Page 71 of Mr. B

“Probably a good idea. I need to take a quick shower before we go.”

“You do that, and I’ll sit out here and try not to think about the fact that you’re in the shower.”

He picked up his clothes from the bed. “As my number two, you’re supposed to help me solve problems, not cause them.” He headed for the bathroom. “Are you still up for going on the overnight?”

“One hundred percent.”

“Put whatever you want to bring in my backpack. It’s only one night, so don’t go crazy.”

“Got it.”

By the time they headed for the mess hall, they were a few minutes late. As they walked between the rows of tables, Wes felt like all eyes were on them and that everyone knew the humongous step he’d been trying to avoid had been taken.

They sat down while the last table of campers got their food, then went through the breakfast buffet. Wes filled his plate with scrambled eggs, two sausage patties, and a scoop of hash browns.

Cassandra nudged him. “Hungry this morning?”

“Not for long.”

When they sat back down, Lester set his coffee down. “Miss Cassandra, will you be going on the camping trip?”

“Yes.”

“Great. You’ll love it. The canoe ride is beautiful, and the island is paradise.”

“Hmm. I can’t wait.”

“Of course it’d be more like paradise if you two were going alone.”

She turned to him. “Why, Coach, what are you suggesting?”

He laughed. “I’ve got eyes, Miss Cassandra.” He leaned in close to her ear. “Just keep doing what you’re doing. You’ll wear him down.”

Wes leaned forward and looked at him, then whispered, “She already has.”

Lester laughed. “Hallelujah.”

Cassandra patted Lester’s hand. “We will keep things professional while we’re here.”

“I’m sure you will.”

She looked at Wes, and he shook his head. “Easy peasy.”

After breakfast, the kids not going on the overnight trip were given free time until lunch. Those going were instructed to get their things ready, then help load the canoes. They’d be taking seven of them across the open water to the island. It would take them forty-five minutes to an hour to get there, giving them plenty of time to set up camp and gather firewood.

Cassandra took a couple of the kids to the kitchen to get the food supplies from May and June, while Wes oversaw the final loading of the canoes.

When they’d finished lunch, they were ready to head out. Most of the other campers gathered at the shore to see them off.

Cassandra looked at them. “Great, an audience.”

“You’ve done this before.”

“A million years ago.”

“It’ll come back to you. Just follow my lead.”

“Yes, boss.”