“Uh, sure. I have a few minutes.”
Mom launches straight into logistics. Food assignments. Who’s arriving Friday versus Saturday morning. Same chaos as every year, just with fewer people this time. The longing in Mom’s voice when she mentions Caleb, as well as Korie’s twoolder brothers, tugs at something in my chest. It’ll be weird without their usual antics. No doubt about it.
But maybe that means I won’t get my ass handed to me in volleyball this year. There’s always hope.
I can picture Korie smirking.You sure about that?
I almost laugh.
“We’ve got sleeping arrangements mostly figured out,” Mom continues. “Couples get dibs on the beds first, obviously, then anyone willing to rough it can sleep in tents. The loft should fit all of the younger kids. Maris and I assumed you and Korie would be fine sharing a tent again.”
My stomach flip-flops.
Couples.
The word lands differently now.
I glance toward the sky, a bubble of quiet laughter slipping through. How long before everyone catches on that something is different this year? I mean, we’ve always gravitated toward each other. Same couches. Same teams. Same side of every group photo. But this year Korie and I won’t be able to keep our hands off each other.
I can already hear Hattie’s taunts when she sees us. And for once, it doesn’t grate against my nerves.
Papers shuffle on Mom’s end. “Holden?”
I blink hard. “Sorry, what?”
“I asked if that arrangement works for you two.”
You two.
Another phrase that feels different now.
“Uh.” I clear my throat. “Yeah. That’s fine. We won’t mind a tent.”
If anything, it’ll give us privacy since we can’t seem to go two nights without sex.
Mom sounds pleased, already moving on. “Perfect. I thought so. Oh—and Laura is insisting on handling breakfast Saturday, which honestly is probably for the best after last year.”
I barely hear the rest.
I’ve always enjoyed Labor Day campout with the families, but now I’m kind of excited for it. I can already picture Korie and I sharing marshmallows and flying off the rope swing. Catching the sun on our towels. Then slowing down and sitting closer than usual at the fire, my arms around them as their eyes get dreamy. I’m addicted to that look. It doesn’t always happen, but sometimes. When they let their guard down and just… stay with me a while.
When Mom starts talking about the usual couple traditions at camp out, I nearly say it.Add Korie and I to the list this year. We’re dating!
Mom will be thrilled for us. Honestly, most people will. But this is something we’ll want to explain in person. Or better yet, just let everyone figure out.
Damn. This is going to be so much fun.
I force myself to focus long enough to wrap up the call. “Hey, Mom, I gotta go. I still need to get ready for work.”
“Okay, honey. But call me later so we can figure out meal assignments.”
“Yeah.” I tug at my shirt, cringing at the sweat. “Just text me what to bring and Korie and I will handle it.”
The call ends, and I stare down at my phone for a long moment, a sense of joy flowing through me.
Labor Day is only a few weeks away, and somehow, I know it’s going to be the best one yet.
When I get home—when did I start thinking of Korie’s apartment as home?—the place smells like coffee and toast.
