Was it something I said?
I’m freaking out a little here. Are you all right? I regret leaving you like that.
I told your colleagues at the hut. I hope that's all right. I just didn't feel you should be alone.
Within minutes, the zip to my awning growls as it’s tugged open. “Shell?”
I slide open the camper door and step out, under the awning. Oli strides towards me and wraps me in a hug.
“Finn mentioned taking youthere,and you got upset, soI had to come and check on you.” He rubs my back. We’ve been friends forever, and he knows my past.
“I’m okay. I just feel bad for the way I treated Finn. He was trying to do something nice, and I threw it back in his face.” I drop into the flower-power fold-out camping chair.
“Let me make us a pot of tea. Everything is better with sweet tea, like your mom always says.” He fills the kettle with water from the barrel and pops it onto the camping stove in the van while I bury my head in my palms.
“Oli, I feel bad. Should I text him?”
He pops his head out of the open door into the awning where I’m sitting. “He was awfully worried. Kinda sweet.”
I open my phone again and text.
Thank you. It’s nothing you said.
Oli hands me a warm cup of sweet tea. The aroma fills the small space and I relax back in the large canvas chair, blowing on my drink.
“You look really classy in your outfit.” He points to my floaty cover up and linen trousers and cami. “I’m assuming it wasn’t wrinkled when you went out.”
“I’ve just been in bed since he dropped me off. At first, I though it was a sick joke. I wouldn’t put it past the Kilmores, but Finn’s not like that. Is he?”
Oliver perches on top of the cool box. “I think he’s genuine. He has no clue why you hate that place so much.”
“I’m annoyed at myself that I still let it affect me.” Sipping the sweet tea calms my mind. I haven’t eaten since breakfast, but I’m not sure I could stomach food yet.
“You know your boundaries and today you crossed one without being prepared.”
My phone vibrates.
“That him?” Oli asks.
I nod and read the text aloud.
Please let me know if you need anything.
“Awe. That’s kind. He’s a sweetheart.”
“He’s also friends with Chad and his cousin, Bentley. A little arrogant.”
“And hot.” Oli smiles behind his cup of tea, crossing one slender leg over the other.
“Do you want to date him?”
“Nope, I’m perfectly happy with my man. Thank you.”
Everything seems clearer now I’m back in my safe haven, sipping tea with my friend. I just wish I could relax a little. My shoulders are hunched so tight that no amount of CBD oil is going to help. The only solution is to explain everything to Finn.
He may be friends with the Kilmores, and arrogant, and his good looks should come with a warning,may cause flushed cheeks, and ruin panties.But he doesn’t deserve what happened today. I owe him an explanation.
“Do you know where Finn lives?” I wince as I say that out loud.
