Page 43 of It Starts With Summer

“Sure,” I said, handing him the container of colorful sprinkles before returning to my task.

“Are you excited about the party this afternoon?Should be a good time,” Parker chattered on, seemingly oblivious to my growing annoyance.“I always feel a little sad about saying goodbye to the campers, though.”

“Uh-huh,” I responded, forcing a smile.I was pretty sure he was trying to make conversation to connect with me, but all I wanted to do was deal with my emotions.

“I’ll miss you, you know.During break.”

“Will you?”The words slipped out before I could stop them, my frustration apparent.I quickly looked down, focusing on the icing once more.

“Of course, Ravi.I just… Family is important, and you shouldn’t blow them off for me.I’d do anything to have my parents back, and I didn’t even like them that much,” he admitted, his voice softer now.“Things are going so well between us.”

“Me neither,” I confessed, meeting his gaze.“But it’s hard not to feel that way sometimes.”

As I finished icing another cupcake, I felt a sharp pang in my chest.My parents were excited to meet Parker, but it seemed like the feeling wasn’t mutual.He hadn’t wanted to come along, and didn’t even seem upset that I was leaving for the session break without him.I tried to shake off the disappointment, reminding myself that our relationship was still new and perhaps he just wasn’t ready for that step yet.

“Hey, are you okay?”Parker asked, elbowing me playfully.“You look off.”

I forced a smile, wishing I could just wrap my arms around him and forget about everything else.But with Ben and Sutton back at the cabin, we had to be more careful about showing affection.“Just tired,” I lied, avoiding his gaze.

“Maybe you should take a break after we’re done here,” he suggested, concern etched on his handsome face.

“Thanks, Parker.I’ll think about it,” I replied, trying to focus on the task at hand instead of my swirling emotions.

The door to the cabin creaked open, and Sutton and Ben walked in.Ben came over to talk to me, and Sutton turned his attention to Parker, a wide grin spreading across his face.

“Hey, Parker, looking good there with the cupcakes,” he drawled, leaning against the counter.“I bet they taste as amazing as they look.”Was that flirting?If it was flirting, it was really terrible.

“Uh, thanks, Sutton.”Parker glanced at me briefly, and I wondered what he was thinking.

“Maybe I can help you out with the icing,” Sutton offered, stepping closer to Parker.“I’m sure I can add some… special touches to them.”

My fists clenched involuntarily, anger boiling beneath the surface.The audacity of Sutton to flirt with Parker right in front of me was infuriating.I knew they had a history, knew that Sutton didn’t know Parker was mine.Still, seeing it play out before my eyes was almost too much to bear.

“Actually, we’re almost finished,” Parker said, trying to keep his voice light and casual.“But thanks for the offer.”

“Suit yourself,” Sutton replied with a shrug.“I got a killer suite at the Yamada if you want to fuck over break.”

Parker stared at him, mouth opening and closing again, remaining silent.I tried to focus on anything else—the texture of the icing, the sound of birds chirping outside—but all I could think about was the way Sutton looked at Parker, how he offered something like that right in front of me.It made me want to scream, to shout from the rooftops that Parker was mine, and no one else’s.

The sight of Sutton flirting with Parker, the weight of our hidden relationship on my chest—it was all too much.I needed to distance myself before I did or said something I’d regret.“Excuse me,” I turned and left the room without waiting for a response.I could feel Parker’s eyes on me as I walked away, but I didn’t dare look back.

The cool air outside was a welcome relief, and I took deep breaths, trying to regain my composure.I meandered through the campgrounds until I found a quiet spot among the trees, where I spotted a beautiful columbine growing near the base of a large pine.I squatted down to examine the columbine, forcing myself to focus on its delicate petals and intricate patterns.It was as if the world around me had faded away, leaving only the beauty of nature at my fingertips.

“Hey, Ravi."Parker crouched beside me.“Pretty.Is that a columbine?”

I glanced over at him, pleased that he seemed genuinely interested in my newfound distraction.“Yes, a red columbine, actually.Aquilegia Formosa, to be more specific.They’re native to the Western US.”

“I love them,” Parker murmured.“They’re so beautiful and unique.”

Feeling calmer already, I smiled and continued sharing what I knew about these fascinating plants.“Yes, they are quite stunning.Did you know that the nectar in their long spurs attracts hummingbirds?”

Parker grinned, softening his voice as he studied me, reaching out and brushing a lock of hair off of my forehead.“You okay, baby?”

Baby.The small, common pet name made my heart melt.“I… I was disappointed that you didn’t want to meet my parents.I understand it might be soon for that, though.”

Parker blinked at me, a slow smile spreading across his face.I didn’t understand why he was smiling and when he laughed, I felt my irritation surging once again.

“Why is that funny?”I snapped.“Lots of people have their boyfriends meet their parents.”

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