I bit my lip to keep from groaning.
"I’ll think about it. I love you, Em. Thanks for talking to me." It was said through gritted teeth.
"We’ll talk again soon?"
"Yeah, we’ll talk soon. Love ya."
"Love ya."
I hung up and let my phone fall onto my chest. For a moment, I just sat there, stretched awkwardly across the backseat of my car. The sun was coming up over the pines now, warming the inside of the car and reminding me I had somewhere to be.
The Wellness Fair.
My spine cracked in three places as I climbed from the back into the front seat to drive. “Maybe Emily’s right,” I muttered as my hands gripped the wheel. “Maybe I am not cut out for car camping.”
I started the car and pulled out of the turnout overlooking the lake.
Within a few minutes, I turned into Pine Ridge Park, where brightly colored tents popped up across the grass. People were walking dogs, the fire department was unloading equipment, and a group of teenagers were arranging orange cones on the street for some kind of fitness event.
I read the names on the tents as I drove by and saw chiropractors, optometrists, a pilates studio, an acupuncture clinic—there were even some hair salons and a local vet. And then I finally spotted a big white canopy with SUMMIT DENTAL printed across the top in navy blue.
I parked along the outer edge of the park, threw my hair into a ponytail, and climbed out of the car. My legs screamed in protest after sleeping in a bunched-up position all night.
I shut the door and started across the grass when someone called my name.
“Hope?”
I turned to see Tyler jogging across the grass toward me, carrying a big box of toothbrush goodie bags.
“You made it,” he said, sounding pleasantly surprised. “I was worried about you last night with you sleeping in your car and all. Did you get any sleep?”
“A little,” I said, giving him a weak smile.
“Well, the offer still stands if you want my room,” he said teasingly with a little nudge. We started across the grass toward our tent.
“Thank you, I really do appreciate the offer. I just really don’t want to impose.”
He nodded as we stepped under the shade of the tent flap. “I get it. Just let me know if you change your mind. Come on, help me set up.”
Everyone else was already there. Erica, Jenn, and Jay were a few feet away at the screening section. His back was turned to me, and so all I could see were his navy scrubs and dark brown waves. I quickly averted my gaze and saw Shelby and Devin working on laying out pamphlets for people to take. Then there was the demonstration table where the Flossy Posse would be working.
Tyler led me over to the brushing demo, where Macey was already arranging giant plastic mouth models.
“There she is!” Macey said. “And only moderately looking like a zombie.”
I attempted a smile. “Thank you… I think.”
Macey handed me an oversized toothbrush. “Come on, you’re on toothpaste removal duty.”
I laughed despite myself as Macey launched into a ridiculous demonstration about brushing in little circles. It didn’t take long for a group of kids to gather around, giggling as they took turns using the giant toothbrush. Tyler was adorable with them. One playfully hit him on the head with one of the giant brushes, and he did a very impressive falling-to-his-death demonstration.
“You’ve slayed me with the toothbrush of power.” Tyler grunted and slumped into a faux stillness, pretending they’d gotten the best of him.
I spent most of my time wiping off the models with bright turquoise toothpaste, but I actually found it enjoyable. Doing something out of my usual routine felt nice. Getting outside, enjoying the last bits of summer, watching people talk and be friendly to one another. It was oddly healing. I had been so stuck inside my head lately that getting out and doing something for other people was exactly what I needed.
About an hour later, when the kids had left and our station got a little less busy, Macey nudged me with her elbow. “Look at Jay over there.”
I followed her gaze to see Jay talking to an older woman wearing a knitted sunflower sweater and a hot pink visor. The woman touched his arm as she spoke, and Jay nodded, listening attentively as she pointed toward something on her phone.
