“Did he like his cabin?” Mom added.
“Did he carry his bags like he was starring in a calendar photo shoot?” Violet asked.
I glared. “I don’t know. I didn’t stare at him while he carried them.”
“Yes, you did,” Violet said.
Mom nodded. “You absolutely did.”
My jaw dropped. “I did not. I was being polite.”
“You were ogling.” Violet popped a blueberry into her mouth. “Respectfully. But definitely ogling.”
I hunched over the coffee. “Why should I be expected to process anything rationally right now? My family snuck a new guide into the lodge like he was a surprise birthday cake.”
Mom stirred her pot with suspicious enthusiasm. “We were going to tell you.”
“When? After he moved into my room?” I asked.
Violet winced. “Okay, fair point. But we didn’t want to tell you before you got home because then you’d spiral alone in Alaska and sulk in the snow.”
“I do not sulk in the snow.”
Violet raised both eyebrows.
I corrected myself. “I do not sulkoftenin the snow.”
Mom gave a thoughtful nod, as if making a mental note. “Once a week, tops.”
I pressed my palms to my cheeks. “Why didn’t anyone ask me first?”
Violet’s teasing faded into something gentle. “Because you only got home last night. You haven’t stopped moving since the second you stepped off the plane. We didn’t want to swamp you with decisions.”
Mom tapped the spatula on the pot’s edge. “And because you would’ve said no even if it was the right choice.”
I scowled. “I like being busy.”
“You like being in control,” Violet said. “Which is great, except when you are one missed snack break away from becoming feral, and we’ve had to turn bookings away because we just didn’t have the slots. You’re only one person, Sienna.”
“Plus, you’re a little…” Violet stopped herself.
“I am not feral.”
“Sienna,” Violet said, “I watched you chase a raccoon across the yard last fall because it tried to steal one of your trekking poles.”
“Itdidsteal it,” I said defensively.
Mom finally turned from the stove with a bowl of whatever she’d been making and grabbed a mixing bowl. “You take on too much. We needed someone to help you. We hired a professional. Not a replacement.”
I didn’t answer.
Because the truth was painful and small inside my chest. I was proud of the work I did at the lodge. I loved being in charge of the trails and guiding guests. I loved leading sunrise hikes, identifying wildflowers, and teaching people how to avoid getting eaten by wolves. I didn’t want anyone stepping into my space.
I didn’t want to be seen as someone who needed help.
Violet nudged my elbow. “Hey. You okay?”
“No.” I blew out a breath. “Yes. I don’t know. I just thought I was doing fine. I didn’t think anyone was worried.”
