“I admit I have trouble expressing myself, but Marilyn and I want you to know how much we appreciate you keeping the campers safe and happy.”
Those were the first kind words I’d heard from Jack since I’d gotten to camp. I whispered in Mindy’s ear, “Did you tell them to act civilized?”
She mimed zipping her lips.
Jack and Marilyn walked through the room, personally thanking everyone.
“Lori, we think you’re doing a fantastic job. My instincts were right on target when we met. You’re a great addition to Woodlands,” Jack pumped my hand as he spoke.
I wanted to point out how disrespectful he had been the other day, but frankly, sometimes it was smarter to keep my mouth shut. “I appreciate the compliment.” I held up my plate. “And the sushi.”
When the Bergers left, Bob stood by the window watching them walk to their house. “They’ve closed the cottage door. We can relax.”
There was a collective exhalation and nervous giggles. The atmosphere in the room instantly felt lighter, the chatter grew louder, and people began laughing.
Teddy strode toward the door.
“Where’re you going?” I asked.
“I’ll be back in a jiffy.”
Bethany and Mindy were right behind him.
Teddy returned, balancing a case of Heineken on his shoulder. He stopped at my side and whispered, “Meet me tonight?”
“I’m not feeling well. Can we meet tomorrow?”
I was surprised by how disappointed he looked. “Sorry you’re ill. Is there something I can do?”
“Nothing a good night’s sleep won’t cure.”
“Tomorrow it is.”
Bethany carried a shopping bag full of jungle juice and gin. Within minutes everyone had a beer or cocktail in hand.
Abby whispered, “I’ve had enough fun for one day. I’m going to bed.”
“Okay, I’m going to have one drink and call it a night.”
I joined Teddy and Bob.
“How are things going for you guys?” I asked.
“I don’t know about Bob, but trip day always leaves me knackered. It’s nice to be here with everybody knocking down a few beers,” Teddy said.
“Trip day being over is huge. We successfully made it past the first big milestone of the season,” Bob said.
“I don’t understand,” I said.
“A third of camp is over.”
I laughed.
“What’s so funny?” he asked.
“I thought only my homesick campers counted down the days, and it turns out the head of Boys Camp, a self-proclaimed lifelong camper, is doing the same thing.”
“It’s not about drawing an X on the calendar. For me, it putsinto perspective how much time I have left to achieve the goals I’ve set for myself this summer,” Bob said.
