Three words, four if I include her name.
I love you, Olivia.
Olivia, I love you.
I love you.
Simple words, but so difficult to say. I’m not sure if I'm more afraid of her saying it back or of her shutting down, shutting me out again. If she says it back, it makes this thing between us real and gives her the power to crush my heart. But if she shuts down, I’ll be instantly crushed. Either way, speaking the words in my heart will change everything, so I'll leave us floating here in the nebulous realm of make-believe, playing at being a couple in love but without the responsibilities.
Chapter thirty-two
Olivia
Ascampersarriveforthis last week of summer at Camp Prairie Star, the air feels different. It’s still as hot and humid as it was yesterday, but the breeze is tinged with something new. A heaviness, but also a hope. Finality and expectation rolled together and waiting for me over the horizon line.
I feel the change in the air most whenever I see Gage. He’s been different, too, starting from my birthday date on Saturday.
While he’s always affectionate—never missing a chance to hold my hand or touch me in some small way—he’s been clingier. He’s velcroed to my side, as if he’s afraid to let me out of his sight.
He has to, of course, to do his job and for me to do mine, but throughout the week, he’s at the lake whenever he can be—with or without his campers. At meals, he seeks me out, leaving Jayden to deal with the food-induced hyperactivity at their cabin’s table.
It’s like he’s done with camp but doesn’t want to be done with me.
Actually, I’m certain that’s exactly how he’s feeling. If someone gave me three guesses to figure out what’s on Gage’s mind, I’d only need the first.
He’s in love with me.
The good news is I’m also in love with him, and with every hour I become more certain that we could be a real couple.
We haven’t talked about any of this yet, but I’m sure Gage can tell how I’m feeling like I can read him.
We’ve been amazing together this summer, with no shortage of things to talk about. He doesn’t act like my opinions are stupid. He’s never come close to suggesting thatI’mstupid. He listens to what I have to say, and more than that, he wants to hear it.
Maybe it’s not ridiculous to think he could see me as an equal partner. Obviously, the disparity is there, but maybe if it doesn’t bother him, I shouldn’t let it bother me.
Especially now that my future is looking so much brighter.
I’m going to be a teacher, of all things, as soon as I can get a job.
I’m antsy that I haven’t heard back from Virtus Academy. It’s been weeks since I submitted applications to both Virtus and Brightline. While either position would be amazing, I have to admit I have my heart set on Virtus. It’s close to my parents’ house, for one, which means it’s also close to Gage’s parents’ house where he’ll be living starting this weekend.
I decide to call Virtus on Thursday when I’m in between groups of campers to check up on my job application.
I slip into the empty boathouse and lean against the wall as I dial.
The phone rings twice before a woman picks up. “Virtus Academy Austin. How may I direct your call?”
“Um, hi, yeah.” Not a great start. I clear my throat. “I recently applied for the physical education teacher position for this upcoming school year, and I wanted to check on the status of that search, please.”
“One moment, please.” Classical music plays over the phone line while I assume I’m being transferred to whoever is in charge of hiring.
A man’s voice finally comes on the line. “Hello, this is Dr. Haught, headmaster of Virtus Academy Austin.”
I’m not sure if it’s the snooty voice or the showy title, but I immediately picture Headmaster Charleston from the fancy private school Rory attends inGilmore Girls. My sister Nicole is obsessed with the show, and I’ve watched it all the way through with her at least twice.
“Yes, hello. My name is Olivia Delaney. I recently applied for the open physical education teacher position, and I wondered about the status of that search?”
“We have started contacting the top candidates for interviews. What did you say your name is?”
