The company retreats were legendary--mostly because Henry’s attempts at “team bonding” always seemed to go slightly awry. There were stories about how one year the employees had been left in the woods for a weekend, Survivor-style, or another year where a guest chef was brought in for a fancy five-course dinner--except he didn’t speak any English, resulting in poor Janet from HR going to the hospital for a shellfish reaction. 

Two years ago, when Grace and Katie were still interns, the company retreat involved white-water rafting, which Grace was super excited about, while Katie was more trepidatious. However, it didn’t end up mattering, because Henry didn’t invite the interns--ever. It was a rite of passage; interns were expected to keep the office running while everyone else was away for the long weekend.

But this year was different. Henry had been so impressed with Tyler’s quick learning (and Katie’s praise) that he bent the rules and allowed Tyler to come. Also, Janet announced she refused to do it again, and there was a spot open.

Was Katie slightly resentful that Tyler got to attend, even though as an intern she had to stay behind? A little. But was she more excited that Tyler would be there? Absolutely. It was also a chance to shine in front of Henry and the rest of the team, and Tyler brought out the best of Katie at work.

“Ok, people, all aboard!” Henry lived for the retreats. He was in a great mood despite the 6 AM calltime as everyone trudged onto the charter buses, headed towards an unknown destination. Henry also loved surprises, which made Katie nervous.

“C’mon, we have to get seats together!” Grace chirped, pulling Katie onto the bus. “Everyone knows the best seats are in the back,” she declared, tossing her oversized neon tote bag across two seats in the rear.

Katie looked over her shoulder and saw Tyler chatting up Melanie, one of the other junior executives outside the bus window. She and Grace avoided each other at the office--something about Grace flirting with Melanie’s husband at the Christmas party. But now Melanie was divorced and flirting with Tyler--and Katie didn’t like it.

“Ugh, she’s the worst,” Grace said, following Katie’s gaze.

“It’s fine, he’s allowed to have friends who aren’t us,” Katie said, more to herself than Grace.

“No. He isn’t,” Grace said, definitively. And leaned her head out the charter bus window to yell, “Tyler! We saved you a seat!”

Melanie rolled her eyes as Grace turned to give Katie the thumbs up.

***

Grace and Katie entered their double room at the Mountain Lodge, taking in the antlers and flannel adorning their home for the next three nights.

“Did you see all the cool stuff they do here?!” Grace could barely contain her daredevil glee. “I hope we go bungee jumping first!”

Just thinking about it was giving Katie vertigo. It reminded her of the time Tyler took her on a hike he called “romantic,” but she found “terrifying.”

“I don’t know,” Katie said, “I’m super afraid of heights.”

“What’s there to be scared of?” Grace replied, genuinely confused.

“Where do I begin? Let’s see, number one, dying,” said Katie.

A soft knock turned their attention to the door. “Did you guys see they have bungee jumping?” Tyler was also holding the Lodge brochure with excitement.

“Ok, so you guys can be bungee buddies, and I’ll just be here, following on Instagram,” said Katie.

“No way, whatever we’re doing, you’re doing,” Grace said, throwing an arm around Katie’s shoulders.

“What she said. Ladies’ club is ride or die,” Tyler said, smiling and wrapping his arm around her other shoulder.

“Literally die, in this case,” retorted Katie. “Listen, you guys are the daredevils--I’m just not.”

“I’ll protect you,” said Tyler, and although it sounded like a joke, Katie knew he meant it.

***

When Tyler said he had an exciting day planned for their six month anniversary, Katie thought...spa day? 

To be fair, she didn’t exactly tell Tyler about her fear of heights--or her general dislike of the outdoors--before he planned their hike. And she wanted to make him happy so she played along. Until she saw the literal cliff they were going to walk up.

“You’ll do great. I’ll have your back the whole time,” he told her, vibrating with excitement. It was a good thing she didn’t wear heels, although she certainly didn’t have hiking boots. She hoped Keds would cut it.

“This hike is a ‘medium’ according to the trail guide,” said Tyler as he bounded in front of her like a gazelle.

“Just remember your legs are longer than mine,” she called out to him, which made him pause.

“Sorry, c’mon--I got ya,” he said, extending his hand back to her.

They had gotten almost to the top and were both sweating and dirty--Tyler loved every minute of it; Katie hated the way her thighs were burning, but loved seeing Tyler in his element. Katie’s mind began to wander--is this what life with Tyler would be like? One adventure after another? Despite herself, she was having fun doing something different. And then she made the mistake of looking over the side of the ridge.

She felt dizzy. And then--she wasn’t sure if she stepped on the wrong rock, or if there was a slick of mud she hadn’t noticed--Katie’s legs were giving out from under her and she was falling down. Starting to roll, actually. She was grabbing for anything--sticks, rocks, and couldn’t get a hold to stop herself. Suddenly, Tyler had her by the hand.

“I’ve got you!” He yelled, both to her and himself. He pulled her to her feet and they both breathed heavily.

“Next anniversary we’re going to the spa,” Katie said. “Also, thanks for saving me.”

“Always,” said Tyler.

***

Back at the Mountain Lodge, Grace, Katie, and Tyler were looking at the brochure together. 

“So which of these activities do you think Henry picked?” asked Tyler.

“Horseback riding? He seems a little country,” said Grace, browsing the options.

“As long as it’s not rock climbing,” said Katie.

Melanie passed by in the hallway, rolling her three compact bags behind her. She saw Tyler first through the door.

“Oh did you hear too?” she asked, poking her head in.

“Hear what?” said Grace, standing to assert her territory.

“We’re rock climbing tomorrow! I can’t wait,” exclaimed Melanie. “See you in the morning.”