“More like overbearing and controlling.”
“Probably acts the same way you do training interns.” Logan shrugged. “Isn’t it tough—trying to teach ’em stuff while alsomaking sure they don’t kill anyone? Don’t you have to be firm with them?”
Joseph harrumphed.
“Ever seen the movie City Slickers?” Logan said. “She’s Curly, and we’re the dummies who don’t know poison ivy from arugula.”
Tess’s bark of laughter caused them all to look her way. Joseph’s face reddened, having been caught bad-mouthing her—again. Logan smiled. And winked. Apparently aware she’d been eavesdropping.
Tess spent the rest of the morning teaching compass skills, and after a trail mix lunch, they started chores.
“We’re splitting up for the afternoon,” Tess announced. She pulled a piece of paper from her back pocket. “Ashton and Carter, you’re fishing. Grayson and Joseph, you’re collecting firewood. Logan, you’re with me. We’re gonna hunt for berries.”
“I’d rather go with you,” Carter said. There was flirtation in his voice, and she was tempted to rearrange the pairs. He was cute, talented, and funny, but she didn’t get involved with campers. Especially notduringthe campout!
“I picked the teams at random,” she said. “Don’t worry. You’ll have a chance to pick berries later.”
“Focus on the fish, brah,” Grayson said. “We’re counting on you for food tonight.”
“All right,” Tess said. “Grayson and Joseph, kindlingandwood. Take the ax. There should be plenty of felled trees to chop up. We need enough for several hours. Pro tip, rather than carrying the logs back, use one of the tarps to drag ’em.”
Joseph’s mildly pissed off look showed he really didn’t like being told what to do or how to do it. But Grayson saluted and slapped Joseph’s arm. “We got this. Come on.”
“Don’t forget about the drop-off,” Tess called after them, then turned to Logan. “You ready?”
“I’ll grab a couple of buckets,” he said.
“Good luck, fishermen,” she said with a wave. Logan fell in behind her as she marched off into the woods.
It was a warm day, and within a few minutes, they’d both shed their sweatshirts.
“So, how many of these have you done?” he asked as they walked.
“The regular weekend ones, a ton. But this weeklong thing is new. This is only the second one actually. First of this season.”
“Was I right about you feeling like Curly?”
This was the third time they’d shared a reference to an old movie. She laughed. “As a matter of fact, yes.”
“The eighties had the best movies, didn’t it?”
“And songs,” she agreed. “It was an awesome era.”
They found the berry bushes and began picking. “So, what do you do, Logan?”
“I thought business talk was optional?”
“It is,” she said. “You don’t have to answer.”
“Well, I’m not a professional basketball player, heart surgeon, or tech titan.”
“I sense bitterness. You got somethin’ against rich people?”
“No.” He huffed. “Although, money and power do turn some guys into assholes.”
“I’m sure you’re not talking about Joseph.” It was unprofessional to talk crap about another camper, but Logan seemed cool, and old Joe was getting on her nerves.
“Of course not.” He smiled.
