Page 22 of Camping with the Boss
But being attracted to my boss won’t end well, so I try to focus on what I’m being paid to do. Make sure everything is going smoothly and everyone is doing okay. I finish my meal and then walk around checking on people. It’s torture until I fall into my problem-solving mode I use every day at work.
Jet smiles again, and I ask how he’s doing slowly so he can read my lips.
He laughs. “I can hear you. My sister is Deaf. I learned sign language for her.”
“And you read lips because…?”
He smiles unapologetically. “She taught me how, and it comes in handy.”
“I bet.”
He lowers his voice, and I lean closer. “I’m not sure the big boss has ever had anyone speak to him that way.”
“Well then,” I say, catching his gaze. “I’d say he was due.”
He laughs again, louder this time. And I don’t have to look up to know Wade’s eyes are on us. On me.
I can feel it.
Wade dismisses everyone after dinner to get settled in their cabins. I stand to leave, and he draws me aside. Is this going to be another lecture?
And is that what I want?
Instead, he goes through the packet and talks about the different activities for tomorrow. “River planned everything out, so we shouldn’t have any issues.”
I didn’t even know my brother could put this much time and energy into something. What else do I not know about River?
He hands me a yellow vinyl drawstring bag. Inside is a name badge. It’s River’s, but Wade taped my name over my brother’s. “I’m sorry. This is the best I could do.”
It’s surprisingly sweet. “It’s fine. Thank you.”
“River is—was—in the Northeast cabin.” He rubs the back of his neck. “Is that okay?”
“Of course.” The words are automatic. But are they true? His cabin is on the other side of the lake. Not far. But…I’m twenty-eight. I can handle sharing a cabin with people I barely know. Hell, I met every single person, including Wade, today.
“I’ll help you get settled.”
I want to tell him it isn’t necessary. I don’t have much. My roller bag isn’t heavy, despite Wade’s remarks earlier. But for some reason, I want Wade to go with me. “Thank you.”
We grab the stuff and walk along the path to the cabin. Laughter comes from across the lake as people settle in. We cross a small bridge, and the night seems magical. The stars are visible in the night sky. The crickets chirping. My heart aches as memories surface. Fishing with my dad. Roasting marshmallows around the campfire. My mom convincing us to sing along to cheesy songs. I press my fist against my chest to hold it all in.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah. I just—” I shrug. “It’s a lot.”
“I’m sorry, Canyon,” he says, but I shake my head. If he’s sweet right now, I’ll cry. And that would be embarrassing.
“It’s fine. Really.”
We reach the cabin, and I turn to say goodnight, but he’s already opening the door and waving me in. Oh God. I should have been prepared. The laughter is so loud I could hear it before we went in, but it still takes me by surprise.
“What is wrong with you?” someone yells in a shrill voice. “That shit isn’t funny, Al.” But people are still laughing.Thunk.Something hits the ground.
My heart beats wildly as the roaring of the boat motor gets louder. The water is rushing in. My body tenses, waiting for the inevitable. My face is already wet, and I can’t breathe. Oh God, I’m drowning.
But isn’t that better than coming up for air? Hearing those awful words? Seeing—but what about River? Strong hands grip my shoulders. The noise has stopped except for the swooshing in my ears. I press my hands to my chest. The pain is sharp—is it my heart? Oh God.
“Canyon? Can you hear me?” Wade’s hands grip my shoulders. Why is he here? Maybe he can help.
