Maggie and Abby had tears streaming down their faces from laughing so hard.
I watched the trajectory of the bra as it spiraled into the crowd. People were tripping over each other to catch it as if it were the home run–winning ball at a World Series. I couldn’t tell who nabbed it and wondered if I’d ever see it again. At least it was clean.
Abby handed me her hoodie. “Here, put this on. It’s apparent that you’re cold.”
Gilda found me once again. “I hate making a fool of myself even though I always manage to. But you, you don’t seem to mind.”
“Thanks. I think.”
“What I mean is that you’re good at it—you intentionally make people laugh.”
I excused myself. I wanted to tell Roger how great he was, but then Ted appeared in front of me, my bra dangling from his finger. “I believe this belongs to you.”
I took it, balling it in my fist. “Did you catch it?”
“No, but I made sure to retrieve it before it ended up flying from the flagpole tomorrow morning.”
I hoped it was too dark for him to see me blush. “How very gallant of you.”
He had a playful smile. “I’m glad you took my advice seriously.”
“And that was?”
“Have fun and be campy.”
9Rise and Shine
There was a buzz of anticipation in the dining hall. The campers were due to arrive in less than an hour and everyone was excited. Well, almost everyone. I couldn’t wait to see Zelda and Hazel, but I wasn’t convinced I was prepared to oversee forty-eight eight-year-olds. My stomach was in knots. I could barely swallow any food.
Jack spoke into the microphone, Marilyn at his side. “Marilyn and I want to thank you for your hard work this week preparing for the arrival of the campers. The buses left on time and should be arriving within the next thirty minutes.”
The room erupted in cheers and applause. My mouth went dry, and my stomach somersaulted. I turned toward Abby, who looked panicked. I now knew what I must look like.
“Everyone needs to be wearing their Woodlands collared shirt, green shorts, sneakers, and your nametag. Absolutely no flip-flops. If you don’t know where you’re supposed to be for arrival, please see either Bethany or Bob. This summer is going to be the best summer ever!”
The room exploded once more.
Abby and I instinctively grabbed each other’s hands. Both sets of fingers were ice cold.
“We can do this,” I said, squeezing Abby’s hand for reassurance.
“We have no other choice.” Abby squeezed back.
“If you’re finished with your breakfast, let’s walk the bunks one last time,” Bethany said as we swallowed our last sips of coffee.
I whispered in Abby’s ear, “It’s showtime.”
The DLs followed Bethany and Marilyn to the brightly colored banners hanging over the porch railings of each cabin.
“Have we always had banners?” Marilyn’s head was cocked to one side, her index finger twisting her hair.
“It was Maggie’s idea,” Abby said.
“I don’t think she asked for my approval,” Marilyn said.
Bethany saved the moment. “I think they look great, and I’m sure the girls will love seeing their names on the banners.”
“Yeah, you’re right. Okay, let’s start with the Cubs,” Marilyn said.
