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He shrugs casually. “Yeah, I think so. He’s always bragging about all the fun stuff he does with his dad, like fishing, cooking over a campfire, and sleeping in a tent. It sounds awesome, but…”
“But what?” I hedge, trying to gently give him a nudge.
“But I don’t have a dad to do that kinda stuff with,” he rushes to say.
This is the first time I’ve ever heard him talk about this, the first time he’s ever mentioned not having a dad, and it tears at my heart. “You want to go camping, Brody?”
He nods insistently, his eyes a little glassy from emotion. “Will you take me camping? I know you’re not my dad, but…” his voice trails off, and I hear what he doesn’t say.
I may not be his dad, but I’m probably the closest thing he has to one.
My heart beats wildly yet calms at the same time. It’s a wild reaction, and one I don’t want to dive into right now.
Brody’s green eyes reflect a whole mess of emotions. Worry, anticipation, and even embarrassment shine back at me, and I know there’s only one answer I can give. Only one I would give. “Hell, yes, I’ll take you camping.”
He seems slightly stunned for a moment before he asks, “Really?”
“Of course. When?”
“Now?” he asks eagerly, making me laugh.
As if realizing it might not be the best time, he quickly backpedals. “We can go whenever.”
But my mind has already sprung into action. “Actually, this might be a great time to go. I’m supposed to get Logan’s cabin ready for my sister’s arrival next week, so if you don’t mind a little work while we’re enjoying our camping, we can leave this afternoon.”
His eyes light up huge. “Really? I mean, I was pretty sure this weekend was out of the question, but I don’t mind helping you. That’ll be cool, actually,” he says, grinning from ear to ear. Then, just as quickly, that smile falls away. “Oh, wait. I have to work tomorrow at the grocery store.”
“What time?” I ask.
“Two to six.”
“Not a problem, Brody,” I tell him, knowing he appreciates every hour he works at the local grocery store, stocking shelves. He’s always been a big helper to his mom, working what he can between school and practices. “I’ll make sure you’re back in time to work.”
“Thanks,” he replies with a wide smile, suddenly looking so much younger than his seventeen years. There’s an innocence in that grin, laced with a whole lot of happiness.
“You’re welcome. Go on up and pack a bag. You’ll need a few different changes of clothes.”
“And a tent,” Brody says, reaching for the door release.
“We can’t just stay in the cabin?” I ask with a snicker.
“No way, Coach. We need the full camping experience. We’re roughing it for the next twenty-four hours,” he insists.
“All right, your call. I’ve got a tent, blankets, and air mattresses. The cabin already has the campfire equipment there, so we don’t have to worry about that. We can stop by the grocery store and grab some food on our way out of town. Deal?”
“Deal!” he proclaims eagerly. “Wait. What about my mom?”
“Do you want to invite her?” Something flutters in my chest at the thought of sharing a tent and air mattress with Ellie.
He shakes his head. “You know how she is with bugs.”
I chuckle at his comment, because, yes, I know exactly how Ellie feels about bugs. She’s not a fan. “Good point.”
“Do you think she’ll let me go?”
Smiling, I tell him, “You let me worry about your mom. Go up and get packed, and then go down to the diner to see her. You know she’ll want to visit with you before you go. Once I’ve talked to her, I’ll run home and get all the supplies in my truck and be back to pick you up.”
He nods impatiently. “Sounds good. Thanks, Coach. I mean TD.”
