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“Murphy.” The girl’s voice grew louder, and Crystal turned around to see the dog sprinting toward her. She jumped aside as the lab skidded to a halt in front of her and shook. Water flew off him, spraying her arms, face, and body. She gagged and ran a hand down her face. Bits of sand and clay flecked her shirt.
Tongue hanging out, the dog leaned against her and raised a paw.
Crystal had never been this close to a big dog, let alone one soaked in lake water. He didn’t seem to want to bite her, but she couldn’t be sure. She took a step back, her gut churning. This hound running loose around camp would be a nightmare. Only the way one ear flapped back and the other perked up kind of made him look harmless and cute, barring that he’d just shook water all over her.
The teenager, dressed in black leggings and a cropped tank that her bra showed through, caught up to them. She stopped, out of breath. Thick, black liner rimmed her brown eyes, and bright-blue eye shadow coated her lids. Heavy, dark blushplastered her cheeks. Crystal judged her to be about fourteen. She’d needed some help with makeup and clothing choices at that age too.
The girl pointed a finger at the dog while she sucked in air. “Bad boy, Murphy. Why did I get stuck watching you?”
The mutt licked her finger.
Crystal set a hand on her hip. “I take it this is your dog that wrecked my campsite?”
The girl’s eyes widened, then slitted. “You’re the celebrity my family had to sign a waiver for the privilege of camping next to. I should have known. You can’t keep food in a tent, you know. This is your fault.”
“I’m pretty sure dogs are supposed to be on leash here.” She wasn’t going to let this twit of a girl get under her skin. Let her act out with her parents.
A slim woman wearing jeans, a pink ballcap, and a white T-shirt appeared at the top of the slope. She called, “Murphy. Here, boy.”
Murphy ran to her. The woman clipped a leash on his collar and walked him down to her tent. The girl continued to glare at Crystal.
Interesting. She had never had the chance to let her feelings show growing up. She always had to play the part, smile for the camera, not make any waves. At least this girl had pluck, albeit misdirected.
“Hi there, neighbor. I’m Mary. I hear you are some sort of star. I hope we don’t disturb you. Looks like it’s not off to a good start.” The woman held a hand out to Crystal.
Some sort of star.
Crystal’s stomach sank. Did no one know her anymore? Then again, this was a campground, and these people probably didn’t watch much television.
She shook Mary’s hand and quickly drew hers back. It was all too weird. She wasn’t used to strangers touching her. Security used to keep people from getting too close.
“What happened, Angie? You know he has to be on leash here.”
“Don’t call me that. I go by Mallory now.” The girl waved a hand at Crystal’s tent. “Ask the diva. She left food out, and a fox came. Someone else can take care of Murphy. He’s a pain in the butt.”
“Angelica Romano, remember your manners. We’re going to have words about this. You don’t talk to people like that.”
“Oh, a full name smackdown. Looking forward to it,Mary.” The girl spun on her heel and headed toward the slope.
Mary frowned. “I apologize for that. Let me see the carnage. I know this dog can do some damage.”
Whoa. This woman had a lot on her plate dealing with that girl’s attitude. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll figure it out.”
“Nonsense. If my dog wreaked havoc, I’ll fix it.” She poked her head into Crystal’s tent and sighed. “I’ll clean this up. You need help moving your tent up to the slab?”
“No. That’s not allowed.”
“What do you mean that’s not allowed?”
“I’m supposed to do everything on my own. That’s what the show is about. Thanks for the offer, though,” Crystal said.
“I feel terrible. I’m sorry about the mess.”
A little boy yelled from the top of the hill. “Mom, we caught stripers. Two big ones.”
Mary grinned. “Sounds like dinner for tonight. That’s Johnny, my son. He’s eight and is excited to catch fish. At some point, I’m sure you’ll meet my husband, Paul. He’ll be grilling it later. You should join us.”
“Again, not allowed, but thanks.”
