Now definitely wasn’t the time to tell him about Conleth’s theory. Archie wouldn’t like the idea that the two of them might have something in common. “I know he’s still not your favorite person, but he’s doing everything he can to help us all. I wish you’d see that.”
His only response to this was a sullenwhateverkind of shrug. She sighed, leaving that as a fight for another day.
“Look, I know something you can do,” she said, hoping that he’d perk up if she gave him a task. “When Mom gets here, can you make sure to show her how much you enjoy camp?”
“Huh?” Archie jerked his head up. “Why?”
“I just…really want her to have a good impression of this place.”
He squinted at her suspiciously. “Is this whole Parents Day thing another one of Conleth’s weird plans?”
“Kind of,” she admitted. “Though it was my idea, too. It’s complicated. Promise you’ll be on your best behavior, okay? It’s important.”
“Okay,” Archie said slowly. “I promise.”
CHAPTER 34
Conleth scrutinized the welcome banner draped above the entrance to the camp. “Does that look crooked to you?”
Leonie rolled her eyes. “Conleth, it’s fine.”
“I just think the left side is a little higher than the right. We should check. I’ll go get the tape measure.”
“If you whip out a tape measure, you’re going to find it extended somewhere extremely uncomfortable.” Leonie brandished her clipboard, shooing him away from the entrance. “It doesn’t matter if the banner isn’t level. The parents are coming to see their kids, not the decorations.”
“But we want to make a good first impression.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Did you check that the arts and crafts displays are set up?”
“Yes, Conleth,” Leonie said patiently, or at least as patiently as one could expect for someone who had already been asked this question multiple times in the past hour. “And I made sure every single camper has at least one piece on show. It all looks great.”
“And all the counselors and activity leaders know the schedule?”
“Yes, Conleth. Everyone’s been briefed.” Under her breath, she added, “Some of us multiple times.”
“What about the cabins? The kids will want to show their parents around. Did all the counselors make sure the campers tidied their dorms this morning?”
“I checked every cabin myself. They’re all spotless. I’d say the kids are just as eager for everything to be perfect as you are, but I’m not sure that’s actually possible.” She tapped her clipboard. “Calmdown, Conleth. I’ve got this. I don’t know the real reason you were so determined to hold a Parents’ Day, but I’ll make sure it’s a success.”
“Thanks, Leonie.” On impulse, he hugged her, clipboard and all. “You’re a good friend.”
“And you’re a frequently maddening morally gray mastermind.” She hugged him back. “But you’re our morally gray mastermind, and we love you. So don’t mess this up.”
“I thought you said you were going to make sure today was a success.”
“I wasn’t talking about today.” She released him, giving him a firm push toward the camp buildings. “I’ve still got a bucket with your name on it, remember. Now go find your mate.”
He shifted, taking to the air. As always, it felt better to be in motion, the rush of the wind drowning out the agitated storm of his thoughts. He took a minute to circle the camp grounds, checking that everything was in order.
Even on opening day, the camp hadn’t looked this fresh and new. Cabins sparkled in the sunlight, every porch and rail swept and scrubbed. Kids were everywhere, falling over themselves to help their counselors set out sports equipment on the playing fields or carry logs to the campfire pits. An almost palpable sense of anticipation hung in the air.
It was hard to believe that a mere five years ago, this had been a muddy mess of half-finished buildings and safetybarriers. Now, the camp looked like it had always been here; a haven of laughter and friendship, set between the mountain and the lake. The whole place had never seemed so inviting.
Let’s hope it’s enough.
His own campers were helping to set out picnic blankets near the dining hall, under Paige’s supervision. With a last glance over the camp to make sure nothing seemed about to collapse, catch fire, or otherwise ruin the day, he spiraled down to join them.
“Hey, cheer up, Ig,” Estelle was saying as Conleth shifted back to human form. “It sucks that your family can’t be here, but you can hang out with mine. I can’t wait for you to meet my dad!”
“The cooks have made all kinds of special treats for the cookout,” Finley said encouragingly. “And there are all sorts of games and competitions throughout the afternoon.”
