“I’ve never described it as such, but you’re right. It is charming.”
No. You know what is charming, Mr. Greer? Those fucking dimples.
“Dr. Parsons has worked at the center for as long as it’s been open. He has his own home, but he stays in the cabin next to mine during the summers, as it can get a little hectic.”
“I need to be up-front. I’m not really looking for this to be a full-time thing.”
He nods once, like he’s not surprised. “I appreciate the transparency. I figured as much. A city girl like you?—”
“Excuse me,” I interrupt with mock offense. “I will do just fine out here.” I may have been fed with a silver spoon, but my brother and I have made sure we never act like it. “If I worked forthe summer, would that give you enough time to find a replacement?”
“It should.”
“Would I stay in the cabin you mentioned?”
I wonder what it looks like. If the lobby is any indication of the vibes around here, it’s presumably nice.
“Yes, the job requires you to live on the property for the summer. Is that a problem?”
“Not at all,” I reply in earnest. “So did you grow up around here?”
He rubs the top of his thigh, the action snagging my attention, and I can’t help but track the light blond hair on his muscular legs. “I’m originally from California.”
I smack a hand to my head. “I knew that.” For a second I forgot he was Millie’s brother. “You moved in high school, right?”
“Mm-hmm. My sister and I were so angry when our dad got a job on the east coast. I didn’t want to leave Southern California for the Concrete Jungle. But I eventually found my way outside the city. While Daisy Lake isn’t exactly the Pacific Ocean, it’s home now.” He smiles. This one is smaller, without dimples, but it’s endearing. “I don’t see myself ever leaving.”
The property is more impressive than I imagined. I expected the buildings to be old and rustic, but from what I’ve seen while Asher has shown me around, it’s remarkably similar to the all-inclusive resorts in Europe where my family vacationed when I was a kid.
A variety of A-frame log cabins are sprinkled between larger buildings. The gymnasium is well-maintained and the smalltheater is quaint. The place even has an Olympic-size pool, splash pad, and water slides.
As we continue, Asher points in the direction of the art studio. A little thrill runs through me at the idea of checking it out, but he guides me toward the clinic instead.
Inside, we’re greeted by a casually dressed man with a smile that could light up the world. He introduces himself as Dr. Parsons. His gray hair and laugh lines suggest he’s in his seventies.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Parsons. I’m Claire.”
The woman with him steps forward, holding out her hand. “And I’m Jessica.”
“Dr. Love fills in for Dr. Parsons from time to time.” Asher informs me.
“Think of me as the on-call gal.” She winks.
Asher laughs beside me. “If you keep calling yourself that, people will get the wrong idea about this place. Especially with that last name.”
A light laugh bubbles out of me. Oh, she’s funny. I like her.
Jessica waves a dismissive hand at Asher, her eyes crinkling good-naturedly.
“What do you do when you’re not at the camp?” I ask.
“I do telehealth from home and help out with my grandbabies when I can.” She whips out her phone in true grandmotherly fashion and shows me the image of two young children covered in bath bubbles on her lock screen.
“You don’t look old enough to be a grandma.”
“I know.” She flips her dark red hair behind her shoulder, her eyes twinkling with humor. “I’m more like aGlamma.” She preens.
With a shake of his head and a small smile, Asher side-hugs the woman like they’re old friends. “Dr. Love is a lifesaver whenDr. Parsons is away or on leave. I’m sure you two will hit it off,” he says, as if the job is already mine.
