AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Hey, how’s it going?”
Willow smiled, pushing her blonde hair back out of her eyes. “I’m fine. It’s busy, though, huh?”
“The Fourth of July always is!” Asher wiped the back of his hand across his forehead. “I’m doing my best to keep on top of everything the campers need, but I’ll be glad when the party’s over.”
“Not long to go.” Glancing down at her watch, Willow mentally counted the hours until they could sit down together. “The fireworks are in a few hours, right?”
Asher nodded. “But there’s still so much to do and activities to organize. Plus, the campfires need to be lit.”
“I could help you with that.”
“Thanks. I think Chuck’s on it, but he might appreciate your help.” Again, he wiped his forehead with the back of his hand, and Willow smiled to herself.
He always works so hard. He is so dedicated.
The Fourth of July celebrations at Camp Windy Lake had always been the highlight of the summer season. Asher and his parents had always organized plenty of activities for the campers, as well as a chance to buy some local goods. While the campers were having dinner, a small, cozy market would be set up with booths, each taken by a member of the town. With everything from artisan cheeses to healing crystals, as well as great coffee, marshmallows, and s’mores for the fire, it was always a great night.
“The guests are going to love it. They always do.” Catching his hand, she pressed his fingers, trying to encourage him. “I know you put a ton of work into this, but it’ll be worth it.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. I just get stressed out when I’m in the middle of it all.”
“I get that, but you don’t need to worry about anything. As the photographer, I have a great position here. I get to see what’s going on with the guests without having to be as hands-on as you. And let me tell you, they think this evening is going to be amazing. They already think the rest of the day has been fantastic. You’re doing a great job, Asher.”
Asher’s shoulders dropped slightly, and he blew out a long breath, turning his head away from her for a few seconds. “Thanks. I think I get lost in the responsibilities sometimes. I let them overwhelm me, and then I end up feeling like I’m not doing a good enough job—even though my parents always say how well we’ve done.”
“You are one of the most dedicated and committed people I know,” Willow declared. “Nothing is ever too difficult for you. You give your all and then some.”
“Thanks.”
Now I’ve embarrassed him.“You never could take a compliment.” Her lips tipped into a lopsided smile as Asher’s face began to glow a gentle red. When he dropped his head and looked away, she began to laugh. “You’re kinda proving my point here.”
“Okay, enough already!” Laughing, Asher let go of her hand and waved it in her direction, shooing her playfully away. “I have to go. I’ll see you later?”
His smile became fixed as a surge of hope lit up his eyes. A swirl of heat landed in Willow’s belly, and she dropped her gaze, suddenly a little shy.
This is Asher. There’s no need to feel shy around him. So, why can’t I look him in the eye?
“Sure, I’ll have the blanket ready.” She shot him a quick glance. “You’ll have to come find me, though. There’s no telling where I’ll be able to get a space to sit.” It was their tradition to sit together to watch the Fourth of July fireworks. There was absolutely no reason for her to feel awkward or even excited at something that was so familiar—but, strangely, the heat that had filled her a second ago was now growing into a steady fluttering of butterflies in the pit of her stomach.
This is ridiculous. I’ve sat with him every year since we were kids! It’s just like any other year.
“I’ll come find you, don’t worry. There’s no way I’m not sitting with you this year.” His smile was soft. “It’s my reward for one of the busiest days of the season. Getting to sit with you under the stars and watching the fireworks.”
Willow struggled to find something to say while fighting her strange feelings about Asher. It had started creeping up on her over the last few days but had burst into life after her terrible date with Ben. When Asher had come back from his date just so that he could be with her, she’d felt something more than gratitude. What she was feeling for Asher was beginning to change into something she’d never imagined, and Willow had no idea what to do with it.
“I guess I’ll see you later.” Lifting a hand, Asher turned and headed out across the park, leaving Willow to stand silently, watching him walk away.
I don’t want to ruin this. I don’t want to ruinus.She swallowed hard, her eyes still on Asher’s retreating figure.I don’t want to lose my best friend.
* * *
“Got the s’mores.Got the beer. Got the blanket.” Checking things off on her fingers one at a time, Willow smiled to herself, letting the last few surges of tension wriggle out of her.
The last few hours had gone by quickly. There had been a lot for her to photograph, and she hadn’t even seen a glimpse of Asher. Although that hadn’t been a problem, since the last thing Willow needed was to get distracted.
We’re just friends,she told herself sternly. Willow dragged her knees up to her chin and wrapped her arms around herself.These feelings will go away. Theyhaveto.
“Well, if this isn’t a pretty picture, I don’t know what is.”
