Page 11 of Kayak Girl

Regards,

Gray Hudson

I scrolled to read the second email.

Email 2:

Subject: Regarding My Smashed Taillight

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Hi,

Find the repair estimate attached. Let’s sort this out sooner rather than later.

Regards,

Gray Hudson

I opened the attachment and as soon as I saw the numbers relief filled me. I closed my eyes and leaned back against the headrest. My liability cover, a frail lifeline, would shoulder the weight of his damages. Thank you, God. All that remained were those daunting deductibles, like shadows cast over my road trip. Well, that and I had to hope that they wouldn’t send my premiums soaring. Frustration clenched my heart, but I’d make it work.

I took a deep breath. Tonight, I would respond to his email. I’d withhold my name, that way there’d be no need for a face-to-face confrontation. It was an imperfect plan, but I’d never claimed to be perfect. And this way I could stay. In fact, I would speak to Brenda now and get things set up so I could stay at the hostel.

An hour later, after I showered, I went in search of Brenda. A colorful note on the reception door guided me, “Find me in the dormitory kitchen.” The dormitories were tucked away from the rest of the campsites, so it took a bit of poking around the place before I located her. But I didn’t complain, as the walk helped me feel less stressed about my decision.

Finally, as I approached the kitchen, rich spices and something delectably savory danced through the air, tantalizing my senses and drawing me closer. I stood at the threshold of this industrial-type kitchen and knocked on the open door.

“Hey Brenda, am I interrupting?” My voice was tentative as I wanted to be respectful of her space.

Brenda, with her ever-welcoming smile, waved me in as she remained stationed at the stove, her foot now in a brace of sorts. “Oh no, honey, I always have time for you,” she replied, her voice full of warmth and affection. “How was the summer camp? Oh, and did Andy manage to help you with your car?”

I paused, needing a moment to process Brenda’s incredibly sparkly pink eyeshadow before I continued speaking. “Well, that’s what I wanted to talk about. Andy said he needs to send Mabel to another mechanic, so I would need a place to stay for ten days. Gray mentioned the possibility of staying here at the hostel. Is that what you meant when you said leaders can stay free?”

“Oh my, I’m sorry about your van. But you must know it’s in excellent hands with Andy. Of course, you can stay. You know you’re invited to dinner too? All the leaders come.”

I breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe this would all work out. “Thanks so much. That would be awesome. I don’t mind where I sleep, as long as it’s safe. I’ll even sleep on the floor.”

Brenda gently pushed at my shoulder. “I can do much better than the floor. One of the studio dormitories is empty. I kept it empty for Gray in case he needed it, but he said he’d rather bunk with the other guys. So, you’ll have some privacy.” I started walking toward my van, with Brenda hobbling beside me. “How was it leading with Gray this morning,” Brenda inquired, her eyes narrowing with curiosity.

My heart stuttered at the mention of working with him, and I struggled to decipher the cause. Was it because of the crash incident hanging over my head or something deeper that I couldn’t quite comprehend? I shook my head, trying to dispel the unsettling thoughts.

“Yeah, it was fine,” I choked out, as I nervously fiddled with the button on my dress.

Brenda’s gaze intensified, and her lips curved into a knowing smile that I couldn’t help but feel exposed me. It was as if she could see straight through me, detecting the emotions I was trying to conceal. I shifted, unable to meet her eyes, and prayed that she wouldn’t push the subject further.

Chapter 10

GRAY

Iagreed to join Weston on a run this afternoon because it would help me shake off the tension from earlier today, and I could talk to him about Elle. He helped keep me accountable with Christian values and wise choices, so I owed it to him. Plus, I didn’t want him to be awkward with Elle if she landed up joining us at the camp.

Thankfully, Weston lived several minutes’ walk from the hostel. As I strolled toward his house, I spotted his towering form as he stretched in the driveway. His newly acquired abode stood proudly behind him, a classic Lowcountry-style home brimming with potential. With its white paint beginning to flake and peel, the house was begging for attention from its new owner. Weston planned to renovate the place and inject some personality into it.

Weston caught sight of me and straightened up, a playful smirk on his face. “What have I done to earn a training partner twice in one week?”

“Well, you know, just trying to stay in shape.”

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