“I think I saw your name on the list for tomorrow morning.”
She looks mildly put out. “Can’t I have a turn today?”
“You’ll have to ask Gloria. She’s in charge of Buffy’s schedule.”
Olivia continues to stand in front of me in awkward silence, as though conjuring another reason to continue the conversation. I suspect she’s missing her parents. I know how she feels. My family has been gone for years, and I still have moments where I miss them so much, my whole body aches with it.
“Or why don’t I ask Gloria if you can do it now?”
Olivia’s smile is triumphant. “Good idea.”
I send a text to Gloria and receive an immediate response. “Gloria says to meet her at her cabin in the next two minutes and you can have a turn.”
Olivia doesn’t say a word. She spins on her heels and flees the cafeteria without a backward glance.
Charlie chuckles. “She seemed very appreciative of your efforts.”
“She’s eleven. Forgetting manners due to genuine excitement is a rite of passage.” Olivia needs a spark of joy wherever she can find it right now. If I can facilitate that in any way, I’m happy to do so.
“You’re much softer than my parents.”
“Much younger too.” As much as my hormones urge me to stay here with the anatomically correct Ken doll, my brain knows better. He isn’t interested in me; he’s interested in my land. His plan is to fake it ’til he makes it.
Not on my watch.
“I’ll see you later, Charlie.” I stand up abruptly and take my banana to go.
* * *
Camp is running smoothly today, thank goodness. There are always hiccups like the unexpectedly moldy strawberries and changing the schedule due to weather, but as long as there’s nothing too costly or upsetting, I’m happy.
After one round of check-ins, I duck into my office to take care of a few administrative tasks. They’re my least favorite part of the job. I’m not the most organized person in the world and I lose focus when there are too many details, but I can’t afford to hire anyone. I already barter with Gloria for cleaning and Adam for counselor duties when the kids arrive following adult camp. The other counselors are college students who volunteer.
An hour flies past, and I’m distracted by the sound of footsteps passing back and forth in front of the office door.
“Olivia, is that you?”
The footsteps grind to a halt and the door creaks open. The first thing I see are a pair of Gucci loafers, followed by Charlie’s sheepish face.
“Can I help you?”
“I wasn’t sure if you were here.”
“You could’ve knocked.” But that would’ve no doubt thwarted his plan of sneaking inside.
“I didn’t want to interrupt you.”
“And yet you have.” I set down my pen. “What’s up?”
He slides into the office and perches on the edge of my desk. “Why this camp?”
I lean against my chair, clasping my hands in my lap. This ought to be good. “You’ve been loitering outside my office with that question?”
“I’m curious.”
“I told you. It’s a family business.”
“I know, but you’re young. You could’ve sold it. Hell, you could sell it right now. Why take it on all by yourself?”
