“As soon as I get Bob to mix me a drink.”
I carried popcorn in each hand, making it difficult to navigate my way back through the thickening crowd. Both cartons were half empty by the time I reached my destination.
“How come you didn’t fill them up?” Gilda asked, taking a handful.
“Between spilling some and people helping themselves as I passed by, this is all that’s left. Are any of you sweating? My drink went straight to my head, and it’s so hot in here.” I fanned myself with a menu, but that wasn’t enough, so I fished an ice cube out of my glass and wedged it into my bra.
Teddy sauntered over to our table holding two tall glasses with lime slices hugging the rims and placed one in front of me. “Cheers.”
“Of all the gin joints near all the sleepaway camps in all the world, I’m glad you walked into mine,” I said. “Thanks for the drink, but I think I’ve had enough.”
“Nonsense. Bob made it specially for you.”
“Where’s my special drink?” Gilda asked.
“Why it’s right over there behind the bar.” Teddy pointed at Bob.
“You smartass Brit, you think you’re so clever,” Gilda said. “Ladies, I’m going to get us some special drinks from behind the bar.”
Teddy slipped onto Gilda’s seat. We were trying to chat, but it was hard to hear over the din of the crowd and the music from the jukebox.
Teddy emptied his glass, banged it on the table, and whispered in my ear, “I’m going outside for some fresh air, care to join me?”
I knew he was going for a smoke. I slithered off my stool and offered it to Gilda, who had returned, impressively carrying three sweaty glasses.
“Where are you guys going?” Gilda asked, placing the drinks on the table.
“To get some fresh air,” Teddy answered.
As I stepped down, I heard Bethany say, “I’ve known Ted for years, and he’s never asked me to get some fresh air.”
We walked out the side door, and I took a deep breath. Inhaling the cool summer breeze, I immediately felt better. It was a clear, cloudless night with endless twinkling stars. I followed Teddy through the parking lot, away from the glare of the streetlights and into the darkness. Once my eyes adjusted, I saw movement in the shadows.
Genie was pressed up against Connor, whose hands were exploring her body. Hers were resting comfortably on his ass. I was worried that she would see me, but she was totally engrossed. We passed no less than six other couples in varying stages of intimacy.
“There are too many eyes here,” Teddy said.
“Yeah, but they’re all closed.”
“Nonetheless, let’s go out to the street where only the townies will see us.”
We were in the alleyway alongside the diner when he lit us up.
I wavered for a second but decided to tell Teddy how close I came to almost burning down my cabin. I spilled the details in what seemed like one endless breath of confession.
“Wow, all of that really happened, and no one knows about it?”
“I feel a huge sense of relief telling you.”
“What are you going to do about it?”
“Funny you should ask. Come with me.” I led him to the front of the diner that was closed for the night. “Those curtains in the window are exactly like the ones in my room.”
“I can practically see your brain pulsing through your skull. What are you thinking?”
“I haven’t quite figured out the details.” I walked over to a window to see if it was locked. Then walked to the side of the building.
“What’re you doing?”
