Page 55 of Until Next Summer

“Yes, I’ve been traumatized. I nearly drowned, then I learned that my childhood camp counselor was having naked dreams about me. Which he found ‘disgusting.’ So not only are my lungs damaged from inhaling lake water, my self-esteem has been crushed.”

He runs a hand over his face. I swear he’s trying to keep from cracking a smile. “Jess…”

“Luke…”

“I’ll consider it,” he says. “But I won’t sing any camp songs.”

“That’s okay.”

“And do not force me to socialize.”

“Of course not.”

“And you’d better not tell anyone about those dreams—”

“I would never,” I say seriously, then flash him a smile. “Okay, see ya later…try not to think too much about me while I’m gone.”

He sighs and looks heavenward, as if he’s searching for the strength to deal with me.

“Don’t think about how it felt to have my body pressed up against you in the water,” I add.

He closes his eyes like he’s pained. “My god, Jessie Pederson. You’re a menace.”

I grin. “If you take a nap this afternoon, make sure you don’t dream—”

“Shut your mouth.”

Chuckling quietly, I turn and walk away. All I hear is his heavy exhale behind me, but I guarantee he’s smiling.

fifteen

Hillary

The musical last week was a beautiful disaster. I knowThe Wizard of Ozisn’t supposed to be a comedy, but I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard. Seeing Jessie onstage skipping down the yellow brick road with a stuffed dog in her arms was just perfection.

As if my thoughts summoned her, Dorothy herself walks into the Arts and Crafts cabin, where I’m setting up for the first session of the day. It’s the Fourth of July, and I have a patriotic craft planned, then I’m helping Zac and Zoey decorate canoes for the parade and fireworks show tonight.

“Hey!” I say, excited for the impromptu visit.

But then I notice her shoulders are slumped, her eyes puffy and red. She looks defeated—which is not a word I’d ever associate with Jessie Pederson.

I drop the red, white, and blue yarn and rush over to her.

“Jess, what’s wrong?” I only hesitate for a split second before I wrap my arms around her. Jessie goes soft in my embrace, letting me support her.

“It’s okay,” I say, rubbing her back. “Whatever it is, it’ll be okay,” I promise blindly.

We stay like that, with her head resting on my shoulder,until her breathing has returned to normal. I don’t know about her, but my eyes are brimming with tears.

“Want to tell me what’s going on?” I ask as I continue to rub circles on her back.

Jessie straightens herself up and takes a deep breath. “I got an email from Jack Valentine this morning. It’s over.”

My stomach sinks, even though I knew this was a strong possibility.

“They have a buyer,” she says. “The camp is officially under contract.”

“Shit.”

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