we were skydiving, I’d have a problem.”

Since it’s cool at the top, I advised Jax to dress in layers. We’re both wearing shorts and t-shirts with sweatshirts over them.

I should have heeded my own advice and worn a little more as I stand here shivering, and goose bumps appear on my bare legs. I cross my arms and wait for the tour guide to get me a bike. Jax steps behind me and rubs my arms in an attempt to warm my chilled skin. I step closer to him to bask in his warmth.

When the guide comes out with our bikes, Jax releases me to grab two helmets. With careful hands, he places one on my head and makes sure it’s fitted safely and secures the chin strap.

I booked a private tour, so the van driver will follow behind us. With our helmets in place, we hop on our single-speed cruisers and start on the paved road that leads down the canyon.

The sun has begun to rise, and the clouds are set low. The sun seems to be peeking up from the red rock of the canyon creating a sliver of heaven sneaking through the heavens to earth, and a cast of purple and blue paint the sky.

The ride has us weaving down the side of the mountain where the view is temporarily obstructed by the trees. Jax is behind me as I pick up speed. Keeping to the right side of the road, I feel the cool wind on my face and inhale in the dewy scent of the fern that grows on the side of the mountain.

About a mile down, there’s a break in the trees where I pull over. My breathing is harsh from the wind and exhilaration of the ride. Jax stops behind me, and together we look over the metal guard rail into the canyon.

The clouds are rising with the sun, and a bright orange sphere quickly takes over the sky as it climbs. It’s awe-inspiring—if I could paint a canvas, this would be the scene I’d create.

I look back to see if he’s witnessing what I am, but instead of looking at the view, he’s staring at me. The same way I just stood in awe of the sun coming up from the canyon is exactly how Jax is looking at me—like I’m the most beautiful thing in the world.

“Ten miles to go!” I take off down the canyon.

My eyes try to concentrate on the view— with its rippling rust colored mountains blanketed in green plant-life that cascades down the slopes—but it’s hard when you’re also making sure you don’t get hit by a car on the way down—not that there are many to avoid.

We’re still high up in the canyon when we come to another scenic viewing area. I pull over with Jax at my heels.

It’s astounding that a place created from an erosion and the catastrophic collapse of a volcano, a place that is literally formed from melted fire, is here before us and positively breathtaking. With it’s steep slopes and massive peaks, like the earthly progression of life’s emotions.

There’s a waterfall deep within the canyon. It’s strong and ever flowing amongst a backdrop serenity. Hard red rocks covered in places by green stand strong with the ever-moving wish of the waterfall.

“It looks like the heart of the canyon,” Jax says, nodding toward the waterfall. “Hang on.” He hops off his bike and walks toward me.

Taking his phone out of his pocket, he puts his head close to mine, our helmets crashing into each other’s as he holds his arm out to take a picture.

“Are we taking a selfie?”