Page 19 of It Started at the Lake

“You ask weird questions.”

I laugh. “I know. But whatever pops into my head is what I say.”

“Are you always like that?”

If he only knew how many things I wanted to say to my parents growing up. Or how easily I give in to Evie because arguing or pressing my point isn’t worth the anxiety that comes with it. “Not at all. Most thoughts stay locked inside.”

“And what are you currently keeping back?”

This only makes me laugh more. For me to empty everything I’ve thought since meeting him would be like a tidal wave crashing over him. “Maybe one day I’ll tell you. For now, let’s keep things light.”

“That bad, huh?”

I wobble my head from side to side. “Not all bad, but there’s a lot. We’d die of starvation by the time I finished.”

“I don’t like when people pressure me to open up. I won’t force you to either, but if you ever need to vent or want to talk, I’ll be around the next few months.”

His words are full of sincerity and I’m desperately waiting for something to come up about Bennett that makes me think of him as a brother or friend, because so far I haven’t found a single thing I don’t like. “Thanks, Bennett. That’s nice of you to offer. And I know I’m new, but if you need someone to vent to, I’m here as well.”

Bennett’s oar dips into the water. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

The kayak turns to the right.

“Are we heading back?” I ask, not ready for our morning to be over yet. I’m enjoying my alone time with Bennett and getting to know him better.

“If you’re ready. Otherwise, I was going to go around that island and then head home.”

“You lead, and I’ll follow.” And I mean it for more than kayaking. With everything Bennett’s been through, he gets to set the tone for our interactions.

“Row on, deckhand.”

I scoff, acting offended. “Deckhand, really? Can’t I be the first mate at least?”

Bennett laughs. “I’ll decide when we’re done if you get a promotion.”

Proving to him I deserve a higher rank, I dig my oar into the water. “Oh, I will, Captain. Just wait and see.”

I’m rowing, but it feels harder and like we’re not going anywhere. Refusing to slack on my duties, I keep at it, though my shoulders are screaming at me to stop. The burn in my muscles increases with every attempted paddle. “Why is it not working?” I ask Bennett.

Turning over my shoulder, Bennett’s holding his paddle to his chest, grinning.

The jerk. “A little help?”

Laughing, he dips his oar into the water, and we make decent headway around the island. One thing’s for certain: with Bennett around, this summer won’t be boring.

CHAPTER 10

Camille

I’m breathing through a downward dog, stretching my hamstrings, when Evie bursts through my bedroom door. It’s normal for her to interrupt my morning yoga. I’m glad being in a different house hasn’t changed that part of our friendship. It’s familiar and comforting, like my favorite blue sweatshirt Grandma bought me on her visit to the Oregon coast years ago.

“I met someone,” she blurts.

Already? We’ve only been here one night. Flowing into a cobra stretch, I take in Evie lounging on the bed in her pink pajamas, messy hair, and a grin widening her lips.

“Of course you did. What’s his name?”

“Eric.”

---