Page 98 of The Even Odder Couple

“No one’s ever managed to catch a squinky in its natural habitat,” Jill continues. “So if you spot a red-feathered bird on the ranch—one with pink cheeks making weird noises with its beak—you should definitely let me know.”

“You’re hilarious,” I say out of the side of my mouth.

One of the boys raises his hand. “T-Time? If I find a squinky can I keep it in my cabin?”

“Sure,” I say, stifling a laugh. The rest of the kids start cheering. And as Jill leads the group toward the trail, I hear a couple campers claiming they’re definitely going to catch a squinky today. ButIknow they won’t, because as long as we’re at camp, I’m keeping my feelings for Spencer under wraps.

I just can’t think about how validated I felt this morning when he told me I’m allowed to be sad. And I shouldn’t remember how my heart swelled when he asked me to tell him why I loved my house. And I need to forget how he looked as he was leaving the ranch. I think I saw longing in his eyes. Maybe even desire. He was smoldering like the two grills over by—

The barbecue. Right.

You’ve got a job to do, Tess. Everyone’s counting on you.

Starting now, I’ve got to stop thinking about remembering to forget.

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