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ChapterFifteen
TESS
I lean back in my office chair, rubbing my temples and blinking. My vision’s gone blurry from a combination of fatigue and staring at my computer screen. How should I end the third email Mrs. Lockhart asked for today?
Sincerely, Tess.
OrAll my best, Tess.
How aboutI’m too exhausted after a full day of camp to care about writing you yet another wrap-up, Tess.
I finally decide onThanks for believing in me, Tess,when Spencer appears in the doorway. He’s across the room, but my body feels the jolt of his presence. An electric charge waking me up. Then again, the office is small.
“Am I interrupting?”
I shake my head and wave him in, even though he is, in fact, interrupting. But after a long day of navigating kids and their young adult counselors, I’ve never been happier to see another full-blown grownup. He enters slowly, shoving both hands in the pockets of his joggers. I’ve barely gotten used to his switch from khakis to jeans. Now he’s wearing athletic sweatpants? Spencer Crane is casual-ing up before my eyes. “You changed.”
He glances down at his outfit. “Was I supposed to leave my tie on?”
“Ha! No. I just haven’t adjusted to this side of you yet. It’s quite the transformation.”Like Clark Kent becoming Superman.And a part of me actually misses his library look. But at least he’s got his glasses on now, unlike at the car wash. So he’s casual, but he’s still Spencer.
“How’s our fearless leader holding up?” he asks.
“Oof.” I blow out a long breath. “I’m pretty wiped out.” I nod at the chair across from my desk. “Reminding everyone to reapply sunblock and drink water should come with a salary all its own.”
“I’ll bet.” Spencer sinks into the chair, dragging a hand along the back of his neck. My stomach twists, and I find myself cringing.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be complaining about being tired to a guy who’s juggling three jobs.”
“No, I get it. Work is hard.” He tips his chin at the computer, open to email. “In the meantime, being top dog here’s gotta be tough.”
When he puts it that way, my head begins to ache again. Already on day one, I fielded three bee-stings (luckily no one was allergic) and two overheated kids (cured with extra water and some rest in the shade). One poor camper threw up his lunch. Fish sticks and macaroni. Not awesome. Especially for Clive, the camp’s cook.
“Well you’re here now,” I say. “I’m not alone anymore.”
“I got here as quickly as I could. Changed in the car. My overnight bag’s still out there. I wasn’t sure if I should bring it up to the cabin or find you first.”
“Well, your timing’s perfect. Maddie Devlin and Daniel Kern just led the kids on a night hike, and they’re all up in the cabins grabbing sweatshirts now. Daniel’s the lead counselor for the boys. He’s great. You’ll love him. Everyone should be coming down for the bonfire soon, and Clive is already at the pit, prepping. He’s got a whole setup with marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate on a big cart to serve the kids. That man is definitely my hero right now.”
Spencer tips his head. “Who’s Clive?”
“Clive Pendergast. He’s the camp’s cook.” I grin. “It’s really too bad you won’t be at camp for mealtimes because his first dinner was Italian, and it wasamazing. And yes, I remember Italian’s your favorite.”
Spencer’s jaw shifts. “Hmm.”
“Lasagna, garlic bread, and Caesar salad.” I sigh. “It was amazing.”
“So you said. Twice.” A crease forms on Spencer’s brow, and he almost looks a little… jealous. But of what? That I got to eat lasagna? He couldn’t be jealous of Clive. Then again, Ididcall him amazing. Twice.
Something inside me swoops, and my cheeks heat up at the thought that Spencer might actually care. But that conclusion is not only ridiculous, it’s inaccurate. To Spencer I’m just Tess the Mess, not someone he’s possessive over. And anyway, he already likes Kayla. It’s only a matter of time before she stakes her claim. Spencer may not bemytype, but he’s too good a guy for Kayla not to notice. Especially if she ever catches sight of him in jeans or joggers.
He studies my face for a moment, then his mouth bends up at one corner. “The real question is can Clive handle s’mores?”
“I guess we’ll find out soon.” I force out a chuckle.See, Tess? He isn’t jealous. And you shouldn’t want him to be. I nod to indicate my computer. “I just have to send this email over to Mrs. Lockhart. Then we can head over to the fire pit.”
Spencer cranes his neck. “What is it?”
“Ugh.” My shoulders slump. “She asked for detailed updates on how things were going three different times today. It’s kind of a pain, and the worst part is it’s my fault. When she first wanted to cancel camp, I hinted that Mr. Dudley might run against her for mayor.Andthat the people in town might be disappointed enough in her to vote for him.”
