On our way to the Arboretum, I highlighted a few noteworthy features of the neighborhood, including a shameless plug for my yoga classes at the Celebration Center. Clear skies and warm sun made it the perfect day for this tour. Though, there was never a wrong time to visit San Sequoia. Every day was perfect.
“This is Gilbert Gardens,” I said, vaguely gesturing around us. “It’s my favorite place in San Sequoia because it has so much to do for all ages.”
“I can’t get over this weather. Is it always this nice?”
“Amazing, right? That’s one of the best parts about San Sequoia.”
The warm rays beamed down on us while a cool breeze whisked back and forth, ensuring we remained comfortable. Dub glanced around, shaking his head in disbelief at the gorgeous weather.
“Henford is usually covered in snow right about now,” he said with a hint of snark.
I chuckled at a memory that popped into my head.
“I’ve seen snow exactly twice in my life. It doesn’t snow much in Willow Creek. That’s where I’ve spent the most time.”
“I think snow is overrated,” Dub huffed, waving dismissively again.
“You might be right. I mean, it’s super cold…you can’t see if it’s too thick…and you have to clean it up!”
He slapped my arm.
“See? I knew we were in sync.”
“Playing in it looks fun, though.”
“That’s overrated too! I don’t like my hands being cold. There’s no fun in that!”
He was hilarious and I know he wasn’t trying to be, but the fake outrage amused me.
“I might have to agree with you there,” I said.
We got halfway around the lake before I realized I hadn’t shown him much. I made a terrible tour guide, but I think we both enjoyed the company more; I know I did.
“I teach at that spa over there sometimes,” I said.
“What do you teach?”
“Yoga. I also lead guided meditations.”
“So, yoga videos and classes? You must really love it.”
“I do.”
His eyes squinted a bit, like he was processing my words or something. I hadn’t said anything too deep. Was he one of those yogi haters?
“A good friend of mine just told me she’s into it too,” he said. “She says it’s for therapeutic reasons.”
“Good for her. I think everyone should be into yoga.”
“Why do you say that?”
“It’s great therapy. I think everyone should learn healthier ways to deal with stress. Sims turn to so many self-destructive ways of dealing with their problems, only to make it worse. Having a healthy body leads to a healthy mind.”
“I’m sure Maia would agree. She made me promise to try it with her.”
“I hope you do.”
I hadn’t heard of many men who had platonic relationships with women. Even I had some sort of physical attraction and a bit of lust for my female friends. What was his relationship with this friend?
“So…Maia, huh?”
“Yeah, she’s my friend I mentioned.”
“I see… Well, I’m glad you’ll try it. I think you’ll find it helps a lot.
He didn’t catch it that time, but I wouldn’t let him miss it the next time, and there would be a next time. I was sure of it.
“Over there, you have the splash park. Mostly kids hang out there. We can swim in this lake.”
“It’s huge!”
“Tell me about it. My dad and I jogged around it once. I think I nearly killed him. There’s all kinds of trails around here, but this is my favorite.”
As we approached the trailhead, Dub looked around in awe, exactly like I did the first time I visited. The garden was what made it exceptionally beautiful. The way they expertly arranged the flowers and creatively teased the topiaries, it truly was a work of art.
“Woooow. I never would have seen all this back here.”
“They call it the Arboretum. You ready to go?”
“Always.”
We stretched, and I recommended we take it easy and pace ourselves, but Mr. Funny Man had other ideas. Good thing I was also athletic. I accepted the challenge, but of course, I had to flex on him a few times.
I asked about his family. The fact that he was the oldest of three boys amazed me. With no brotherly figure or close friends in my life, I found it difficult to imagine the dynamics of such a relationship. Would I enjoy little brothers? Would they annoy me? Maybe both because little sisters could be fun and annoying. Dub and his brothers grew up on a farm, and he hated it. Memories of the sights and smells of cleaning out chicken coops and milking cows disgusted him all over again. I would never laugh at anyone’s pain, but he was so easily grossed out. I almost wanted to try it to see if it was really that bad.
Naturally, he returned the same questions, and I told him about our family dynamics and how my sister and I bounced between Willow Creek and Evergreen Harbor our entire childhood. I kept it casual and didn’t say anything emotional, but he remained silent. Maybe he was contemplating my situation just like I was considering farm life with a bunch of brothers.
We took a few breaks, and he guzzled his water as if he were on fire. I shook my head, secretly laughing at him for dashing off like it was a marathon. Eventually we arrived back at our starting point, winded but feeling like a million simoleons.
“That was a good run,” he said. “Maybe the longest I’ve done so far.”
“Yeah, before I ran around the lake it was my longest too.”
“And it was very scenic, like you said.”
“You should see it in the summer! It’s amazing.”
I could tell by how golden the sky was, and the emptiness in my stomach, dinnertime was near. I had another idea I hoped he’d be keen on.
“I’m usually having dinner about now. If you have more time, you wanna go to the best restaurant in San Sequoia?”
“Yeah! Uhh, actually, let me check with Maia first.”
See? I knew he’d bring her up again. This dude was in love and didn’t even know it, and it was so fun to watch. Even the way he said her name had hearts all over it.
“Of course. I wouldn’t want to get you in trouble or anything,” I said in a cheeky way.
“Whatever, man!”
He may have sounded offended, but I did not forget that grin. One way or another, I’d get their story out of him. Ugh…I was unquestionably my mother’s child.
