Teddy had a huge grin on his face. “I can’t wait to hear what you said to him.”
“I told him, ‘The last person to call me a good girl was my father when I was about ten. I would prefer it if you don’t treat me like a child.’”
Teddy said, “Good for you.”
“I was glad I called him out just to see the look of surprise on his face. Then his lips curled into a sinister smile. He looked me in the eye and said, ‘No one here has ever spoken to me that way.’”
“I love that you didn’t back down.”
“I said, ‘In what way, honestly and truthfully? Because that’s all you’re ever going to get from me.’ Then he said, ‘No one challenges me. It might be interesting to have someone question my authority. Just don’t do it in front of any of the staff.’”
Teddy clapped. “Well played, Kramer. Well played.”
“Now I have to remember not to call you Teddy or question Jack’s authority in front of anyone.” I held up my cigarette. “And of course we don’t smoke together every night behind the laundry shack.” I took a drag. “That’s a lot of pressure. Anyway, I don’t know what to do about Jamie. She hates skating.”
“Take a photo of Jamie at the skatepark, ask Anya to load it on the website, and like magic”—he snapped his fingers—“Jamie’s a skater.”
It was refreshing to have someone actually listen to what I said and offer useful advice. “Thanks.” The slight breeze picked up the scent of detergent through the open window of the laundry shack mixing with cigarette smoke. “The smell of doing the wash. I don’t miss that. One of the benefits of working at camp—no chores.” I took another drag. “Another thing I like is that each day is different here. Keeps me on my toes, or should I say skates—having to be prepared for the unexpected.”
“Woodlands has always been my sanctuary, especially since my marriage fell apart. And as you said, you never know who or what will change your life on any given day.” He smiled at me.
“My home life has become so predictable, eating the same thing for dinner every Thursday night. This job is the most exciting thing that’s happened to me in years. I guess that’s what happens after fifteen years of marriage. Everything becomes routine, even sex.” Until I said that out loud, I hadn’t realized it bothered me.
“Sex is easy. It’s the love part that’s difficult. With my ex, we couldn’t get either right.”
We smoked in silence.
“What about here at camp? You must be popular with the counselors,” I said.
He smiled. “Of course, when I was in my twenties and early thirties, I had a great time.”
“I bet. A different woman every night?”
“No, I’m not like that. I’d take my time to find someone I connected with, you know, a person you could have a conversation with after shagging.”
I laughed. “The only time I’ve ever heard someone use the word shagging was in anAustin Powersmovie.”
Teddy arched an eyebrow.
“So, who’s the lucky woman this summer?” I asked.
He looked me in the eye, turned away, and took a long drag. “Here’s the conundrum, I’m old enough to be the father of every counselor here.”
“True, but I’m sure there’s someone who appreciates a mature man.”
He snickered. “The age-appropriate women, like you, are married.”
I couldn’t help thinking,If I weren’t married.And I couldn’t remember a time when I’d felt as comfortable and free talking with Ronnie as I did with Teddy. Ronnie’s and my conversations were about the girls, schedules, and logistics. Every utteranceseemed to be dissected by him as if I were his opposing counsel. Yet another example of how I felt his disdain. I was happy not to be in touch with him. Teddy was watching me, and I came up with something to say. “Making it harder to find a summer dalliance?”
“That’s hardly the reason I come back every year, although it was a nice perk while it lasted.” He smiled. “I’m not looking for a relationship. Life is easier here—no dealing with the ex. I get to hang out with Bob, my best mate. And most importantly, Max is happy here, no bouncing between me and his mother. He can enjoy himself with no outside pressures.”
“What about maybe falling in love again? Finding the right woman? Having more children?”
“I always pictured more children, but there’s never a woman. I’ve resigned myself to just me and Max.”
“I guess it makes sense that you work at a camp where you’re surrounded by children and no romance,” I said.
“I hadn’t thought about it that way, but here I am.”
