Page 23 of Mr. B

“That’s because he was a little bit…strange.”

“She might be an asset at camp.”

“Not happening. I look forward to senior camp every year. I’m not going to let her ruin that for me.”

“Of course.”

Wes took a sip of his coffee. “As much as I’d like to go take a walk, I suppose I should get back in there.”

“It would probably be best.”

Wes returned to his office, and Cassandra smiled at him. “I think we have a pretty good plan.”

“Great.”

“Part of it involves you, though. Or your family.”

“What part would that be?”

“Rocco’s. Could you talk to your brothers about having a fundraising night where a portion of the proceeds would go toward the fund?”

Theresa leaned forward in her chair. “We believe it would be the most effective and productive way to raise the money. With the limited time we have, bake sales aren’t going to cut it.”

“I’ll talk to them.”

“Thank you, that’s great.” Theresa checked her watch. “I’ve got a class starting in a few minutes.” She turned to Cassandra. “This has been a very productive meeting. I’m so glad you’re taking over for Brian. He should’ve been running fundraisers all summer, but obviously his heart was no longer in it.”

“I’m happy to help.” Cassandra looked at Wes. “I’m looking forward to going to camp, too.”

Theresa left, and Wes shook his head.

“Um…you want to go to the camp?”

“Yes. It sounds fun.”

“You know it’s not like staying in a hotel. It’s cabins with shared bathrooms, lots of mosquitoes, and smelling like wood smoke for a week. Unless, of course, you jump into the freezing lake.”

“There are no showers?”

“The shower in the counselor’s cabin is barely adequate.”

“I can deal with barely adequate.” She smiled. “You don’t want me to come.”

“I don’t.”

“Why? Am I still that hard to be around? I thought we had passed the awkward stage.”

“Being around each other in the office and spending time at camp…two very different things.”

She got to her feet. “Weston, it’ll be fine. I’ll keep my distance.”

“Our cabins are joined by a shared bathroom.”

“Hmm. We’ll work it out.”

Wes rubbed his face. “How about we put a pin in it?”

“Consider the pin placed.” She moved closer to the desk and stuck a finger into the soil around the plant. “You’ve been watering it.”