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“Eh, no worse than my friend after he stepped on a wasp's nest.” Johnny shrugged.
Crystal’s heart tugged. This boy didn’t see her as hideous like the rest of the world would.
Angie-Mallory yelled from their camp, “Johnny, get back here. Dad said to leave the diva alone.”
Johnny rubbed the dog’s head. “I don’t know what a diva is, but if Murphy likes you, so do I.”
The mutt barked. Johnny laughed and raced him to their campsite.
Crystal shut her eyes. Dogs and kids saw people beyond physical appearances.
Sydney came back at the same time Zach approached and said, “I changed my mind. She can stay at my place.”
Chapter Fifteen
Crystal packed a bag of clothes and essential toiletries while Zach went to the pharmacy. Sydney had accepted his offer to pick up Crystal’s prescription. Like Sydney had anything better to do with the film on hold. Lazy jerk.
Guilt weighed down on her shoulders. He’d done enough and had a camp to run. When Sydney had asked why he changed his mind, he’d grumbled something about Levi. Why would he even care if Crystal stayed at Levi’s, not that she’d consider it?
Zach said there was only one bedroom in his house. How would they manage the space? They’d be elbow to elbow in that place. Maybe the poison ivy was messing with her brain because a thrill ran up her spine at the thought. She’d probably end up crashing on a couch, which was still a step up from the concrete slab.
His voice sounded outside of the tent. “Here when you’re ready.”
Her stomach fluttered. Okay. She was going to do this. Stay at his place with him. She unzipped the tent flap and stepped outside, carrying her suitcase.
He picked up a duffle bag and tossed it inside her tent. “Got what you need?”
Crystal blinked. “What’s that bag for?”
“We’re swapping. I’ll camp here until you’re cleared to be outside again.”
Her heart sank along with unfounded hope. What else had she expected? Of course, he didn’t want to stay with her. Just because he’d been kind to her at the doctor’s office didn’t change anything.
“Is there a problem?” he asked.
“No. I didn’t realize…I mean, I thought…”
He cocked his head. “Look, all I’m doing is trying to help you out here. There’s not enough room for both of us at my place.”
“Oh, I know.” She waved a hand. “I wasn’t sure where you were going to stay is all. I thought maybe your mom’s.” The lie slid off her tongue. She had to save face somehow.
“No. I need to be on location, and we don’t have any other vacant campsites.”
“I appreciate you giving up your house for me.” She bent and busied herself fussing with the clips on her suitcase. Not that they needed any adjustments.
“Your face looks redder. Are you feeling any more swollen?”
“I’m fine. Just hot.”
“It’s been a long morning. I have your cream. Let’s get you back to my place, where it’s cool.”
“Thank you. I’m sorry for being grumpy. I’m grateful for all your help.”
“It’s okay. You’ve been through a lot. Rest tonight, and I’m sure you’ll feel better soon,” he said.
She must have drifted off during the short ride to his home because he gently shook her. “We’re here.”
“Great.” She rubbed her eyes and got out of the truck as he grabbed her suitcase.
