Fallon’s love for her brother is obvious. I wish someone would clean up my messes like that.
Parker’s background reminds me of myself. I learned earlier than he did to hide my true self from others because I was afraid of the ridicule I would receive. Even though I bounced between houses, I didn’t always change schools. Everyone knew my background and stayed away from me.
Here I can be anyone I want because no one knows better. I decide to take it easy on Parker; although, I will make sure his team loses whether I’m on Fallon’s team or someone else’s.
CHAPTER FIVE
After lunch, we’re given free time to hike, swim, play games, or socialize. I decide to spend my time reading through the informational packet we received so I know what I can and cannot do and what I can get away with by bending the rules.
As I walk back to the cabin with Lily and Lara, I notice how similar everything is. All the cabins match in size. Some appear to be mirrors of mine with the bathroom located on the opposite side. A bench and a water fountain sit out in front of each. People congregate around the steps leading up to the door or sit on the bench chatting. The casual contact between the other campers puts me more on the outside since it’s obvious they know each other by their closeness.
Once we arrive at our cabin, Lily and Lara decide to go with a group headed down to the lake. From our view near the top of the mountain, the lake shimmers with threads of gold and blue as the sun hits it. They invite me along, but my interest lies in finishing my reading.
I walk to where my stuff still waits on the bunk next to the door and grab my pamphlets, planning to find somewhere to read them before I check out the computer area. It seems like my best option to discover more about this camp and the area.
As I get ready to leave, Fallon returns to the cabin. I pause at the door and say, “I’m going to take a walk, then check out the computers. Do you want to come?”
She glances at the papers in her hand and winks. “No, thanks, I have a super-secret spy meeting that requires my attention. I plan on reviewing this paperwork before tomorrow.”
Shrugging, I wave goodbye, and head down the stairs, opening the packet as I go. The first page lists the head counselors, Kelly Whitney and Harold Baker.
With my head down reading, I meander down the path. Sitting at one of the picnic tables under the trees near the Corral sounds relaxing. About two cabins down and not far into my reading, I run into a wall, or at least, a solid object the size of a wall. I crane my head up and peer into electric eyes. The blue seems to spark as they smile down at me.
I take a step back, overwhelmed by his large body that ripples with muscles. He’s like a Norse god. I can’t seem to pull my gaze away from him as I stammer, “I’m so, so sorry. I’m normally more aware of my surroundings. I would ask if I hurt you, but it felt like I hit a brick wall.”
In my musings over the eyes and body of Thor, I miss the guy next to him. He doubles over, laughing at both of us. “Ha, ha, ha. Stud here gets that from all the ladies.”
“Shut the fuck up, Micah! You just wish you had a lady.” Thor smirks and directs his attention back to me. “I thought you saw me, or I would have stopped. Are you hurt?”
“No,” I say, now wondering why he didn’t stop. Why would he want me to run into him? Did he want a reason for us to talk? I shake my head, trying to wrangle my thoughts back together. “It shocked me.” I giggle, then clamp a hand over my mouth. What is wrong with me? Giggling? Giving myself a shake, I direct the question back on him. “Are you all right?”
“There’s not much that can hurt Jay. I’ve seen him take on two guys bigger than himself and come out on top.” Micah brags, clearly with some sort of hero worship going on. “Although, I don’t think there are many people bigger than him this year. He had a huge growth spurt since last year. Last year, we came so close to winning, mainly because of Jay.”
“Micah, I can answer for myself. Thanks.” Jay sticks his hand out to me. “I’m Jay. This is my third year here. If you need anything, let me know. I heard what Mindy did to you. Ignore her. She isn’t worth the time.” He speaks so quickly it seems rehearsed.
“You didn’t think that last year when you two were found behind the pool house.” Micah again doubles over laughing.
I, on the other hand, turn beet red and glance down. Way too much information provided in this introduction.
“Dude! What the hell? You know very well I only pulled her back there to get information on her team. I never planned on her jumping me. I was glad her dad found us because she was relentless.” Jay’s cheeks heat. At least, I’m not the only one embarrassed by this conversation.
Micah prods Jay further. “Whatever! That’s not the story she told everyone.” Micah takes two steps to his right to avoid Jay’s reach in case the Jay punches at him.
Jay turns back to me, his face earnest. “You can ignore Micah, too. Clearly, he and Mindy belong together. I know you don’t know me, but trust me when I say those were rumors, just like what she’s saying about you is just a rumor.”
I nod in agreement, slightly confused. Why worry about my opinion of him? If he wants to mess around with her, it’s none of my business.
My mind returns to my earlier thoughts of why we’re talking. He not only wants to talk to me, but he also wants to make sure I think better of him than the rumors suggest I should. Everyone here is strange. People tend to not care about those around them. Even when rumors go around, it never seems to stop anyone’s interactions.
My musings distract me again because Jay’s head tilts, flipping his light brown ponytail onto his shoulder, as waits for my response. Embarrassed, I admit, “I totally missed what you said. Sorry.”
“I asked if you wanted to swim with us. We’re headed down to the pool, now. The pool’s Olympic size, with lanes on one side for people to do laps. There are also two slides and three diving boards.” As Jay describes the pool, Micah enthusiastically bobs his head.
Jay’s claimed my attention. I wouldn’t mind talking with him longer, but I don’t know how to swim. I keep that to myself. “I would, but I’m heading over to the park to read this lovely piece of literature given to me by Kelly.” I wave the packet in front of me. “There’s a swing or picnic table calling my name.”
Before I realize it, Jay grabs the packet from my hand and tosses it over into the weeds. “You don’t need that. I’ll keep you on the straight and narrow.”
His electric eyes pulse with excitement. I go to collect the packet, and he grabs my hand, his palms rough as he holds mine tightly. “You don’t want to grab that, now. It’s sitting in poison oak.”