Page 51 of Summer Affair

“Yeah, sometimes it’s the little things. Like fries dipped in chocolate milkshake.” He took another bite.

“Comfort food,” she said with a sigh. They fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying their food. Then Andrea broke the quiet. “I was thinking about that couple from earlier, the way he treated her. It’s just…sad. No one should have to go through that.”

He nodded, his expression serious.

“Yeah, it reminds me of my sister and her ex-husband. They went through something similar. Not the physical bit, but he was always putting her down, making her feel like she wasn’t good enough. It took her going through cancer and losing everything before she realized that she deserved better.”

Andrea sighed, stirring her milkshake with her straw. “It makes me think about my sister. She and Brad are always putting on this perfect front, but I know things aren’t great between them. When she was staying with me…well, it’s clear she’s not happy. Brad doesn’t want kids, and she’s always wanted a family. And then there’s the cheating.”

Dean leaned back, watching her thoughtfully. “It’s tough. Relationships are complicated, and sometimes they’re not what they seem from the outside.”

A small frown creased Andrea’s brow as she looked down at her fries. “Yeah. And then there’s us.” She glanced up at him, searching his face for a reaction. “When we started this, I thought it was just going to a fling, an affair, something fun for the summer.”

His eyes met hers, a hint of vulnerability in his gaze. “Yeah, me too. But…I guess sometimes flings can turn into something more. Or at least, they can get confusing.”

There was a brief, awkward silence as they both struggled to find the right words. The hum of the restaurant around them seemed to grow louder, filling the gap in their conversation. Andrea hesitated, then forced a smile. “Maybe it’s best not to overthink it. Let’s just enjoy the summer for now, see where it goes.”

He nodded slowly, though there was a hint of something unspoken in his heart he wanted to find the words for. For now, they felt as if they were blocked, held back by something not yet formed.

“Yeah, a summer affair,” he said, echoing her earlier words. He gave her a small, almost wistful smile. “Nothing wrong with that.”

They both knew there was more beneath the surface, unspoken feelings and uncertainties. But for now, they were content to leave it at that. They continued eating, talking about lighter topics, and enjoying each other’s company, savoring the fleeting, simple pleasures of the moment.

Chapter Sixteen

Days seemed to blend together, especially with how busy Andrea was. The day after the husband and wife incident, every employee attended an emergency training session about how to spot spousal abuse and what actions to take. The camp even brought in a specialist that informed them that abuse often manifests in subtle ways before escalating to physical violence. They emphasized the importance of vigilance, encouraging employees to be aware of changes in behavior, signs of fear or distress, and the subtle cues that something might be wrong from guests while still maintaining professionalism.

The specialist, a seasoned professional with years of experience in dealing with domestic violence, shared real-life examples and provided practical advice on how to approach and support potential victims. “It’s crucial,” they said, “to create an environment where guests feel safe and supported. Sometimes, just knowing that someone cares can make a significant difference.”

Andrea found the education very enlightening but made her worry that she’d missed a few clues in the past.

Currently, River Camps was in full swing for the height of the summer, she and Kara were still the only two employees left to juggle the busy massage schedule themselves. The demand for massages and other spa services had spiked, leaving little room for breaks.

One particularly hot afternoon, Andrea was hustling between appointments while her mind raced through a mental checklist of things she needed to do. Lately, she’d barely had a moment to herself, let alone time to think about anything outside of work.

As she prepared the room for her next client, she couldn’t help but replay the conversation she and Dean had had at the fast-food place. The way they’d danced around the topic of their relationship left her feeling unsettled. Dean’s casual remark about it being a “summer affair” lingered in her mind, sparking a swirl of conflicted emotions. Did he really see it as just a temporary fling? Did she? And if so, was that all she wanted? The uncertainty gnawed at her, a persistent ache she couldn’t shake.

She had always prided herself on being independent and focused on her career, not needing anyone to complete her life. But with Dean, things felt different. There was a connection between them that she couldn’t ignore, a comfort and ease that she hadn’t felt in her life to date. Yet, at the same time, she was wary of opening up, afraid of being vulnerable. What if she allowed herself to hope for something more, only to have it fall apart? The idea of investing her emotions in something that might end when the summer did, scared her.

Just like it scared her to trust her sister with too much. She was determined not to give Amy any more fuel for her fire.

As she adjusted the massage oils and set out fresh towels, Andrea tried to shake off the confusion. There was no time to dwell on her feelings now as a knock sounded at the door.

“You’re up,” Kara called out.

She glanced around and made sure everything was ready for her next client. The soft glow of the room, the soothing music playing in the background, and the familiar routine of her work provided a temporary escape from her tangled emotions.

Yet, even as she immersed herself in the practicalities of her job, the questions lingered at the back of her mind. What did she really want from her relationship with Dean? And could she face the possibility of wanting more, knowing it might not be reciprocated? The uncertainty was frustrating, and she hated not having clear answers.

Andrea took a deep breath, steadying herself. She knew she couldn’t force clarity where there was none, and she certainly couldn’t predict the future. For now, she’d have to navigate her feelings as best she could and focus on getting through the busy season at River Camps. Everything else would have to wait, even if the waiting left her feeling restless and unresolved.

After her client left, Kara popped her head into the room, her cheeks flushed from rushing around. “Hey, how’s it going in here?” she asked, giving Andrea a sympathetic smile.

Andrea sighed, wiping her hands on a towel. “Busy. Non-stop appointments. How about you?”

Kara nodded. “Same here. It feels like we never get a break. But hey, at least the tips are good,” she added with a wink.

Then Kara’s expression turned a little more serious. “You okay? You seem a bit off today.”