Page 44 of Lady and the Camp
I faced where she stood on the sidewalk leading to the office. Two light posts in the parking lot illuminated her soft skin. I knew it was soft because she’d touched my hand. “You’ll get to when we’re summoned for those preposterous camp games.”
She approached closer. “I mean now. Tonight. Can’t we cross the camp boundary line and go over there?”
“Yeah, and do what? TP the lodge?”
She smiled with way too much mischief. “Thatsounds fun.”
Sure, except for the cost of the toilet paper. A real budget buster. “No.”
“What’s stopping you from going over there? A measly little fence? A tree with a Keep Out sign?”
I knew exactly what kept me out. It started with a B and ended with I didn’t care.
She poked me in the arm. An actual poke, like from a camper to get my attention. “The Trail Blazers went to a second location. I overheard them when they walked by our table leaving the restaurant. They’re going to a club in some other town. That means there’s minimal staff on site.”
I could barely keep up. “And? What are you interested in over there? It’s a fancy camp. That’s it.”
“We should know what we’re up against. And I’m nosy. According to a personality inventory, I’m a high input learner or something like that. I gather data. It’s why I’m—was—online so much. I want to see the camp for myself before the actual competition.”
“We’re onlyup againstanything because you agreed to it.”
She at least looked a little sorry. Good.
“I know. I couldn’t stand hearing Evil Son talk smack about Camp Junebug.I see you’ve got your ragamuffins,” she lowered her voice to sound like a dopey guy. “Babe, give me a minute. Babe, check out my hot bod. Babe. Look, Babe. Check out these guns.” She flexed her arms, continuing the charade.
I burst out laughing.
Hudson smiled. “I’ve never heard you laugh. Not like that.”
“Yeah, well, not a lot is funny lately.”
She studied me. “I like your laugh.”
Hoo boy. Her continued stare made me want to dive into a hole. I wasn’t much for attention, and right now, she focused all of hers on me.
I should have been flattered, but I wasn’t good at this sort of thing. Especially with someone like her, wearing designer clothes and with interests I couldn’t repeat back if someone asked me. She was completely different than anyone I’d ever spent time with. In any capacity, in any environment.
I didn’t have a clue how to relate to her.
“I’m calling it a night,” I said.
She started down the path toward the cabins. “Suit yourself. I’m going to the other camp.”
“No. You can’t go over there.”
“Why? They don’t know me. Besides, I’ll stay hidden.”
She kept walking. I caught up to her on the path. “No.”
“That’s not a reason. Is it because it’strespassing?” She said it like a taunt. Like a dare.
“It’s dark. You’ll get lost in the woods.”
“Then be my wilderness guide.”
Bullseye. How did she manage to hit right where it mattered?
After a full week managing a children’s camp and a night out drinking, a man had only so much restraint. After all, I was born to guide.
