Summer chomped down hard on another piece of chocolate. “I want the kids to have a great time so they’ll want to come back next year. And I want them to tell all their friends.”
“They seemed to enjoy today...mostly.” The side of Tara’s mouth twitched. “The boys as well as the girls.”
“I hope so, but I feel like he’s got the boys in military training.” A breeze reminded her of the open windows. She lowered her voice. “Did you hear any grumbling? It’s important for me to preempt any negativity.”
Tara hesitated, gnawing her bottom lip. “A couple of boys were complaining.”
“About Rick?” Summer’s breath hitched. If Rick did a poor job, the camp’s success could be jeopardized. If he did a great job, she wouldn’t be able to show off her leadership skills. She wasn’t sure what she wanted anymore. His presence seemed to assure she was screwed either way.
Tara took a slow drink, eyeing Summer over the rim of the glass. “About having to line up to do everything when the girls don’t have to.”
Condensation from the glass mixed with the nervous sweat on Summer’s hand. She set the glass down and wiped her hand on her leg. “That’s the kind of thing I’m talking about. All that lining-up business makes them look like soldiers.”
“I don’t know.” Tara shrugged. “A lot of schools have the kids line up to move from place to place. Kids like to know their boundaries. They appreciate having limits drawn.”
“But this isn’t school.” Summer paused. Was she off base in her reasoning? “Am I the only one who feels this way...that this is where they should be able to spread their wings and fly without being held back by boundaries we place on them? As long as they’re safe, obviously.”
“Not at all. I totally see where you’re coming from.” Tara’s lips pursed as she gave it some thought. “And maybe Rick will come around once he sees how the girls responded to the fairy princess stuff.”
Summer picked up her drink again and leaned back, relaxed to be once more in a familiar area of conversation. “I wasn’t sure about this age group. The younger ones take well to the magic wand idea, so I thought I’d experiment a little and see how this group responded to it.”
“I know what I’d wish for if I had a magic wand.”
The wistful sound in Tara’s voice held an edge that piqued Summer’s curiosity. “And what would that be?”
Tara opened her mouth, then closed it again and shrugged. “Maybe an adventure? My life’s nothing if not predictable.”
The sweet and tangy flavors played on Summer’s tongue as she took another sip. “Predictable’s not so bad. Maybe it means you’ve found your equilibrium.”
“I’m a preacher’s kid from Taylor’s Grove.” Tara hugged her knees to her chest and rested her chin on her crossed arms. “I’ve dated the same guy all the way through high school and college. He’s studying theology. Plans to go into the ministry, too.”
“And...what?” Summer prodded. “He’s too much like your father? You regret being with only one guy?”
“No. It’s not that. I mean, I love him. It’s just...” Tara took another sip and gave her head a shake. “It’s nothing. I’m being silly.”
There was more to the story, Summer was sure, and the serious look on Tara’s face said it wasn’t silly at all. She tried a different angle. “Are you two planning on getting married?”
Tara shrugged, and her glance darted away. “He’s in Honduras on a mission trip, due home anytime. We’re supposed to talk about it when he gets back.”
If Summer expected excitement at the announcement, she was wrong. Tara seemed decidedly undecided on the issue. Summer made a hasty choice to share something she rarely admitted to anyone. “Well, take your time and don’t rush into anything. I ran off to Vegas with my boyfriend to get married the day after high school graduation.”
Shock registered momentarily on Tara’s face, but she recouped quickly, eyes dancing with interest. “Really?”
“Yeah, my dad found out what we were up to and followed us out there and stopped everything.” Summer could still see the hurt and anger in her father’s eyes when he found them in that sleazy hotel. It was a memory she’d give anything to forget, so, of course, it was one that remained etched on her brain. God, she’d put her dad and mom through a lot.
“What happened to the guy? Are you still with him?”