If I didn’t know her so well, I’d think she means it. But I recognize the tone of her voice immediately, the one that indicates she’s putting on a brave face and trying to make the best of the situation.
She does care.
I shake my head. “The whole thing is so unfair.”
“Look, I’m honored you’re so offended for me, but now I’m starting to think you’re worried I can’t handle it.”
“Of course I know you can handle it. But six girls is a lot for one person.” I sit down beside her. “I’ll be here to help you, don’t worry.”
“Bash.” She bites her lip. “You have your own group to manage. Don’t worry about me.”
I open my mouth to answer, but someone else’s voice cuts into the room.
“About time you two got here,” says Logan. “You’re missing all the fun.”
Romilly blinks a few times like she’s trying to clear her head. “What?”
He grins. “We’re about to start our first Bible study, and then there’s going to be an apple-picking contest after.”
I immediately remember picking apples with Romilly, weeks ago on our date. She must too, because she glances at me and blushes before turning back to Logan. “Okay. We’re coming.”
Logan nods and then glances between us. “Everything okay?”
“Everything is fine,” says Romilly.
“Her partner is sick so she’s a solo counselor,” I tell him.
Logan winces. “Ouch. Sorry, Romilly.”
“I told her I’d help as much as you can spare me,” I say.
Logan nods. “Oh, yeah. Don’t worry, Rom. I can handle most of the activities without Bash. We can share him.”
Romilly sighs, but her posture slightly relaxes. “Okay…thank you.”
“Of course. I’ll see you all out there.” He nods at me before walking out of the cabin.
“Shall we?” I hold out my hand to Romilly.
To my surprise, she takes it.
Chapter Eighteen
ROMILLY
The next morning,one of the girls has to shake me awake for the sunrise hike. It’s bad enough being the only adult in this cabin. It’s worse that one of the girls—Dev—had to wake me up instead of the other way around.
I peek through my lashes to see Dev grinning down at me. Behind her, the five other girls are trying not to laugh as they peek at me from over her shoulder. Dev leans down and whispers in my ear, “Morning, sunshine.”
I frown and open one eye. “What time is it?”
“Six-thirty.”
I groan. I don’t know how I slept so late. I’m usually up much earlier than this, but all the exhaustion from overworking myself lately must finally be catching up with me.
I muster up my remaining energy and get everyone lined up outside Cabin C.
Bash and Logan are already outside their cabin across the campground, and when Bash sees me, he says something to Logan before reaching my side.
