Page 49 of Lady and the Camp
She snickered. “Afoot. You’re so nerdy sometimes. As for Hudson, it’s up to her to tell you what she’s comfortable with. But let’s just say it’s a matter of safety.”
I sat up. “Safety? What does that mean? What is she hiding from?”
“I didn’t say she was hiding,” she answered quickly. Too quickly.
I rubbed my hand across my beard, still not used to having less of it after a hefty trim the other day. For no real reason. “If there’s something—or someone—dangerous she’s hiding from, that puts our kids at risk.”
“It’s not like that.” She paused. “I don’t think he’d look for her. That would mean leaving his precious L.A. bougie bubble.”
Okay, now I could see how the Marcy-Hudson friendship existed. I didn’t understand half of what she’d just said. But she’d saidhe. “So she has an ex.”
“Yeah.” A long beat of silence followed. “And he’s a creep. But he wouldn’t follow her. Besides, she’s been laying low. Girl gave up all her online accounts.”
To stay away from this dude? “Be straight with me. Is the camp at risk?”
Light sounds of kitchen noises came across from the other end. “Well, I never actually considered that. Her agent suggested the lay low thing as a precaution.”
Agent…so YouTubers had talent agents? Twila said she had something like a million followers. Probably staying out of sight from an ex meant less online time which translated to less money…Okay, dots were connecting.
“Marcy. This is serious. I’m responsible for the camp. For the kids. The parents trust us with their children’s lives. They trust the Camp Junebug name. The owners, they put me in charge because they trustme.”
“Wow. That’s the most passion I’ve heard from you about the camp. And here I thought you were riding out your time until you took off to Alaska or wherever.”
“Colorado.” A low sound emitted from my throat. “I’m just saying, there’s trust involved. What aren’t you telling me about Hudson?”
“If you were online like the rest of us you wouldn’t have to ask.”
Back to this again—razzing on me for being a digital hermit. “I’m part of a chat forum for my outdoor meet-up group.” Even I could tell I only proved her point.
It hadn’t occurred to me to search Hudson’s name. After this conversation, I almost dreaded what I’d find.
“Promise me you’ll show her a little grace, okay?” Marcy said. “Everyone deserves a second chance. She’s sort of figuring things out. I’m hoping camp life shocks her system enough for some major self-reflection. Not that I should talk—I’m working a job I hate and constantly trying to keep this family from tearing each other apart.”
“What’s going on with the family?” I hadn’t heard any drama. Figured. I was usually the last to hear any drama.
“Oh the usual. With Papá recovering from surgery, Mamá’s in full micromanage mode, focused on her lone daughter, yours truly, in particular. Now I’m the one planning the family reunion.”
A big undertaking in our family. It was one of my favorite celebrations. Outdoor games, grilled food, boxes of fireworks bought from our favorite joint over the Indiana border. “Your Mamá usually handles those plans, right?”
“Despite her micromanaging, she can’t focus on large tasks right now. I took it on myself. Only she tells me everything I’m doing is wrong.” She sighed again. “Thanks for asking how I’m coping, by the way.”
I hadn’t asked. Oh, right. Point taken. “Sorry. I’m not good at that part.”
“I know, but a gal can hope. You’re good for a listen, so I appreciate that at least. Look, I’d like to visit camp and check in. It’d be good to see you and Hudson both.”
You and Hudson, as if we were paired together. Hudson’s determined smile flashed in my head. She’d climbed that boundary fence as if it was nothing. Maybe the sexiest thing I’d seen her do. No, the sexiest thing I’d ever seen a woman do. And in front of me in the woods. At night. Was she trying to drive me crazy?
“How about the weekend of the fourth?” Marcy suggested. “I’ll bring firecrackers and sparklers.”
“Yeah, sure. Hudson would appreciate it.”
“But not you, because you’re too cool.”
“Shut up.”
She snickered. “Love you too, cousin. Take care.” Marcy ended the call.
A notification popped up from the meet-up group. I bypassed it and went to YouTube. What was Hudson’s last name? I visualized the payroll paperwork. Hawley. Hudson Hawley.
