Page 75 of Camping with the Boss

“And they’re helping the evil step-aunt?”

“That’s my theory anyway.”

“Who is it?”

I shake my head. “I don’t know.”

“But…?” She twirls her hand in a keep-going motion.

“But…” And then it’s clear. Not the person doing it. But close enough. “I know how to find out.” Excitement zips through me. I can do this.

Her mouth drops open. “Huh?”

“What? Do I have grease on my face?” I grab a napkin and wipe, but she shakes her head.

“I change my answer from before. You’re doing the right thing.”

I’m glad to have her support, no matter what choice I make. But I’m also curious. “How do you know?”

“You’ve been cautious for so long that I just forgot. You used to take risks all the time, even after your surgeries. Your mom—” She stops and clears her throat. Her eyes are wet when they meet mine. “Your mom told you to slow down all the time. But being cautious has never been a defining part of your personality, babe. It’s been a response to your fear. Your trauma. This,” she says as she squeezes my hands, “this is who you are.”

She’s right, and it’s like a switch lighting up the parts I couldn’t see. The camp reminded me of the time before Mom and Dad died. It reminded me of all the things I love. “It’s not just the camp. Wade believes in me. He doesn’t treat me like I’m broken. Defective. I feel like I deserve to be happy.”

“It’s about damn time.” She grins. “I was right. You’ve fallen head over heels for this guy. I’m proud of you, babe, for not giving up.” She points the knife in my direction. “But know this…if your beast-boss hurts you, I will end him.” She smacks the spoon with the knife to make her point, and I grab the silverware and move it safely out of her reach.

“Good to know.” I may have to warn Wade, no matter how this turns out. My phone buzzes on the table. Hope flares before I can stop it. River. Damn. I frown as I read his message.

“Bad news?”

“We need to regroup.” I glance at the condiments. Too sweet. Too tasty. Too basic. Then my eyes snag on Alex’s glass. “Are you done with your ice water?”

“Sure…Oh no. The ice queen?”

I nod. “Wade’s evil step-aunt has joined the party.”

Chapter Eighteen

Wade

Friday, June 13th, 9:15 a.m.

Meredith takes over at breakfast, which surprises no one. She’s like a fungus that has attached itself to our family. And it may take me a while, but I won’t stop until she’s been completely removed.

At the last minute, I move the morning activities to the area where we have our campfires. It’s on the other side of the camp. It’s a trek, but a little exercise won’t hurt anyone.

My plan works well. Almost too well. Meredith has no problem staying behind and working on important business. When she complains to Jared that she’s having trouble making calls due to the spotty service, he points to a landline in the activity room.

I want to yell at her to stay out. That’sourroom. But Canyon left. And he didn’t even bother to say goodbye. It hurts. It really,reallyhurts, but I can’t let it paralyze me. One thing at a time. Cutting Meredith out of our lives is step one. Step two is convincing Canyon to give us a chance.

The team grumbles on the hike over. Al, Lydia, and Owen are the most vocal. River leads the pack, but he keeps looking back at us. Does he think we’re going to make a run for it?

“We need to talk,” Ander says in a low voice beside me.

He’s always been the quiet one. Never causes waves. Or problems. I’ve rarely seen him angry. At least not as an adult. But there’s a tightness around his eyes that gives him away. He’s pissed. At Meredith? Jared’s only a few feet ahead of us. Ready to step in if needed? I keep my gaze on Jared. “Agreed.”

“After the first session.”

He starts to walk off, but I grab his arm. “Will Jared be joining us?”

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