“Maybethisis why we’ve been going in circles,” Jerry chimed in.
What wasthatsupposed to mean?
“What are you talking about?” Felix asked.
“Oh, come on. Like it isn’t already obvious they’re all googly-eyed for each other,” Jerry said, rolling his eyes. “I thought we’d be out here, oh, I don’t know, making big archaeological discoveries. I didn’t realize I’d actually signed up for sleepaway camp, instead.”
The snaps and crackles from the bonfire and the chirps and howls of the forest were no match for the deafening silence among the group. Rafa’s back was to Miri, but all eyes were seemingly on him. Slowly, he turned around, finding Miri standing in the same spot they’d been sitting in, having a delightful conversation only minutes earlier.
The orange flames shining upon her did little to hide the redness in her cheeks. She stared straight at him, her eyes wide, before glancing among the crowd. A few people looked away, unwilling to meet either of their gazes. Others watched with curiosity behind their smirks. Rafa had been on a lot of jobs and had witnessed lots of drama—but none where he was one of the main culprits.
“Miri…I—” Rafa said, reaching out his arm like he couldtouch her even though she was a solid ten feet away by that point. But the words got stuck in his throat.
I’m sorry?
I didn’t mean it?
I hate to inform you, but behind those googly eyes are my attempts to subvert you on this expedition until you give up?
Time slowed to a near standstill until someone snickered, snapping Miri and Rafa back to reality. With that, Miri spun around and ran into the darkness toward the cabins. Rafa set his camera down and started after her as Felix and Logan cheered, covering their mouths like they had just witnessed the biggest Hail Mary in all of sports. Perfect. He’d never hear the end of this.
“You’re an asshole,” Rafa said to Jerry before running toward Miri.
“Miri, wait!” he called out as she reached the bottom stair on the way to the raised walkway.
With a swift movement, she spun around and placed her hand on his chest like a school crossing guard. He glanced down at her hand.What the—?
“Don’t,” she said.
“Don’t?” He furrowed his brow.
“I need you to back off, Rafa.”
“Back off?” Rafa asked, cocking back his head. “What do you think I’ve beendoingthese last two weeks?”
“Who do we think we’re kidding here? You heard Jerry.”
“And that’s somehowmyfault?”
“I can’t do this right now,” she said, rubbing her temple. “Go back, Rafa. And please don’t follow me.”
With that, she raced up the stairs, leaving Rafa standing inthe darkness by himself.Fuck this shit.He debated following her anyway. But when he glanced back at the group, he saw them all watching him. Watchingthem. The last thing he needed was to give them a show. So instead, he headed back to the fire circle and plopped down next to Rahim before snagging the bottle and taking a swig of whatever the guys had been drinking.
“Sorry about that,” Felix said, casting Rafa an apologetic look. “We shouldn’t have behaved that way.”
“It’s fine,” Rafa said. Well, not really, but by the looks on their faces, the guys certainly seemed remorseful.
“Is Dr. Jacobs pissed?” Felix asked. “Because shelookedpissed.”
“Nah,” Rafa said, waving his hand. As if it wasn’t already obvious. “I’m sure she knows it was all in good fun.”
“So has this been going on since the boat?” Logan asked.
“What do you mean, the boat?” Rafa said, taking his camera, which he’d set on a tree-stump-turned-seat, quickly turning it off and regretting ever handing it over in the first place.
“In the boat. You two were kissing, right?”
Rafa shushed him and put out his hands as if tamping down the discussion. “Keep your voices down.”
