Page 64 of Seal the Deal

I ignore it, instead focusing on the strain in her voice. She’s tired in a way that goes beyond physical—a kind of tired that comes from doing everything alone, day after day.

“I should come over,” I say, the decision made before I even realize it. “I promised my favorite three-year-old a bedtime story anyway.”

“Jake, you don’t have to—”

“I’m on my way,” I insist, already grabbing my keys. “Be there soon.”

There’s a pause, then a sigh. “Alright. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Bring it on, baby.”

Chapter twenty-one

Pajamas are the absolute worst

Jake - 12 Years Ago

I’m heading toward the mess hall when I spot Charlotte sitting on the steps of her cabin, her head in her hands. She’s usually right in the thick of things, helping the kids and organizing other leaders with a smile in place. Something’s off.

“Hey, Charlie,” I call, keeping my tone light. “Everything okay?”

She looks up, and the exhaustion in her eyes hits me like a punch. “Just a long day,” she says, her voice missing its usual spark. “I’m fine, really.”

I don’t buy it. “You don’t look fine.” I sit down beside her on the steps, stretching my legs out. “Wanna talk?”

She sighs, running a hand through her hair. “You know how it is. Some days are just harder than others. Today was one of those days.”

I nod, not pushing. Camp can be exhausting, and it’s more than the physical stuff—it’s the emotional weight of being ‘on’ all day. I’ve had my rough days too, but I’ve never seen her like this.

“Anything I can do to help?”

She shakes her head. “Not unless you’ve got a magic wand that makes kids listen the first time.”

“Hmm, fresh out of those. But I’m a pro at sitting…”

A small, tired smile appears. “Yeah, that helps.”

If that’s all it takes, I’ll gladly sit besideher for as long as she needs. We sit in comfortable silence, the distant chatter of campers and the rustling of leaves around us. It’s still. Peaceful.

After a while, she straightens, rubbing her hands over her knees. “I just wanna feel like I’m doing a good job. Like I’m not letting anyone down.”

I frown, because I’ve had that same thought a hundred times myself, but I never would’ve guessed she felt the same. Seeing her like this stirs something deep in me. It’s hard to reconcile this version of her with the strong, confident person I know. But maybe that’s the point—maybe even light needs a place to rest.

“You’re not letting anyone down,” I say firmly. “The kids adore you. Hell, this whole camp would fall apart without you.”

She doesn’t respond right away, but I see the faintest smile tugging her lips. For the first time since I sat down, she looks lighter. Less weighed down by whatever’s been gnawing at her all day. It’s small, but I feel the victory. Like maybe just being here with her is enough. “Thanks, Jake.”

“Anytime, Lady Lightning.”

I glance at her, and for a moment, I see her in a new way. Not just as a friend or camp leader, but as someone who also needs to hear that they’re doing okay. That they’re valued.

And if she needs that reminder, I’ll do it. Every damn day.

***

Jake - Present Day

When I pull up to Charlie’s house, the sounds of mayhem are almost audible from the driveway. I knock, and when she opens the door, she looks frazzled—hair slightly out of place, tracksuit still somehow managing to look sexy on her.

---