Page 40 of Sass in the Grass

Alan’s head turned and cocked to one side as Mike answered, “Giving it oxygen helps it start. Don’t blow too hard, sure, but a little to move the oxygen.”

“Oh, right, right,” he said as if he’d known that all along. No matter his subterfuge, however, he knew they knew he was stupid about all things outdoors.

That never used to bother him. Since he’d come to the camp, however, it bothered him a lot. “Don’t get down, Jovian,” Mike said to him. “Your face kind of fell.”

“My face?”

“No wrinkles, honey, just looked a little sad.”

“Oh, whew!”

Kathy grabbed his hand and squeezed. “Even when you’re old, you’re going to be gorgeous.”

“If I give you a list of creams, I’ll bet we can reverse some of that skin damage on you, too.”

While Kathy laughed, Mike barked, “Jovian!”

Jovian looked to see that Alan has stopped trying to make the fire and the two men were staring at him. “What?”

“You don’t…say things like that,” Mike strained. “It’s not cool!”

“I thought I was being nice!”

Kathy told them, “He really thought that. He doesn’t realize, you guys. This is how he’s been for years. You can’t expect him to change overnight.”

“Well, he can stop saying shitty things to you,” Mike grumbled.

“How is what I said shitty? She’s got some rough skin, and I know how to fix it!”

“Say that nicer,” Alan said as he started on the fire again.

Jovian was lost in the conversation. Kathy gently asked, “Do you know how to do that?”

“I don’t know, maybe don’t point out the spots on your face?”

“Yes. Exactly.”

“Fine. I’ll tell you about creams that won’t fix anything, but are just good for you?”

“Better,” she said with a laugh.

“I’ll never get the hang of this.”

Chapter Twelve

“Canwebefinishednow?” Jovian whined as they continued to put out the fire Alan had started.

“Not until it’s completely out. Do you want to burn down all the woods and the camp?”

“Especially since it’s struggling anyway,” Kathy said.

“Struggling?” Alan stopped pushing the dirt on the fire and Mike stopped too, saying, “Yeah, we overheard True and Bernie talking when we went to the office for first aid.”

“Lots to process there,” Jovian said. “What happened that you needed first aid?”

Alan gaped at him. “See! That is nice, Jovian.”

“It is? I thought it was nosy.”

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