AllFreeNovel
Share Us
What was he—
“WINNERS.” The air horn sounded again, and a chorus of loud cheers cut through the tension.
The other team had reached the other side of the lake.
They had won.
Our team had lost.
Only I had a sinking feeling I’d lost more than just my pride and a silly competition.
* * *
After watching the instructors’ team crowned as Camp Chance champions, I returned to the cabin to dry out, and to escape Blake.
His efforts to avoid me all week had told me one thing, but when he looked at me after saving me from drowning in the lake, his eyes told me something completely different.
Marissa was right; I needed to talk to him.
Before we left tomorrow, I needed to clear the air even if I didn’t like the outcome.
I showered quickly and changed into a dry pair of shorts, a tank, and my blue camp hoodie. My bag was all packed, resting against the wall. Glancing around the room, sadness settled heavily in my chest. I sure was going to miss this place.
The last ten weeks had tested me, exhausted me, but most of all strengthened me. I still had a ways to go until I would completely heal—if that was even possible—but I was no longer the scared, meek girl I had been. And despite throwing me for a loop in the beginning, even Blake’s presence had given me a chance to face some of the ghosts of my past.
When I returned to Columbus, I was finally going to exorcise my demons.
“There you are.” Marissa slipped into the cabin and smiled. “What have you been doing all this time?”
“Getting dry,” I said sarcastically.
“Are you okay? Sheridan said you panicked. I didn’t realize.”
“I’m fine.” I sat down on the edge of the bed.
“I was thinking it might not be a bad idea to pack now, after all.” Marissa blushed, something I didn’t think I’d ever seen her do. “You know, in case, well, in case anything happens tonight.”
“You mean in case Sam finally gives in to your advances?” I quipped, and she grinned.
“Exactly.”
I admired her tenacity, even if I thought she was wasting her time.
“Give me a hand with my stuff?” she asked.
I glanced at her side of the room. There were clothes strewn everywhere. “Sure, I guess.”
“Thanks, and then we can head over to the fire. Troy is grilling tonight.”
Forty minutes later, Marissa’s bag had joined mine by the door, and we headed to the campfire.
“I’m going to talk to him tonight,” I said with more confidence than I felt.
“You should. You can’t leave things the way they are, babe, you’ll regret it. Maybe he just got cold feet? You know how guys are like when they’re overwhelmed.”
I didn’t, but I didn’t tell Marissa that. Just as I didn’t tell her the real reason Blake had spent the whole week giving me the cold shoulder.
The crackle of the fire grew louder as we cut through the trees to the campfire. Everyone had gathered around to enjoy a celebratory beer, and Troy was at the half-drum grilling burgers and steaks.
