AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Tucking the clipboard under his arm, Asher walked out of the room and headed downstairs. His parents—Ben and Jean—were both busy with other things, so he could easily take care of this. Strolling out into the sunshine, Asher made his way across the camp, the lake to his right. Camp Windy Lake had been welcoming guests for many years, with many of them coming back.
He headed toward to the luxury cabins at the far end of the camp, and Asher let his thoughts drift to Willow. She had been here every year since they had been in kindergarten, and now his parents had hired her as a camp photographer. She was responsible for taking pictures of the guests, the activities, and of the camp in general, and she did a great job every year. Often, the guests commented on how great those photos were and how much they appreciated them as a reminder of everything they had done. Asher was really proud of her.
What will it be like when she’s gone?
That wasn’t something he wanted to think about. They spent so long together, and Asher wasn’t sure he could do life without her. It would feel so empty and so strange, but if she was going to date, if she was going to find someone to marry before she hit thirty, then he would have to find a way to move on without her.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Asher.” Joe walked out from the bathroom just as Asher came into the luxury cabin. “I just gotta finish up a few things here, and then I’ll head on to the next one. Chuck was here fixing up a shower leak, but he’s all done now. Says it’s working just fine.”
“Thanks, Joe.” Joe was one of the hardest working employees of Camp Windy Lake and had been working at the camp for the last five years, with Chuck as the camp’s handyman. Asher had often heard his parents say that they didn’t think they had ever found anyone as thorough as him, and Asher was able to trust him with anything. “I needed to double check a couple of things.” Pulling out the clipboard, he tapped it with one finger. “I was just reading that Marie Phillips has a severe nut allergy.”
“Yes, I saw that.” Joe gestured to the bathroom. “I’ve just finished checking all the toiletries. There’s no traces of nuts in any of them.”
Asher smiled, relief spreading across his chest. “Thanks. You can never tell what might be in these high-end toiletries!” Hearing Joe’s chuckle, Asher stuck out his hand. “Thanks for being so diligent.”
Joe shook Asher’s hand but then put his own hand to his heart. “Always ready to do my best for Camp Windy Lake.”
“Well, I appreciate that.” Putting his clipboard back under his arm, Asher waggled one finger in Joe’s direction. “Promise me you’ll make sure you take some time off when it’s slow. You’ve built up a ton of vacation time.”
A huge grin spread over Joe’s face, lighting his eyes. “Oh, don’t you worry about that. I’m going to be enjoying my break, that’s for sure.”
Catching the glint in Joe’s eye, Asher tipped his head, his lips gently pursed as his curiosity began to grow. Joe had always been practically forced to take his breaks. He’d never wanted much of a vacation, preferring to work instead.
“What’s going on with you?” Asher couldn’t help but pry. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen youwantto take a vacation.”
Chuckling, Joe put one hand on his hip and tilted his head. “I’ve never had anyone to share the vacation with before.” He shrugged just as a huge grin spread across his face, sending sparks into his eyes. “I guess that’s changed now.”
Asher’s eyes widened. “Really? That’s great!” Setting his clipboard down, he sat down in the chair, ready to carry on the conversation for a few minutes. “What’s her name? Where did you meet?”
In an instant, the light in Joe’s eyes faded. He put his hands behind his back and shuffled his feet. “Uh… Well, I’ll be honest with you, but don’t laugh too much.”
“Laugh at you?” Confusion drew a line in Asher’s forehead. “Why would I laugh at you?”
Joe sighed and shifted from side to side, his eyes barely meeting Asher’s. “Because we met on a dating app.”
Asher blinked. “Almost every couple I know met on a dating app.”
“Yeah, but people still like to make fun of it. My sister thought it was hilarious, although she really likes Monica.”
“Monica.” Asher let his eyes go wide. “Have you guys been dating long?”
“A few months.” A little more confident now, Joe’s shoulders straightened. “She really is great. Actually, I think she’s a keeper.”
“Wow.” Asher’s eyebrows rose. “That’s really great, Joe. I’m happy for you.” Tipping his head, he scratched at his jaw. “Maybe I should try this app.”
Now it was Joe’s turn to look surprised. “You?”
Asher shrugged. “Yeah, why not?”
Joe looked away and cleared his throat. “I don’t know. I guess I always figured that you and Willow would end up together.”
“No, we’re just friends. What’s the name of this app?”
Joe grinned. “Ready for this? It’s calledNow and Forever.” He rolled his eyes as Asher laughed.
“Really? Is thatreallywhat it’s called?” Seeing Joe nod, Asher smiled, too. “I guess they’re pretty optimistic.”
