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Jenna stood, gathering her notebooks. “Are you okay, Camille?”
“Uh-huh. Why?” I tilted my head inquisitively.
“You don’t seem as excited about the project as you did a few months ago. That’s all.”
“Oh. No, I am. I just can’t believe it’s happening.” I put my hand to my chest.
We walked together toward the back gate that led to the driveway. “You have raised so much money for the Foundation with your charity galas and BBQ cook-offs. We love having your help.” Her tone was gracious as she unlatched the waist high, wrought iron gate for me.
I walked through, and said, “You are very welcome. I have so much. It’s nice to give back.”
She touched my arm lightly as I started to walk away. “Camille, if you don’t mind me asking…” She leaned toward me, her braid falling over her shoulder. “Do you know if Jacob is single?”
My feelings about Jacob were complicated. And while I thought her intentions toward him might be sincere, I wasn’t sure I could stomach actually seeing him with a girlfriend. I shrugged. “I think so.”
She grinned. “Okay, good.” She stepped back and the gate closed between us.
With a closed-mouth smile, I waved good-bye. “I’ll call you soon with final dates.”
“Perfect, thank you.” She put her hands together in a prayerful thank-you gesture.
I’d made it halfway down the drive to the sidewalk when she called after me, “Where’s your car?”
“I walked.”
“Do you need a ride somewhere?”
“No, I’m good. I’m just headed to Mia’s shop. It’s not far.”
“Okay. And I’ll send the total cost to your email later this afternoon.”
I tripped on the crack between the driveway and the grass. My sweater was suddenly too hot. I tried not to stumble over my words. “Right. Sounds good.”
When I was out of sight, I groaned and dropped my head in my hands. I needed to find money to pay for this project.
As I made my way back through town, I briefly wondered how much I could get for my Land Rover. Sadly, not very much.
The sun was setting on my way to the shop. It was empty and quiet when I got there. Cody was just closing the cash register.
I sat down on one of the couches and watched him work. He stopped counting, looked at me, and rose his eyebrows.
I crossed my legs, and rested my head back on the cushion. “Where’s Jacob?”
“Cleaning kayaks out back.” He went back to counting cash.
“Long day?” I asked him.
He snorted. “Yes.”
I looked around the store. The racks were tidy and organized. Sweaters and T-shirts were neatly folded on the tables. Cody had done a nice job straightening the store after the onslaught of customers throughout the day. It was peaceful.
“You busy tomorrow?”
He looked at me without lifting his head. “Do you need help, Camille?”
I groaned and flopped forward, putting my head in my hands and resting on my knees. I mumbled, “Actually, yes.” I lifted my head. “I need clothes and shoes for the trip this week. Can you help me?”
He put the cash in a bag and shut the register, turning the lock and putting the key in his pocket. “Sure, but can we do it before the store opens in the morning? I have a one-day river trip tomorrow. I won’t be back until late.”
