Crossing Lines

Chapter 3

Alex sat across from his client in the upscale restaurant, nodding as he rambled on about the particulars of the upcoming trial, but Alex's mind was elsewhere.

The case was a civil matter involving a breach of contract—Alex found it increasingly difficult to maintain his focus. In his mind, it was straightforward, with little chance of a surprise outcome. His thoughts drifted to the text message he had received from Maya, a welcome distraction from the mundane details of the legal proceedings.

As his client launched into another lengthy explanation, he discreetly glanced at the screen, and a smile formed as he read it.

Maya: Thinking of heading to Griffith Park for a hike later. Want to join?

He quickly composed a reply; his desire to spend time with Maya was evident in his words.

Alex: Hey Maya! Perfect timing. I'll meet you there in about an hour!

With a mental shrug, Alex interrupted his client mid-sentence, feigning urgency as he apologized for the interruption. "I'm sorry, but I just received an emergency message from the office," he said, his tone apologetic but firm. "I'm afraid I'll have to leave."

Before his client could protest, Alex hastily retrieved cash from his wallet and dropped it on the table to cover the bill. "Please, allow me to take care of this," he insisted, rising from his seat and heading for the exit.

As he purposefully walked out of the restaurant, Alex felt anticipation at the thought of spending time with Maya. He couldn't suppress the grin that spread across his face as he reached his car and sped out of his parking spot.

When Alex stepped through his apartment door, he wasted no time in shedding his business attire in favor of more comfortable clothes for the hike. Dressed in joggers, a T-shirt, a zip-up hoodie, and sneakers, he glanced at the time as he grabbed his essentials and headed out the door.

Los Angeles traffic added extra frustration to Alex's journey to Griffith Park. After 45 minutes of gridlock, he finally arrived at the park and found a spot in the crowded parking lot. With a sigh of relief, he sent Maya a quick text to let her know he had arrived.

Suddenly, a bang on his driver-side window jolted him in his seat, making his heart race. Before fully registering what it was, he looked out the window to see Maya standing outside with a mischievous grin.

"Maya, you scared the shit out of me!" Alex exclaimed, his heart still racing from the sudden surprise as he stepped out of his car.

Maya laughed, a melodic sound that chased away the moment's tension. "Sorry, Alex. I couldn't resist," she replied, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Shaking his head in mock annoyance, Alex hit the lock on his key fob to lock his door. "Well, consider me thoroughly startled. But I'll let it slide...this time."

Maya grinned, her excitement palpable. "I promise to make it up to you with a hike on this beautiful day." She tilted her head back and let the sun beat down on her face, unaware that Alex's eyes were fixed on her.

"I'll allow it. Now, let's go crazy." Alex teased as he walked backward toward the trailhead, encouraging her to follow him.

As they made their way up the trail, Alex couldn't help but admire Maya's easy confidence and infectious energy. Her dark hair danced in the gentle breeze, framing her face like a halo in the afternoon sunlight. Despite the casual attire, a natural elegance drew him in. But he fought the feelings that tugged at him.

"So, how's your day been?" Maya asked, breaking the as they passed other park-goers along the trail.

Alex shrugged, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Oh, you know, the usual. Dealing with clients, listening to boring legal jargon, the fun stuff."

Maya chuckled, nudging him playfully with her elbow. "Sounds thrilling."

"Absolutely," Alex agreed, his gaze wandering over the sprawling park's landscape. "You saved me from a boring lunch I was grateful to get out of."

"In that case, You're welcome!" Maya playfully quipped, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Consider it my good deed for the day."

They continued their hike, exchanging lighthearted banter and sharing stories as they navigated the winding paths of Griffith Park. With each step, Alex felt himself relaxing, the weight of his day-to-day worries melting away in the beauty of the natural surroundings and Maya's infectious laughter.

As they reached a clearing with a breathtaking view of the city skyline, Alex was happy to have the chance to spend time with Maya. They found a spot on a large rock in the opening.

"As much as I love Chicago, I have to admit that it does not have views like this," Maya said as she looked at the bird' s-eye view of the city below them.

Alex nodded in agreement, his gaze lingering on the mesmerizing by the same view. "Yeah, Los Angeles has Chicago beat when it comes to scenic spots."

Maya turned to him with a playful grin. "So, are you saying you prefer LA now?"

Alex chuckled, shaking his head. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Chicago will always be home."

Maya laughed, leaning her body into his and brushing their shoulders together. "Agreed. But you have to admit, it isn't bad so far."

"See!" Alex agreed, his eyes softening as he looked at Maya. "Especially when you have good company."

A faint blush colored Maya's cheeks as she returned his gaze, her heart fluttering at the sincerity in his words. "Thanks, Alex. I'm really glad you could make it today."

"Me too," Alex replied, his smile warm and genuine. "It's been too long since we've hung out like this."

As the sun started to set and the city lights began to illuminate the city below, they started the journey back down the trail. Their steps were light and easy as they walked side by side. Their hands brushed against each other a few times; each time, they would look at each other and blush before looking away.

When they reached the parking lot, Maya couldn't shake her reluctance to let the evening end. The afternoon together had ignited a spark of something more, something she wasn't even sure she could pursue.

"So, there's this taco place my co-worker Rachael mentioned the other day during lunch," Maya began, her voice tinged with hesitation. "I was thinking maybe we could grab some dinner?" She knew she was flirting with the lines of inappropriateness but proceeded anyway.

Alex fought with his own hesitancy to part ways, too. Despite the stack of cases waiting for him at home, they suddenly seemed far less important than the chance to spend more time with Maya. "Sure. I don't have any other pressing engagements, and tacos sound pretty good right about now."

Maya's face lit up with excitement. "Great! I'll lead the way. Follow me," she said, her voice tinged with excitement as she headed towards her car.

When they arrived at the restaurant, Maya led the way inside, the aroma of sizzling meat and spices filling the air. They were led to a cozy booth near the window, and Maya placed their orders with her stomach growling, realizing she hadn't had a complete meal since breakfast.

Maya couldn't shake the nagging curiosity about Alex's past relationship with Sarah as they waited for their food. She remembered what she was told but had always wondered if there was more to the story than what her friend shared.

"Alex," Maya began tentatively, her voice slightly hesitant. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but I've always wondered about your side of the story and how things ended with Sarah."

Alex took a sip of his beer, his expression thoughtful as he considered his response. Maya's concern was evident, and he appreciated her honesty and curiosity.

Alex finally spoke up, his voice low and measured. "Sarah and I had our fair share of ups and downs, but things weren't as simple as they seemed."