Page 26 of The Romantic Agenda
Joy’s enduring cool slips for a split second, surprise flitting across her face. Are her feelings that obvious? And if they are... why can’t Malcolm... She exhales through her nose.Does he know and just... not care?
Deciding to lean into distraction, Joy scoffs and says, “I look at everyone exactly the same. Except for racists, rapists, and child molesters. I’m sure they can see the flames behind my eyes as I imagine them spontaneously combusting.”
“Wow.” Fox shakes his head, laughing quickly. His mood returns to solemn before she blinks again. How long has he been thinking about this setup situation? It’s clearly weighing him down—she sees it in his posture and furrowed brow. She’s sure he really believes what he’s saying, that he’s right. It’s kind of sweet how concerned he is.
“How come you two didn’t come say hi?” Summer appears with Malcolm in tow. “They invited us to a party.”
Joy stares at Malcolm with a clearthat’s not on the agendalook. He gets the message, saying, “It’s the night before we leave. It’ll be fine.”
“I bet,” Joy says dryly. She didn’t believe Fox over Malcolm—he’s done nothing to earn her trust and Malcolm has done everything to earn her benefit of the doubt.
All she knows is someone is lying to her.
Big mistake.
Summer picks up the bright pink board resting on the ground. “I think I’m ready to go in. Fox?”
Fox obliges, grabbing the orange board that matches his vest. Once they’re in the water, Joy volunteers to be lookout and direct Malcolm. She projects her voice, making sure Fox can hear her. “Remember, the key to staying alive is to stay calm. My swimsuit is for show and not swimming, but don’t worry. I’ll still save you even if I have to do it naked.”
“Joy,” Malcolm snaps from behind the wheel.
“What? I’m trying to make sure he stays calm.”
“By saying you’ll rescue him naked?”
“In matters of life and death, nudity is irrelevant.” Joy gives Fox two thumbs up and a big smile. “Don’t panic! I’ll come get you! Summer, you’re on your own!”
“Joy.”
“What?” She turns to Malcolm exasperated. “I can’t rescue two people at once. I already promised him.”
“You’re doing too much.”
“I’m only doing what you asked me to.” Joy looks him up and down once, twice, and a third time, gaze brimming with suspicion and hard as flint. “You told me to focus on Fox, did you not?”
To his credit, Malcolm holds her gaze but can’t quite match her attitude. He begins navigating the boat forward slowly at first, looking back to make sure they’re holding on before accelerating to a slightly faster speed.
They don’t return to the cabin until late in the afternoon. After unloading the boat and taking everything back inside, Summer says, “I’m going to put on some shorts, and then we’ll go?”
Malcolm nods in agreement. The next item on the agenda is a leisurely walk around some of the trails and roads surrounding the lake.
“Fox?” Summer asks hopefully.
He doesn’t answer, turning to Joy instead. “Me? Are you asking me? Is that what that look means?” she teases, expertly hiding her surprise. “Unfortunately, no. I’m only allowed one outdoorsy thing per day and walking through bear country is a bridge too far.”
Besides, the only slot in the agenda where she can make the cake is now. Dinner is scheduled to arrive at the exact time their little excursion is set to end. Malcolm will need the kitchen.
Fox says, “I think I’d rather lie down for a little bit,” directly to Summer.
“Okay.”
Joy doesn’t bother changing out of her swimsuit. There’s a rackof aprons in the pantry—she selects a black one covered in strawberries and ruffles—and gets to work rummaging around the kitchen for everything she’ll need. As expected, she also finds a teal stand mixer waiting for her. She’s arranging her ingredients around the counter when Malcolm and Summer descend the steps together.
Every ounce of her concentrates on not glaring at them. Her thoughts haven’t stopped whirling around the fact that it’s possible the two of them decided to play Cupid with her life.
Summer’s crestfallen face does nothing to affect Joy’s mood. “Oh, you’re baking now.”
“You wanted it for tonight, didn’t you?”
