Page 75 of Big Stick Energy
“One-minute warning, Eric,” she says, consulting her clipboard. “Your start time is 10:14. When you reach the exit, my mom will note your time. But you can take a picture of the clock if you want proof.”
Eric and I exchange a glance. “Got it,” he says, squeezing my hand.
Once again, a feeling of unreality settles over me. Somehow, the Wedding Experience has already become one of the best weekends of my life. Who knew?
“On your mark,” Tessa says, squinting at the stopwatch. “Get set. Annnnnnd go!”
Eric’s grip on my hand tightens, and he launches us toward the entrance. Laughing, I hurry to keep up. As we make the first turn to the left, the walls of boxwood encircle us, and we’re enveloped in a world of green.
“Okay… second turn.” Eric’s grip on my hand is firm but gentle. “Let’s keep an intermediate pace—not too fast that we miss a turn, not too slow that we lose our competitive edge.” He sounds like he’s briefing troops before a special ops mission.
“Roger that, Captain.”
“Maintaining wall contact is essential,” he says, stretching to run his fingertips along the boxwood. “This is how the ancient Greeks defeated the Minotaur.”
“I’m pretty sure that was Theseus with a ball of string.”
“Details, Kendrick.” He checks his watch like a drill sergeant. “Deep breaths. And remember, we’re not just beating the maze, we’re beating Theo and Maribel’s time.”
“Let’s make ’em cry.” We trot along for several minutes, taking every left turn with military precision until we reach a small circular clearing with a bench. “Wait,” I say, tugging Eric’s hand. “Didn’t we pass this bench already?”
He stops, frowning at the ornate wooden seat. “Did we?”
“I recognize that heart-shaped water stain.” I point to the distinctive mark on the wood.
“Hell.” Realization dawns on his handsome face. “We’re in a loop. There must be an island structure. Glad you noticed. I didn’t. Rookie mistake.” He sighs.
“Chin up, Captain. Time to think like the Minotaur.”
He snorts. “Okay, new strategy. Time for advanced techniques.” He pulls out his phone and checks the time with a grimace. “We’ve already burned seven minutes. No time to backtrack. Let’s… goupinstead.” Before I can ask what he means, he’s crouching down with his hands linked together. “Climb on my shoulders. You can see over the top and map our route.”
“Are you serious?”
“Completely.” His face is set with determination. “It’s a legitimate maze strategy. I read about it this morning.”
“Along with your breathing techniques and ancient Greek mythology?”
He gives me a look that’s half exasperation, half amusement. “Just get on my shoulders, Kendrick. It’s almost bikini time.”
“When you put it like that…” I place my foot in his cupped hands, wobbling slightly as he hoists me up. His grip on my legs is steady as I rise above the hedge line. “Oh, wow,” I say, taking in the intricate pattern of greenery below me. “I can see the whole thing! There’s definitely an island in the middle—that’s why we’re stuck.”
“Can you see the exit?”
“Yes! We need to backtrack and take the next right, then left, then right again.”
“That’s my girl,” he says, and the casual endearment makes my heart flutter. “Remember, we’re not cheating—we’re strategically adapting.”
As he lowers me carefully to the ground, I spot something over his shoulder that makes me burst out laughing.
“What’s so funny?” he asks.
“Hey, Maribel!” I wave to where Theo has hoisted her onto his shoulders about fifty yards away. She waves cheerfully when she spots us.
Eric shakes his head. “Great minds…”
“Or desperate competitors,” I counter as he grabs my hand again.
“Stay sharp! Maribel has the same advantage now.”
