Page 34 of It Started at the Lake

One minute into seeing him for the day and I’m already going back on my word. I have zero self-control.

“Are we ready to par-tay?” Camden sings.

Emerson hollers back, pumping a fist in the air. “Yeah, baby! Let’s do this!”

I shove my shaky hands under my legs, staring straight ahead. Emerson stands between Camden and me, holding on to the top edge of the windshield. Camden eases the boat away from the dock. My heart pounds violently. Take deep breaths. This will be fun.

“Where exactly are we headed?” I shout over the loud music.

Emerson skates his finger in the air, tracing an outline of an unfamiliar shape. “Around the lake. You’ll get a good feel for where things are and how to find our place if you decide to take a paddleboard or kayak out on your own.”

“I’ve never been paddleboarding. Is it fun?” Kayaking with Bennett was a blast. He even named me first mate at the end.

Emerson whips his gaze to me, his eyes wide. “Seriously?”

I shrug like it’s not a big deal how boring my life is. “We didn’t do recreational activities growing up and I’ve been too busy with school to go as an adult.”

Camden leans around Emerson and says, “Evs should have brought you here sooner.”

I pick at my fingernail. “I’ve worked every summer.” It’s a miracle I’m here this year.

“Then it will be our pleasure to make sure this summer is full of firsts for you,” Camden says with a wink.

I smile back. “I accept. Although…” Evie never answered my question about jobs. Maybe these two might have a lead for me. “I need to find a job while I’m here. Know of anyone hiring?”

Cam shakes his head.

Emerson frowns. “I don’t. But you can check at the bar tonight when we go out.”

I asked last night, and they said they weren’t hiring. “Thanks for the tip.”

Camden hoots. “Millie’s coming out again with us tonight!”

I’m not sure why they’re so excited. After my dart game with Cam last night, I sat in the booth while they flitted from person to person, flirting with almost everyone there. The only reason I’m going tonight is to pretend to ask about a job. I’m not sure why, but I don’t want to tell them that everyone has turned me down so far. They say it’s because they’re fully staffed, but I’m starting to wonder if it’s me.

Evie cheers. “Yes! I hope Eric is there this time so you can meet him. I’m texting him right now.” She pulls her phone from her back pocket. Her fingers fly across the screen.

I groan, not ready to meet this guy. “I think I’ll be too busy beating Cam at darts again. Sorry, babe. I’ll have to meet him another time.” Or never. He’ll be out of her life in a few days. Weeks at the most.

“I’ll take you on a second time, Mils,” Cam says. “Want to place a bet?”

I shake my head. “I don’t have anything to give you.”

Cam winks. “You might. You’re just not thinking outside the box.”

Evie commands Emerson, “Trade places with me so Millie and I can chat.”

Emerson shifts behind my seat, giving Evie room to join me. I scooch as close to the edge as I can, giving her space on the chair. Our legs squish together. Emerson moves up front with his brothers, slapping their legs as he goes.

I’m glad I have my sunglasses and Evie told me to wear my hair in a braid. The wind is fierce as Cam guides the boat around Lake Lloyd. The view is just as stunning as yesterday, with the pine trees surrounding the area and the sun shining on the dark blue waves.

“I’m sorry if me saying I’ll introduce you to Eric upset you,” Evie apologizes. “I promise I don’t need you as a wing woman or to hang out with one of his friends. But I would like you to enjoy your time here.”

I lower my voice. “You know how I get when I’m at a party. I’m worried about myself, not you or Eric.” Last night was fine since I stayed in the booth. But if I’m pulled into a group setting, it’s like I have this need to put on a show. To be this fun, vibrant version of myself who wants everyone to like her, so I do whatever I can to endear myself to others. It’s how I catch the attention of the losers at the bar looking for a good time and nothing more.

Evie wraps an arm around my shoulders and squeezes. “One day, you’ll find the right man for you. One who will cherish how amazing you are instead of using you as his entertainment until he gets bored.”

“Just don’t let me drink anything or flirt. If I stick to you and your family like I did last night, I should be fine.” I’d kept to myself the last six months. The longest time I’ve gone without dating and it’s helped. I understand why I crave attention from men (thanks to my psychology class and no thanks to my parents). Because I never got positive attention from Mom or Dad, I seek any guy who will shower me with compliments or pay me an ounce of attention. As soon as they do, I jump to the white picket fence dream because I’m so desperate for someone to love me. The problem is, I don’t know how to fix falling for guys right off the bat.

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