Page 6 of The Even Odder Couple

Or at least a leaf.

“I’m already done with college.” I splay my hands. “And I’ve got no plans for holy matrimony. Or matrimony of any kind. Ever.” My heartbeat’s racing now. “Plus I’ve got experience helping out with the children’s wing at the libraryandat the Devlin-Dodd House. They’re both expanding their reach with foster kids, and I’ve been on the front lines the whole time.”

“Oh, Tess. Tess, Tess, Tess.” Mrs. Lockhart clucks like a cotton candy hen. “I’ve already been apprised of all this. Your experience is the very reason I wanted you to be Hunter and Bella’s assistant.”

I swallow hard, but it feels like my esophagus is full of glass. “Then why won’t you let me take over?”

Mrs. Lockhart sniffs, then digs a handkerchief from her bag. “The town council insists we havetworesponsible adults sleeping at the campsite. I’m afraid it is a deal-breaking parameter. They believe leaving only one person in charge is a liability, and I dare say, I agree. What if something were to happen to you? Who would care for the children? The counselors? Who would care foryou, Tess? No.” She dabs at her nose. “It’s far too risky.”

My phone buzzes in my pocket. But I ignore the call and keep my eyes laser focused on the mayor’s. “We just have to find someone else to be my co-director.”

“It’s too late, Tess. We don’t have enough time to find someone new. To process fingerprints and background checks. Camp begins too soon. Or I should saycamp would have begun.”

Now she dabs at her eyes. “Of course, you’ll be welcome to apply next year. Perhaps as one of the head directors. I wish I’d hired you for the role in the first place, but Hunter and Bella had already accepted their positions by the time I received your application.”

While this is nice to hear, the mayor’s belated confidence does me absolutely no good now. And I can’t let her cancel camp. For my sake and everyone else’s. I need to change the mayor’s mind. But how?

“Mrs. Lockhart.” I drag a hand over the top of my sweaty head. “We just have to… think of something.”

Wow. Excellent, Tess.We have to think of something?You really nailed that killer argument. Good thing you opted out of law school.

Mrs. Lockhart lays a hand on my shoulder. “I’m terribly sorry, dear.”

My lip quivers, so I gather it under my teeth. I don’t want the mayor to think I’m some weakling who cries in the face of a little duress. Or a lot of it.

“Under the circumstances,” she says, “I’m loath to ask you for a favor, but I was hoping you’d help me contact the families of the campers and the rest of the staff. We must update everyone on this series of unfortunate events as soon as possible.”

Ah ha.There’s your persuasion, Tess.

“Mrs. Lockhart. Have you thought about the fact that the staff was expecting to be paid this summer?”

“Of course.” She blows out a breath. “I’ll dip into the budget to offer everyone several weeks’ salary to tide them over.”

“What about the families who are counting on their kids being away at camp? A lot of those parents have jobs. Not to mention other important commitments. You can’t leave everyone high and dry on such short notice.”

My phone starts buzzing again, but I ignore it. Again.

“And think about the mayoral election coming this fall. Not that you should be concerned about getting re-elected. But what if someone like Bernard Dudley ran against you? You don’t want to lose the people’s confidence. And most of the parents of these campers, plus some of the staff… are voters.”

“Oh dear.” Mrs. Lockhart gasps. “Bernard Dudley might run against me? Thatisworrisome.”

I mean, technically I didn’t say Mr. Dudleymightrun. I saidif. When the mayor adjusts the lapels of her jacket, I hope I haven’t gone too far. But I can’t stop now. So I square my shoulders and prepare to close the deal.

“I can be responsible enough for two adults. I promise you, I’m the right woman for the job.”

“Perhaps you are.” Mrs. Lockharttsksagain like she’s scolding herself. “But unfortunately we need a man.”

Huh?

I wince so hard, I can practically see the wrinkles on my own face. “I donotneed a man.”

“WellIbelieve that’s true, certainly.” She huffs out a breath. “But the town council insists that both a man and a woman reside at the campsite overnight. Certain rather delicate circumstances could arise. The boys and young men might not want to talk to a woman about their problems. And vice versa, of course. With the girls. I’m afraid my hands are well and truly tied.”

My phone chimes once, then a second time a few seconds later. These are notifications of texts now, not incoming calls.

Mrs. Lockhart bobs her head to indicate my pocket. “Perhaps you should check your phone, Tess.”

“After we’ve figured this situation out.” I pat at my shorts and will my phone to stop interrupting.

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