Page 10 of Never Will I Ever

“Especially when they think their big brother will let them get away with everything.”

A snort mixed with a laugh leaves me. “They won’t be getting away with a damn thing if I have anything to say about it.”

His deep, warm chuckle floats over me like warm honey, and a tiny twinge of homesickness courses through me. I don’t see my parents nearly enough since heading to college in Portland, leaving them back in Bend, and it’s not until I’m in their presence again that I realize how much I miss them.

“I’m certain they’ll be testing you on that.” His expression sobers slightly as we approach the edge of the parking lot where the twins are. “I know you don’t have a lot of time, but how’re you doing? I’m sure not a lot has changed in the past twenty-four hours, but…”

My eyes search Dad’s face momentarily, debating if I should tell him the truth or not. But needing to talk tosomeoneabout it wins out, and a long sigh leaves me.

“Avery’s here,” I tell him quietly.

“Avery?”

“From school. The one who was on my team who…” I give him a silent, imploring look. Begging him to understand what I’m saying without spelling it out where other parents, counselors, or kids could hear, even if they’re all too busy with their own conversations to eavesdrop.

I know of a few older kids who’ve been attending camp here regularly for years who are out and open about their sexual orientation. Not only to their families but publicly as well. They don’t need to find out about the shit one of their counselors pulled not even a month ago, outing someone in their own community.

Myown community.

Thankfully, my father just nods in understanding before his gaze tracks Dayton and Colton instead. “If you don’t feel safe, you have the right to say something.”

I shake my head. “It’s not my safety I’m worried about. There’s no way he’s going to find out about me while we’re here.”

“Then what’s the issue?”

I explain my line of thinking with the queer campers, then add, “Plus, I don’t want his bigoted, biased bullshit to rub off on anyone. Look at Day and Cole; they just want to fit in with their friends and be cool. Kids their age are impressionable, and I’m concerned he might do or say something that’ll hurt one of them with some off-hand comment. Or worse, guide some of them down the path he followed.”

“Valid concerns.” He gives me a thoughtful look before asking, “So what are you gonna do about it?”

Another sigh leaves me as I scratch the back of my neck. “I don’t know yet. But if you’ve taught me anything, it’s that hatred and bias aren’t ingrained in us from birth. It’s a line of thinking that’s taught or learned. And it’s a chance the camp is taking by letting him be here.”

A grin appears on his face and he nods. “I stand by teaching you that, and again, I see your concerns. But I think you’re looking at this from the wrong perspective.”

I blink, frowning. “Meaning?”

“Maybe instead of worrying about what he might accidentallyteach them, you can make this summer about what you knowyou can teachhim.”

“You think I can reverse his bigotry?” I ask, dumbfounded.

Dad simply shrugs. “It might be harder than getting him fired, but I don’t think it would hurt to try.”

Yeah, except that would mean spending more time with the dick than I already have to. Something not very high on my to-do list.

Doubt must be written all over my face, because Dad lets out another low chuckle. “No need to look like I ruined your summer before it’s begun. I’m just offering some food for thought.”

“As if I needed more on my plate,” I mumble, my voice laced with sarcasm as I grab Dayton’s bag from him too. “But thanks.”

A smile tilts the corner of his lips and he claps me on the shoulder. “I’ll let you get back to it. But your mom and I are proud of you. And we’ll keep being proud of you no matter what you decide to do.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

I’m pulled in for a quick hug before he releases me and heads back toward his truck.

“Wait, aren’t you gonna say bye to the twins?” I call after him.

He waves me off, a grin on his face. “Not a chance, kid. They’re too preoccupied, and I’ve gotta get back home anyway. Make sure those two don’t kill each other.”

“I’ll do my best.”

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