Last Chance Summer - Shannon Klare Page 0,30

a smile playing at his lips.

“Small victories,” I said, nodding. “Even smaller, considering one of my campers has decided she’s in a power position.”

“Ooh, a fourteen-year-old with a chip on her shoulder. Who would’ve thought?” Grant said. “So, what’s the issue? She jealous of your prime sleeping position, or of your ruggedly handsome co-counselor?”

“She’s frustrated this isn’t some on-call swim resort where she can lie out whenever she wants,” I said.

“Did you tell her she could go home if she has an issue?” Grant said, fidgeting with the brim of his hat. “If she has a problem, that’s the easiest solution.”

“I’ve already had one go home,” I said. “If I send any more home, my campers will start to riot.”

“If they riot, they’ll all be sent home,” he said. “Then you could leave camp and everyone’s problems would be solved.”

“You’re still trying to get rid of me, and here I thought we’d turned a corner,” I said, grinning.

“I haven’t made up my mind,” he said with a smile.

I giggled, the laugh fading as Brie pushed through the door on our side. She stared at me for a moment, glanced at Grant, then pranced across the porch with her high ponytail slinging back and forth.

“It’s the beginning of the day and she’s already getting on my nerves,” I groaned.

“I’m sure you annoyed people when you were fourteen,” Grant said, peeling himself away from the rail.

“Nope. I was perfect,” I lied.

“Doubtful.” He sipped his coffee, moving for the stairs. “Perfect or not, you still need to figure out a way to work with her. You’ll be better off that way. Your cabin will be better off.”

“Sounds easier than it is,” I said, following him across the porch.

“I never said it was easy,” he said. “That doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it.” He landed on the dirt with a thud, his tennis shoes crunching over rocks as he headed to the mess hall.

I matched his pace, mentally ping-ponging between what Grant wanted me to do and what I wanted to do. Still caught between my options at breakfast, I spent the rest of my morning in silent debate.

By the time yoga rolled around, my mind was the furthest thing from balanced. I reached the amphitheater on the outskirts of camp, rolling my shoulders as I neared the group gathered at the base of the massive stone setup. Six rows high, the outdoor space sat nestled in a clearing surrounded by trees. Grant stood among the campers at the bottom, towering over most.

“This is by far the lamest camp activity I’ve ever heard of,” I said, closing the distance between us. “It’s like Loraine googled therapy techniques and picked the five most boring options.”

“Wrong,” Grant said, grinning. “I’m the one who googled them.”

“Of course you did,” I said, slowing completely.

Hands on my hips, I scouted the area for my campers. Steff and my quietest camper, Jules, stood beside a group of Grant’s guys. Brie and Jess were nowhere in sight.

“You’re missing two,” Grant said, following my gaze. “You think that’s intentional, or do you think they forgot?”

“I think they skipped out,” I said, frowning. “If I had to bet, I’m pretty sure I know exactly where they are.”

“Want to track them down?” he said, crossing his arms.

“Not yet,” I said, shaking my head. “I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt, but if they don’t show before this thing is over with there will be hell to pay. If I have to do this stupid exercise, so do they.”

“Yoga is actually pretty calming. Maybe it will help get all that bubbling animosity out of you,” Grant said, poking me in the side. “Channel your energy, Alex. Channel it good.”

“I hate you,” I said, smiling.

“No, you don’t,” he said, smiling too.

He took his place at one of the mats, slipping off his tennis shoes to reveal mismatched black socks. I took the mat beside him, taking off my own shoes as the yoga instructor dropped her stuff on one of the concrete steps.

“Remember to channel that energy,” he said, glancing at me. “I know this seems hokey, but it can be beneficial if and when you let it.”

“Is this the part where you tell me you really did suggest this camp activity?” I said, looking at him.

“My primary suggestion was the counselor basketball game,” he said. “But yes, I may or may not have suggested this too. We used to have it when we were at camp, back in the day. I think the majority