“Of course,” Zephyr said. A hint of amusement tinged his voice. “Given your strong opinions on the matter back when thecamp first opened, I wouldn’t dream of hiring anyone without consulting you first. I’m sure you’ll find a suitable candidate.”
“Indeed.” Conleth regained some of his previous confident aura, though Paige thought it seemed a little forced. “I already have someone in mind. Well, then. Consider this my verbal resignation as camp manager. Effective immediately.”
“Accepted.” Zephyr reached for the contract. “And also, congratulations. You’re hired.”
“Oh, no.” Leonie slapped her hand over the paper before Zephyr could touch it. “As head counselor, I have the right to decide who joins my team. And I haven’t agreed to anything yet.”
Zephyr raised an eyebrow at her. “I seem to recall you telling Conleth that he should have more involvement with the campers. On almost a daily basis, in fact.”
Leonie hesitated. “Yes, but?—”
“Do you have reason to believe he is unsuitable for this role?” Zephyr interrupted. “That he wouldn’t be completely dedicated to the wellbeing of any children under his care?”
Leonie ground her teeth, but answered, “No. Of course not.”
Zephyr nodded. “And in your professional opinion, is he capable of being a good counselor?”
“I really hate you sometimes,” Leonie informed him.
Zephyr’s mouth curved in a slight smile. “Your honest answer, please.”
“Fine. Yes, he could be a good counselor.” Leonie glared at Conleth. “Ifsomeone reins him in when he’s being an insufferable horse’s ass.”
“I believe his co-counselor will be more than capable of keeping him in line.” Zephyr picked up a pen. “It seems we are in agreement, then.”
“Wait,” Paige started, but Zephyr’s pen was already moving. She could only stew in helpless fury as he scrawled a zig-zag, untidy signature.
“There.” Zephyr tucked the completed contract away in his desk. “Now, I believe you’re all due at counselor training. If there’s nothing else…?”
There was a great deal more Paige would have liked to say, but none of it would have done any good. She followed Leonie out of the office, all too aware of Conleth falling into step next to her.
Paige glared up at him. “I hope you’re happy.”
“Actually, no.” He released a breath. “That did not entirely go as I planned.”
“Well, you’ve made one thing easier for me, at least.” The only emotion left in her chest now was pure, burning rage. “I may be stuck with you for now, but at the end of the summer, we’re through. I’m going to walk away without a backward glance.”
A muscle tightened in his jaw. “That’s a risk I have to take.”
“Why?” She rounded on him, blocking his way. “You must know I’m not going to forgive you for this. What on earth are you hoping to accomplish?”
His mouth crooked up, a hint of that inexplicable, infuriating confidence returning. “You’ll see.”
CHAPTER 11
“Come on, Beth.” Estelle tugged at the older girl’s arm, glancing around nervously. “If any of the staff see us, we’re going to be insomuch trouble.”
“Since when has that ever bothered you?” Beth shook her off. “Finley, what are they doing now?”
Finley peered through the window, staying low so that only his eyes and braided cornrows would be visible from inside. “I think they’ve moved on to the ‘honest compliments’ exercise. All the counselors are sitting in pairs, facing each other. I can see Conleth and Paige. I can’t make out his face, but… it looks like he’s talking. A lot.”
“What about Paige?” Beth asked.
“Uh, she’s just sitting there.” Finley glanced at Rufus, who was crouching next to him. “Rufus, can you read her lips? Is she saying anything?”
The other boy stared intently into the hall. After a second, he shook his head.
Beth let out a groan, sliding to sit on the ground with her head in her hands. “Oh, that’s not good.”
