The trail inclined as we hiked on. Somewhere in the woods to my right, a bird chirped. Our group’s conversation waned as we worked to keep up with Courtney’s pace. Behind me, Beth’s breathing became audible as the trail grew steeper.
“I have to pee,” Emma said.
Courtney spun and put her hands on her hips. “Already? Can’t you wait a bit longer?” Courtney swatted a mosquito that had landed on her neck, leaving a smear of blood on her smooth skin.
“No.” Emma shook her head. “I’ve been holding it for a while. I have to go now.”
“Ugh.” Courtney threw her head back in impatience. “Okay, that’s fine, but I’m going to keep moving. We still have another seven miles to go before we make camp.”
“We need to stay together,” Beth called out from behind me, her voice stern.
“It won’t be for long.” Courtney turned to Emma. “Just catch up as soon as you’re done.”
“Remember what I said about the cougars,” Beth warned after Emma as she stepped off the trail. “You shouldn’t go off very far by yourself.”
“I’ll go too,” I said, following Emma. I didn’t have to pee that bad yet, but I knew I’d have to go before too long, and I had no desire to deal with Courtney’s dramatic attitude if we had to stop for a second time.
“Gigi, do you want me to carry the raft now?” I heard Courtney ask after I stepped off the trail into the woods.
After making sure we were far enough from the trail not to be seen if other hikers came along, Emma and I squatted behind large trees, several feet apart. It took me a few minutes to relax enough in the quiet woods before I was able to go. When I finally did, a rustling in the fern beside me made me jump to my feet. A small bird fluttered out of the fern as my heart hammered inside my chest. I exhaled, glad for the large spruce stump that blocked Emma’s view of me freaking out with my shorts around my ankles.
I crouched back into a half squat as my pulse slowed. By the time I was able to go again, I sank into a full squat to relieve my tired thigh muscles and accidentally peed on my shorts. I swore, searching for the small amount of toilet paper I’d packed in my bag.
Emma was waiting for me when I emerged from behind the tree a few minutes later.
“Ready?” she asked.
I tried not to dwell on my urine-soaked shorts as I stepped over a log. “Yeah.”
“Wait.” Emma reached for my arm when I moved beside her. “Before we go back, tell me the truth. Did Bryson and Jake really put that dish soap on the locker room floor?” She lowered her voice. “Or was it Courtney?”
My face grew hot as Emma’s hazel eyes searched mine. Now was my chance to come clean. In my periphery, a squirrel scampered up a large tree trunk.
“Come on, Palmer. I can tell something’s bothering you,” Emma prodded, crossing her arms. “I deserve to know—that prank ruined my future. Years of hard work down the drain just likethat.” Emma snapped her fingers. “I’m playing volleyball atcommunity college,” she added. “Whoever did this to me is going to pay. But first, I need to know the truth. Don’t you think I deserve that?”
I drew in a deep breath, steeling myself for my long overdue confession. “Actually, Emma, I ... um ... there’s something—”
“Hey, guys.” I spun to see Courtney less than ten feet away, her eyes bright with excitement. “We found a hot spring just off the trail. We’re going skinny-dipping. Last ones into the hot spring have to carry the rafts for the next two miles.”
Emma and I exchanged glances. Emma made no effort to move, and I could tell she was eagerly waiting for Courtney to leave so I could finish my sentence.
“We’ll be right there,” Emma told her.
But Courtney didn’t retreat. “Come on. Let’s go.” She motioned for us to follow, pivoting to the side while she kept her gaze on us. “Don’t make me use my team-captain voice.” Her mouth lifted into a half smile. “What are you waiting for?” Courtney’s green eyes landed on mine, and I wondered if she’d overheard what Emma had asked me.
Emma appeared to study Courtney for a moment and then me. “Nothing.” She cast me a knowing look before she followed Courtney back to the trail without another word.
I stood in the woods, watching Emma stride away. She was smarter than Courtney gave her credit for. Courtney may have fooled the school board, but Emma wasn’t buying it so easily. I blew a breath out of my mouth and trudged after them, knowing it would be up to me to set things right.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Present: Day Five at Sea
The companionway door rattles before Emma manages to yank it open. Water spills down the steps as she climbs onto the deck.
“Gigi!” she calls.
Beth and I hurry up the stairs behind her. When I step outside, faint daylight filters through the clouds on the horizon, allowing us to see without a flashlight.
