Warm, brown eyes meet mine. Dimples in both cheeks make his huge smile even bigger. I haven’t read a lot of fashion magazines, but his face could fit into any ad in the ones I’ve flipped through. He has a long, slender nose, high cheekbones and a broad, expressive mouth with a full lower lip.
“Lucca, don’t waste your time on her. She’s as white trash as they come.” Mindy snarls. “She took over my bunk, then got me thrown out of my cabin, just to come in here and step on my toes. From what my father tells me, she’s been in and out of homes her entire life because she can’t stay out of trouble. She shouldn’t be here!”
She spits that last part out with such force I have to force myself from not taking a step back.
“Mindy, if I hear one more word like that out of your mouth, you will be sent packing.” Kelly strides forward. “I don’t care who your father is. Cassie is as welcome here as anyone else.”
I grab the sides of my shorts to stop from wringing my hands together. How dare her father mention anything to her or anyone else about what’s in my camp file.
“Hi, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I will protect you from the evils of this world,” Lucca says in Italian as he steps between Mindy and me.
Regardless of who this hot this guy is, he needs to learn I don’t need a savior. I reply to him in equally perfect Italian; although, I’m guessing he’s native by his almond colored skin and authentic accent. “I appreciate the support, but I do not need a protector.”
As impossible as it seems, his smile grows. Perfectly white, straight teeth shine back at me. “Did you live in Italy? Your Italian is perfect.”
Across from me, Mindy seethes as I answer, “No. I’ve lived in many homes, but none of them have been in Italy.” I want to kick myself for leading him on and using him to make Mindy jealous. “It appears we’re holding up the line. I’m sure we’ll see each other again.”
With that, I turn away only to run into Kelly who pats my arm. She asks me about the confrontation as we move up the line, away from Mindy. “This day hasn’t gone at all like I hoped it would. I’m sorry Mindy is being difficult. I’ll speak to both her and her father. Do you want to tell me what happened? As I walked in, I noticed her standing up to confront you.”
“I stepped on her toes. They were sticking out into the aisle as we walked by.” I refuse to admit it happened on purpose.
“Oh, oh!” Lily bounces with excitement. “Kelly, Mindy put them out just as we walked up. I didn’t get a chance to warn Cassie before she was right on top of her foot. It was totally Mindy’s fault.”
Lily talks faster than anyone I’ve ever met. I’m glad she saw what Mindy did so it won’t end up being my word versus hers.
“As I said, I’ll speak with Mindy and her father. For now, go enjoy your lunch. I’ll speak with you ladies, later.” Kelly turns and heads toward a table full of adults. That must be the teacher section. I want to hurry up so we don’t end up sitting next to them.
Lunch today is basic: cold cuts and two different types of soup. Never one to turn down food, I make a ham and cheese sandwich and grab a cup of vegetable soup. After we all have our food, we follow Fallon over to one of the middle tables in the back, next to a window. Our spot gives us a good view of the peaceful woods.
That peace breaks as I bounce in my seat. A boy with reddish-blond hair sits next to me. His green eyes have a mischievous glint in them, which raises my awareness. After today, it wouldn’t surprise me if he dumps my soup on me.
Before I can do anything, Fallon speaks up, “Parker! What the hell?”
I take it she knows this guy.
“Listen, sis, I hear your cabin’s already causing problems, so I thought I’d come by and offer you some advice.” He leans across the table, his voice serious despite the teasing smirk that pulls at his lips. “I know how badly you want to beat my team this year, but if you can’t manage your cabin, how do you think you’re going to manage your team?”
I duck my head at his admonishment. The whole camp probably knows about Mindy and me by now. Since she probably started the rumor, I’m going to look like an ass.
“You listen, bro! My cabin is just fine. I’ll also let you polish my trophy every day for the next year after I win.” Fallon’s voice drops a decibel as she speaks. “Who’s saying what? Mindy is being a baby, and you’re not helping the situation. What’s your problem? You know how she is.”
His bright, green eyes swing to me. “Did you really hit her? She’s telling people you hit her.”
“What?” I choke out. “I didn’t hit anyone. I wouldn’t be sitting here right now if I had.” My head begins to throb with irritation. The situation should never have come to this.
“Hey, I just wanted to make sure. I don’t know you, so I didn’t want to make any assumptions.” He smiles softly at me, trying to convey his sincerity. “I could be like some of her underlings and believe what she says, but I’m smarter than that. Clearly, something did happen, though.”
“It was a huge misunderstanding. Kelly took care of it.” I refuse to engage with this guy again, but he continues to stare at me.
“I’m really sorry. Don’t worry about Mindy. Everyone knows how she is. I just like giving my little sis a hard time. I shouldn’t drag you into it.” He raises his eyebrows, waiting for some response.
Fallon mumbles softly, “Little sis. I’ll show him little sis. Three minutes his little sis.”
“You two are twins? I have twin foster brothers.” I tear up slightly as I remember the boys running around and playing with their cars.
“Yes, we’re twins. I’m clearly the smarter, better looking one.” Parker straightens in his seat. “Fallon probably didn’t mention me because of my awesomeness. She’s still salty because my team beat her team last year. She’s vowed to not only beat me this year, but win. Silly girl, she doesn’t know what’s coming for her.”
If he was a bird, he’d be preening himself.
“Well, hopefully, Fallon and I will be on the same team so I can help take you and your team down.” I tilt my head and raise one eyebrow at him to make sure he notices my challenge.
“Oh, I like you already. Challenge accepted. We can work out the details tomorrow evening after we meet our teams.” With that, he stands and saunters away.
Fallon doubles over with laughter after Parker leaves. “You were great. We better be on the same team.”
“Is he always like that? He’s very confident.” I wonder what his secret spy skill is that makes him assume he can take on the world, or at least his sister.
“He’s like that around here. When we’re at home, he’s much more reserved. He’s a science geek. It doesn’t matter what the science, he knows it. At school, he was teased because of his obsession with all things science. He was also teased because, up until recently, he was short and slightly overweight. He didn’t have many friends.” Her eyes widen as she stares at me. “I shouldn’t have told you any of that. Please don’t say anything to him.”