Page 5 of You Know You Wanna

“Alan,” James called. “I need you for a minute.”

Our boss gave me a triumphant look. “Excuse me. I need to go deal with some guests. You know, because I’m so healthy and this place couldn’t go a whole day without me.”

He walked away before I could tell him that I would reschedule his appointment if he didn’t. Shaking my head as I watched him go, I added a call to the doctor to my mental to-do list. It would have to wait, though.

I walked into the Kids Camp and laughed when I found Jenna with her hands full with a group of toddlers.

Our Kids Camp consisted of a water-play area, a swimming pool that was only knee deep with all sorts of fountains and sprayers in it, a variety of outdoor climbing frames and slides, and an indoor area filled with soft play and a whole host of other toys and games.

For the older kids, we had a games arcade, a second, deeper swimming pool, and a “chill room” with sofas, TVs, and a few pool tables.

Three older kids were lounging in the chill room while Jenna sat in a ball pit, trying not to drown under the boisterous toddlers.

“Do you need any help?” I asked as I approached.

“Yes, please!” She giggled as she picked up a little girl with pigtails and waded toward me with her in her arms. “Did you get my supplies?”

I lifted the grocery bag in my hand. “It’s all here.”

Relief softened her dainty features. “Awesome. Thank you. Are you sure you’ve got the time to help me out today?”

I nodded. “Just tell me what you need.”

“Can you find something to do for the big kids? They’re so bored and I haven’t been able to pay much attention to them. They’ve already done a lot of swimming and now they’re waiting for me to come up with something better.”

“Sure,” I agreed immediately. “I’ll take them on the mini hike down to the lake. That’s always a hit.”

“Thank you,” she gushed. “Have I told you lately that I love you?”

I laughed. “Not lately, but I know you do. See you later.”

I left her to wrangle the toddlers while I rallied the three bigger kids, introducing myself for those who didn’t know me. “Hey, guys. I’m Birdie. Who wants to come on a hike with me? It’s a nice day for it.”

Jordan, one of the older kids whose family had been at the resort for about a week, sat up straighter. “The hike to the lake?”

“That’s the one,” I said. “Are you up for it?”

“Are you kidding?” He stood up and kicked his brother, Mason’s, foot. “Come on. We’re going.”

The girl in the group rolled her eyes at all of us—and at the world in general, probably—but then she said she needed to change her shoes before we left.

I smiled. “That’s fine. We’ll meet you in foyer, okay?”

“Yeah, okay, whatever,” she muttered, sullenly dragging her feet on her way out of the room while I took the boys to the entryway with me.

While we were waiting, the man from the diner and the little girl I assumed was his daughter were checking in. He was having a conversation with James while the girl leaned against the counter, studying her nails and discreetly looking around.

I gave her a little wave and a smile when she caught my eye, which seemed to shock her for some reason. Strangely, her eyes even widened before she quickly looked away, moving a step closer to her dad. The man glanced at her then, his brow furrowing before he looked around as if to check what had triggered her reaction.

I was pretty curious about that myself. The way they were both acting, it was like someone being friendly was a foreign concept to them. If they think I’m scary, I hope they don’t run into any wildlife out here. One wrong look from a raccoon and they’ll be calling in the national guard.

His eyes narrowed on mine when he realized I’d been responsible for his daughter’s sudden need for protection, and he held my gaze for a moment. His features remained stoic but he still managed to exude an air of suspicion.

Internally shaking my head at the weird ways of the big city folk, I put him out of my mind. The mopey girl had put on some boots suitable for a trail hike and was walking into the lobby area. “Alrighty, guys. We’re all here. Let’s get going. Who can tell me which is the most prevalent species of tree that we’re going to be passing on our hike today?”

Jordan straightened up proudly and gave his brother a smug look. “I already know this one, since I’ve been on this hike before.”

Mason shook his head. “Let her tell it. I’m not here to learn from you.”