Page 43 of Beyond the Summer

I blinked at him, unsure how to respond.Getting dragged into a family discussion was the last thing I wanted to deal with right now.But Matt looked at me so eagerly, I didn't have the energy to refuse.

"Yeah, okay, I guess I can do that," I heard myself say.

"Awesome, thanks, man!I really appreciate it.Let's head up there now."

He turned and started marching up the hill.I sighed and fell into step behind him, too emotionally exhausted to do anything else.

I followed Matt in a daze up the winding path to the main house, my mind still reeling.The stately home came into view through the trees—a beautiful two-story Craftsman with a sprawling porch, beautiful stained wood siding, and wild, natural gardens.It looked expensive but inviting, the opposite of my family's gaudy, cold McMansion.Warm light spilled from the windows.

As we stepped inside, savory, spicy aromas filled my nose.Garlic, onion, herbs—someone was cooking an elaborate dinner.Matt led me through the foyer into a spacious kitchen with granite countertops and gleaming stainless steel appliances.

A muscular, bearded man who had to be Matt's dad—and Ben's stepdad—stood at the stove, stirring a bubbling pot.He glanced over as we entered and grinned."Hey, boys!You're just in time.Grab a seat.I'm making my famous chili, and I baked a loaf of sourdough to go with it."

"Thanks, Dad.This is Sutton, one of my senior counselors," Matt said, gesturing to me."I hope it's okay that I brought him by."

"Of course!The more, the merrier.Good to meet you, Sutton."Matt's dad extended a beefy hand.I shook it, marveling at the way his firm grip enveloped mine.Laugh lines crinkled around his warm brown eyes.

"You too, sir.Something smells amazing."I slid onto a stool at the granite-topped island, taking in the kitchen's homey décor—painted ceramic dishes and an assortment of mismatched framed family photos, including some of Ben as an adorable little nerd.

"Call me Walter, none of that 'sir' business," he chuckled."And thanks, it's an old family recipe.Matt, is your brother joining us?"

"Yeah, he should be up in a minute," Matt replied."He probably needed to finish a chapter in his book."

Walter barked out a laugh."That boy is one chapter late to everything.So, what brings you two up here tonight?"

Matt swallowed and set down his spoon, his expression turning serious."Actually, Dad, there was something I wanted to talk to you about for next summer…"

As he spoke, Ben strolled into the kitchen, and I lost my focus on what Matt was saying as I drank in how handsome Ben looked.His tight white T-shirt stretched across his chest, and his faded jeans hugged his lean thighs.Our eyes met and held, and his eyebrows shot up.

Matt cleared his throat."Dad, I want to add accommodations at camp next summer specifically for trans and queer kids.We need to make Eagle Ridge more inclusive."

Ben slid onto the stool next to me and leaned down, whispering."Oh god, Matt, roped you into this?"

I nodded, looking from Walter to Matt, worried about what would happen.

Walter's bushy eyebrows rose.He huffed out a breath."Son, I don't understand how we could uproot the entire camp culture for a few kids.This place has run a certain way for decades."

My heart froze.The firm, dismissive tone was so painfully familiar.How many times had I heard the same shutdown from my own father, that ironclad refusal to even consider another viewpoint?I darted a glance at Matt, expecting him to clam up, to defer to his dad's dictate like I had been taught to—at risk of a harsh punishment.But to my shock, Matt's jaw clenched, and he sat up straighter, meeting Walter's gaze head-on.

"That's bullshit."Matt's voice was calm but steely."This isn't about 'a few kids.'This is about treating everyone with dignity and making camp a haven for all."

Holy shit.Arguing?Actually debating his father?I couldn't remember the last time I'd dared to do that.My balls would've shriveled on the spot.But here Matt was, politely but firmly standing his ground.It was confusing and foreign, and I needed to get out of that kitchen immediately.

Walter leaned back, arms crossed over his broad chest."Matthew, I know your heart's in the right place, but—"

"No buts."Ben cut him off, startling me.Not only was he arguing, but he'd interrupted his dad.My dad would have had his belt out by now."Matt has thought this through.This is a real issue, and Sutton connected with some campers this summer who were truly struggling.I'm sure there are more who didn't even come to camp because of it."

"I have a plan, and I need you to hear me out," Matt added."I've already checked the feasibility, the market, the potential for profit.It's doable."

"Not to mention it's the right thing to do," Ben added."This camp…it's everything to some of these kids.A lifeline.We have a responsibility to make it as inclusive as possible."

Walter sighed, but I could see his resolve weakening—and the respect in his eyes."You boys… always ganging up on your old man."

"Because we learned from the best."Ben grinned, bumping his shoulder against Matt's."Remember what you always taught us?'Do good and leave the world a little better than you found it.'This is our chance to do that."

"I hear you, I do.But these kinds of renovations, they cost money—"

"Actually…" Matt reached behind him and pulled out a roll of papers."I've been working with an architect from Seattle.She specializes in gender-neutral spaces and has an intern who is trans and has been providing some amazing insight."He laid a landscape map of the camp out on the table, as well as some more detailed sketches."These are the mockups for the new dorm-style cabins.And before you say anything, we haven't spent a penny.Mom helped me find a grant to pay the architecture fees."

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