Chapter 25: The Hiking Rematch – A Rom-Com in the Wild
Ava’s left eye twitched as Mei handed her yet another clipboard, its pages neatly filled with a color-coded itinerary for the latest matchmaking "client bonding experience."
"Grandma," Ava said flatly, scanning the plan, "why do all your bonding events involve nature? And why do they always end in chaos?"
Mei gave her trademark serene smile, the one Ava now recognized as a warning sign. "Nonsense. This one will be perfectly peaceful. No zip lines. No tofu. No bickering over veganism and hunting. Just fresh air, walking, and a chance to connect with each other—and with the universe."
Ava’s skepticism deepened as she noticed the "suggested mindfulness activities" section, which included tree hugging.
"I don’t trust you," Ava muttered.
Mei patted her arm. "Trust is part of the process, dear. And besides, everyone loves a good hike."
"Not everyone," a dry voice said from the doorway.
Ava turned to see Ryan leaning against the frame, arms crossed and wearing an expression that screamed uninterested. What he called hiking gear—dark jeans, a plain black T-shirt, and spotless sneakers—looked more suited for grocery shopping than a trek through the woods.
"Why are you here?" Ava asked, already annoyed.
"Mei made me," Ryan replied, shrugging as if that explained everything. "Something about ’character-building.’"
Mei beamed. "Exactly. The forest brings out the best in people."