We joined Bethany and Gilda at their high-top table, perfect for people watching, particularly the body language of the flirtatious counselors.
“Look at Genie, she looks so happy chatting up Connor. He’s the lifeguard she’s been talking about,” I said.
“All the girls are talking about him,” Bethany said.
“Genie said she planned on losing her virginity to him,” I said.
“If I was picking a guy to lose my virginity to, he would be in the top ten.” Bethany eyed him up and down. “Make that top five.”
“Well, that ship has long sailed for all us broads,” Gilda said.
“The fantasies never stop,” Bethany said. “I’m spending my summer marooned on a mountain surrounded by beautiful, young, chiseled bodies, and I don’t have my man here to satisfy me.” Bethany sighed.
Gilda grimaced. “Personally, I have no problem taking the summer off from my husband. I don’t have to feed him or cleanup after him or kiss him for that matter. At camp I have people cooking and cleaning for me.”
“Anyone here you’re looking to kiss?” Bethany asked Gilda.
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’ve already got one guy I avoid.”
“Whether or not we’re having sex, I’m pretty sure that there’s lots of sex happening right under our noses. Just look around this room,” Mindy said.
I caught Genie’s eye, and she waved at me. I smiled and winked. She blushed.
We were gossiping about who we thought was hooking up with whom when Nicole stopped by our table. I had barely seen her since my first day when she signed me in and handed me off to “Sir Theodore.”
“Ladies, look how handsome my man looks behind the bar.” Bob winked at her, and she grinned like the Cheshire Cat. “He’s so stoked when he gets to do that.”
“Nicole’s gonna get her kicks tonight,” Bethany sang.
Nicole turned a deep red. “Am I that obvious?”
“Hey, you’re lucky to have your husband here. We got bupkes. It’s your duty to enjoy yourself. Someone should be having fun, and since it’s not gonna be one of us, it may as well be you,” Bethany said.
The gin went straight to my head while my stomach was running on empty. I got up to get some popcorn from the old-fashioned popper at the other end of the room. The bar was packed, and the musky scent of pheromones was pervasive. Sex was literally in the air. I bumped and squished my way through the crowd, stopped several times by counselors who seemed surprised that I was drinking in the same establishment as they were.
“Lori, it’s so weird that you’re here. It’s like I’m partying with my mother,” Jasmine said.
“Well, the good news is that I’m not gonna rat you out to your father, but the bad news is I’m not paying for your drinks.”
That got a laugh from the cute tennis coach whose arm was around her shoulder. I kept moving until I was stopped by my cabinmate, Di.
“Look at you, Lori, all hot in that tight white jean skirt and slinky purple tank top. I like this look on you,” she said. “I’m gonna have to raid your closet.”
“It looks better than boxy gym shorts and T-shirts, that’s for sure—although I gotta say that stuff is much more comfortable.” I tugged at my skirt, noticing my muffin top had disappeared. “Where’s that tall, handsome baseball coach you’ve been seeing?”
“He’s over there, talking with some of his mates.”
Four attractive guys were huddled together, swigging beers. It looked like they were wearing their social uniforms: polos in various loud colors; collars up with a pony, lizard, or penguin logo; and jeans slung so low that their boxers were sticking out.
I continued my push through the masses when Genie grabbed my arm and pulled me close. “Isn’t Connor the most gorgeous guy you’ve ever laid eyes on?”
“I must admit you have very good taste in men. Has it happened yet?” I asked.
“I’m hoping tonight.” She was all dimples. She smiled and winked, and I blushed.
I was scooping popcorn into a red and white striped carton when Teddy tapped me on the shoulder.
“Hey, come join us in the back,” I said, nodding to our table.
