“Oh, I almost forgot,” Daniel shouts as we open the office cabin doors. “Welcome to Camp Hollow Pines!”
Chapter Six
“You’re in the woods now,” I quietly mock as we make our way down the path toward the cabins. “I wouldn’t even know how to get a personal driver. What’s with this place?”
“I don’t know, I thought he seemed nice,” Maria replies halfheartedly as she looks back through the gift bag. “Plus, look at these amazing gifts. This place is awesome!”
“Well, you think everyone is nice,” I mumble.
I can feel the sweet summer breeze race over my face. It’s incredible how small the camp actually is. In my head, I pictured an extensive area with an enormous lake and maybe fifty cabins, one of them preferably having long-lost twin sisters in it. This place has around twenty cabins and resides on one of the smaller lakes in the county. As we walk through the area, I look at every single cabin. Some have their doors wide open to allow the breeze to flow inside. Some have a few people sitting on the steps, talking. A few guests wave at us, which feels friendly and welcoming. I wave back enthusiastically. I’m here to impress, right?
As we pass a few cabins, I see the main hall to my left, and on the right, several white folding chairs piled up near a cluster of maple trees. A couple of people, possibly vendors, are installing some string lights up in the trees. I see Sofia standing under them, pointing and directing them to the perfect spot to put each light. This must be where the ceremony is taking place. It’s barely decorated, but it already looks magical. A pile of birchwood logs is at the end of the path near the lake. Those are probably for the arbor. It’s going to be perfect, I already know it. Of course it is. Just as I am about to call out to Sofia to get her attention, I hear someone scream my name in a high-pitched shriek.
“Isabellita!”
An older woman with short, curly hair undoubtedly dyed a fake red heads in my direction. I can smell her overpowering perfume already. Her bold red lipstick and maroon maxi dress make me think she definitely has a favorite color.
“Who the hell is this?” I whisper to Maria, nudging her ribs.
“It’s Tía Maritza,” she says, laughing. “I know it’s been a while and at least six different facial surgeries since you last saw her. With the new nose, facelift, and Botox, I’m not surprised you don’t recog—Hola, Tía!”
Standing at nearly six feet tall, Maritza could have easily passed for a model. Her cheekbones are high, making her face look gaunt but in a high-fashion way. Despite the work, I can see her crow’s feet peeking through and the dark circles hidden under fillers. I try not to be too surprised at how unrecognizable she is now.
“Tía Maritza! How are you?” I shriek back in the same fashion and lean in quickly for a hug. “You look amazing. What are your secrets?” I laugh with a fake smile. I would never, at any point in my life, be able to afford whatever her secrets are.
“Oh, please, Isa. As if you need any of my secrets. Look at you. You’re gorgeous! I love that dress. Who’s it from?”
This velvet midi-length dress with long sleeves and a scooped neckline comes from a very prestigious and fancy store called Target, actually. But I can’t tell her that. Not when I’ve worked so hard to project the image of success. If they think I’m struggling, the investment will slip through my fingers. The panic rises in my chest, knowing I have mere seconds to answer before it looks too suspicious.
“It’s Calvin Klein,” Maria blurts out.
I shoot a thankful glance at her. I’ve got to keep up the act, no matter what.
“Oh, is it?” Maritza scans my body with her razor-sharp green eyes like a robot trying to discover a secret weapon somewhere on my body. I suddenly feel naked. “I’ve never seen it before. It must be new, then. I love it!”
“Yeah, it’s part of his fall collection,” Maria continues. “Where’s Silvana?” she adds to change the subject.
“She’s somewhere around here, probably tanning by the lake or drinking way too many free daiquiris. Oh my God, Isabellita. It has been so long. We didn’t think you were coming. It really is a surprise to see you here. ¿Y tu mama como esta?”
“She’s not coming,” I say awkwardly. Is she playing dumb? She must know she’s not invited.
“Oh, que pena. That’s too bad. I haven’t seen her in so long too. In fact, since your quinceañera. That was quite the night,” Maritza laughs as she rummages into her purse until she finds her lipstick. It’s Ruby Woo from MAC. I watch as she reapplies it to her full lips that were definitely once pencil thin.
“Actually, I wanted to ask you, and well, everyone, about that night—”
“Aren’t you excited for Sofia? This wedding will be the event of the year, maybe even the decade. Rosita has been working overtime with her to make sure it looks perfect. But you know me. I’ll always find the flaws,” she says, winking. “Que pena that she doesn’t have a father to walk her down the aisle.”
“Yeah, that is a bummer. I know how that feels,” I say softly. “Anyways, about that night, I was wondering if you had any information—”
“Well, chicas. I see an open bar there calling my name, so have fun settling in. See you at dinner, mis niñas.”
We both watch as she saunters away toward one of the three full-service open bars.
“She did it,” Maria whispers.
“Did what?” I look over at her, confused.
“She’s the killer. In the parlor room, with a Ruby Woo lipstick canister.”
