Page 37 of Show Me How
“That’s what I like to hear. When you’re done looking, you can sit back down, and I’ll get you ready to go.”
“Oh, now you’re desperate to get rid of me.”
Shade’s chuckle is low and deep. “I’ve just got some dinner plans tonight. You’re my last appointment of the day.”
“Who’s the lucky girl?”
Yeah, who?
Blinking, I fling that question out of my mind and focus on what I’m doing. I zone in to my work, disregarding their conversation. The vibration on the desk is what brings me out of it. I don’t recognize the number on the screen, but it’s not like anyone besides Shade and the campground knows mine.
I step outside and answer the call, pretty confident that I’ll be back before the woman is ready to pay.
“Hello?”
“Millie?”
“This is she,” I say cautiously.
“It’s Shelly from Shimmer Lake Campground. I just wanted to call and check in as we’ve been trying to charge the card you left on file, but it hasn’t gone through. Do you have another one we could try?”
My stomach tightens. “You’re charging it already? I haven’t checked out yet.”
“Well, you originally only checked in for three nights, and when you didn’t come into the office today to extend your stay, I was going to add a fourth night for you and go from there,” she explains.
The kindness in her tone should make me feel better, but it doesn’t. I’m not sure much would at this point.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t even think about coming in. You’re in your right to do that. Thank you for not just kicking me out. I’ll be back soon and—” And what? Beg her to let me stay for free? Oh, Millie, you’re in it now. “And I’ll try my other cards. We’ll get it sorted.”
“I’m glad to hear that. I had your cabin cleaned and restocked this morning, just in case. We’ll see you soon.”
“Thank you, Shelly,” I whisper.
She ends the call, and I stand outside for a moment, willing myself not to cry about this. I’ve cried too much since coming here, and I don’t want this to be yet another thing to bring me to the brink.
Turning, I head back to the studio. The sight of Shade taking payment from the woman at the desk isn’t what I was expecting to see so soon. He’s already looking at me when I let go of the door and start toward the desk.
“Important call?” he asks.
I swallow, trying my hardest to hide my worry. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think you were so close to being done already. It won’t happen again.”
Shade narrows his eyes at my answer and hands the woman her receipt. She takes it from him and says something that I don’t hear because of her soft tone. My emotions are too unnerved to try and dissect what it was.
“I don’t think so, Beck. My dinner plans weren’t a ruse,” he tells her, his eyes unmoving from where they hold mine.
“What a shame. I guess I’ll see you when I see you, then.”
“Yeah, you will. Make sure to take care of that piece. It’s going to itch real fucking bad in a bit here.”
“I will.”
She pats his arm, her fingers lingering on his bicep before dropping. I take a step out of the way when she passes me with a genuine smile. The door closes a moment later, leaving me and Shade alone.
“Who called you?” he asks.
“It was nothing. I’m sorry again for leaving without letting you know where I was going.”
“Don’t try playing it off, princess. You’re clearly upset.”
