“Didn't you say we were going to get dinner?” she asked.
“I did say that,” he said casually. “That's exactly what we're doing.”
“But Ethan, there aren't any restaurants up here,” she said.
“Says you.” He downshifted the car as they headed up the incline that zigzagged back and forth across the front of the mountain.
“Yeah, says me,” Laura said. “There aren't any restaurants up this way. Trust me. I'm pretty sure that I'd know, too, since I've lived here my entire life.”
Ethan had one hand on the top of the steering wheel and the other on the gear shift. He quickly glanced over, flashing a wink at Laura. “Well, then I'm surprised that you haven't heard of this place.”
As soon as he finished speaking, he pressed a little harder on the gas and accelerated up the mountain. The car surged forward, increasing speed as they climbed. Laura just shrugged and smiled, allowing herself to relax on the drive. She had no clue where they were headed, and part of her still wondered if even Ethan knew. It was fine either way, though. Even if they got lost or if Ethan was confused about where this so-called restaurant was, Laura was having a good time just driving around with him.
The sun had nearly set, but there was still enough light to make out the silhouettes of the trees as they flew by. It wasn't often that she got to be in the passenger seat while being on these roads. She was usually the one driving, with Dallas and Ivy in the back. It was really nice, though, to be able to soak up the view.
I sometimes forget how beautiful it is around here, she thought.
The trees, the hills, the wildlife. She loved all of it.
“It sure is pretty up here,” she said.
Ethan nodded. “It really is. Gorgeous. I can't imagine what it must look like in the fall when all of the leaves change color.”
“Oh, you should see it,” she replied. “There's nothing like it. The aspen trees turn everything to gold. It looks more like a painting than real life.”
“Sounds really beautiful,” he said. “I'll have to check it out when fall comes around.”
They cruised along for a few more minutes in silence. Finally, they got to the top of the mountain. Ethan turned down a paved driveway. Next to the drive was a sign that read, “No Outlet.”
“Ethan, I'm pretty sure this is a dead end,” Laura said, with a worried tone. “There's a sign.”
“Oh yeah,” he said. “It's definitely a dead end.”
She laughed and shook her head. “You must know something I don't. I'm extremely confused right now.”
“Just be patient,” he said, reaching over and placing a hand on the top of her knee. “We're almost there.”
Laura kept her out the window until a small house appeared at the end of the driveway. Ethan pulled the Lamborghini up to it and parked. Silence immediately replaced the noise of the engine and all Laura could hear was the whispering trees outside as the wind blew gently through the leaves.
“And now I'm even more confused,” she said. “I'm pretty sure this is a house, Ethan.”
“You sure?” he asked, the side of his mouth curling into a boyish smile.
“I'm nearly positive,” she replied. “At the very least, I can promise you that it's not a restaurant.”
“Says you,” Ethan said, winking at her again.
He stepped out of the car and walked around to Laura's side, opening the door for her. She took his outstretched hand, allowing him to help her out. As soon as she was standing, she glanced over to her right, toward the side of the mountain that they'd just traversed.
“Oh wow,” she said. “Ethan, look at this view.”
The sun was nearly down now, and the sky had turned from a bright orange into a dark purple. There was still enough light, though, to illuminate the sprawling view that laid before them. There were tree-covered mountains for as far as the eye could see. Miles and miles of land. It was so beautiful and serene.
“We're standing at one of the highest points in Silver Springs,” he said. “You've never been up here?”
“I've been up to this mountain, but never here,” she said, unable to pry her eyes away from the view. “I didn't think anybody had a view like this.”
To Laura, it felt like she was on top of the world. It was truly breathtaking.