“It’s a question for you to answer for yourself,” Bats says, snapping me out of my train of thought. “You don’t need to answer it tonight, but you might need to answer it soon. Try to get some sleep. Yeah?”
“Yeah,” I say, though my voice lacks a little conviction. “What about you? Nova says you have insomnia or something?”
Bats chuckles. “No. I don’t have insomnia.”
I cock my head, confused. “He says you’re awake any time he gets up at night.”
“I’m a light sleeper. It doesn’t take much to wake me. Especially that klutz. I swear he can’t get out of his tent without tripping.”
I giggle, having seen firsthand what he’s talking about. “Ever tried to block the noise? Music maybe?”
“I haven’t had any luck falling asleep to Cannibal Corpse,” he replies. “And before you ask, classical doesn’t do it for me either. I get too bored with it and turn it off before it can do the trick. Ironic, huh?”
“What about books? Reading, or maybe audiobooks?”
“Hmm. Haven’t tried that. I may have to try downloading something the next time we have service.”
An idea crosses my mind, but how much do I trust Bats. I’ve barely met the guy, but when I’m with him, he makes me feel safe. Secure. “One sec,” I tell him, bending down to open my tent and reach inside. It only takes me a moment to find my phone. “I have a few audiobooks. You can try one, if you’d like. See if it helps before you spend your money.”
Bats hesitates, staring at the phone lying in my outstretched hand. “Really?”
I pull up my audiobook app and open the library. “I have a few science books. Interesting topics, but if you’re even remotely tired, they’ll do the trick.”
“You think so?”
“Try the Stephen Hawking book. If it doesn’t do the trick, at least it’s a fascinating listen.”
Bats reaches out to take the phone. As his fingers brush against my palm, a jolt races up my arm, causing my breath to hitch until he pulls away and I find my breath again.
Bats looks at the screen, where the book cover and a play button are waiting for him. Then nods in appreciation. “Okay then. I’ll be certain to have it charged in the morning. Don’t want you to miss any pictures on my account.”
I turn to head back to my tent, but stop to add, “If the phone locks up on you, it’s E-D-2-6-5-0.”
“E-D and the length of the PCT. I think I can remember that.” He gives me a slight head bow. “Goodnight, Belle.”
I smile, a warm flush filling me at how he says my name. “You, too, Batman.” I point at the phone. “Enjoy.”
I climb into my tent and zip it closed, but not before glancing back as Bats swings into his hammock and puts his earbuds in.