Cameron held out the first aid kit.
“Thank you,” she replied and took it from her.
“Um… When you get out of the shower, if you need help with that or something, let me know.”
“I think I’ll be okay, but thanks,” she said. “I really am okay, you know?”
“I know. It’s just that… When I think that something I suggested we do could’ve really hurt you, it– Well, it kind of sucks, honestly. So, I’ll apply whatever alcohol wipe or antibiotic gel stuff you need. That’s all I’m saying.”
Cameron looked nervous or maybe anxious right now.
“I’ll let you know,” Lacey replied. “And, Cam?”
“Yeah?”
“Thanks.”
Cameron nodded and disappeared into her own bedroom.
Lacey walked into hers, set the first aid kit down on the bathroom counter, turned on the shower, and waited for it to warm up. Something was really wrong between her and River.She knew that now more than ever. River hadn’t even walked over to check on her how Cameron had. She hadn’t offered to help Lacey with the first aid kit. She hadn’t even really said hello, asked if they’d had fun outside, or followed her in here to talk about anything at all. River had just stayed out there with Kennedy, talking and laughing about whatever it was that they’d been doing while Cameron and Lacey were outside.
Yes, something was really, really wrong with them, and she wasn’t sure how much more she could take. She climbed into the shower and washed the sand and saltwater from her body and out of her hair. Lacey knew she was taking too long. Pretty soon, someone, likely River, since no one else was allowed in here, would walk in and check on her, but she didn’t care. She was picturing Cameron in a shower just like this one, and she was so tired of feeling guilty for thinking and feeling what she was feeling for the woman whohadwalked over to check on her, touched her skin next to the scratch as if to make sure it was still there, giving Lacey goose bumps that had nothing to do with being cold, and offered to take care of her after they both showered.
“You cannot like her. Even if you and River end today, you can’t like Cameron Levine. She’s Cameron Levine, you idiot. She’s a massive celebrity, with a million women who are already lined up, hoping for their shot with her. Just… cool it, Keller,” she scolded herself. “God, that would sound good, though. Cameron Keller. Or, Lacey Levine.” Her eyes went wide when she realized that she’d just been playing that stupid game she and her friends had played as kids whenever they had crushes and tried to picture how their names would sound and look together. “Get a fucking grip, Lacey Sue.”
Eventually, she got out, dried off and changed, leaving her suit to hang over the edge of the shower because River could just deal with that today, and went to apply a little gel to her scratchthat would scab over in under an hour. Then, she put on a new shirt and another pair of shorts and walked out at the same time Cameron emerged from her own room.
“All good?” Cameron asked.
“All good,” she replied.
“Did you even use the stuff?” Cameron asked, turning toward her.
“Yes.” Lacey laughed.
“Are you lying because you’re trying to be tough?”
Lacey laughed louder and said, “Cam, no. I used it.” She lifted her shirt a little, revealing her stomach. “See?”
“What am I supposed to see?”
“Well, it’s there. I rubbed it in really well so it wouldn’t get on my shirt.”
“Do I trust you, or check the first aid kit?”
“You go eat lunch.”
Lacey looked over Cameron’s shoulder and saw Jessie standing there with her arms crossed over her chest. She was staring right at Lacey, too, because she already knew what was going on. Jessie had been watching this whole thing play out between the four of them in this weird dance to get away from their partners and spend time with someone else, and Jessie wasnothappy.
CHAPTER 19
River
“Are you changing?” she asked Lacey when she walked into their bedroom.
“For dinner. I don’t think I should wear shorts and a T-shirt.”
“Why not?”
