how hot it was even though it was only nine in the morning. Being this far north, summers were usually mild, but the weather had decided to be unseasonably warm today. Maybe hanging out in the lake wouldn’t be so bad.
When we approached the beach and dock, I saw the other counselors standing in a lean patch of shade. Any optimism I had evaporated.
God, they were perfect. The girls with their lean legs and slender but muscular arms. The guys with their perfectly toned bodies. Lars, Naveen, and Ian had already misplaced their shirts, showing off toned pecs and washboard abs as they applied copious amounts of sunscreen to their already glistening muscles.
True sucked in a breath and whispered, “Damn. If I didn’t think they were all total asshats, I would definitely let them oil me up.”
“I’m sure they would if you asked.” I tried not to stare, happy my sunglasses gave me some cover.
True cocked her head as if considering the notion. Meanwhile, footsteps on the path drew my attention to two more figures approaching from the opposite direction.
Levi appeared beside a person I had not yet met. The woman was older, perhaps thirty, sporting curly dark hair tied back with a slender white bandana. Her skin had an olive hue, though what her ethnicity might be I had no idea. With her dark eyes, perfect nose, and stunning smile, she was yet another member of the Beautiful People Club that seemed to populate this camp.
Did Dean Purty hire based on looks alone? And if so, what was I doing here?
“That’s Sasha Ali,” True said. “She’s Dean Purty’s right hand woman. Associate Dean or some dumb title like that.”
Ah. That explained why she was with Levi. My stomach twisted at the thought of them arriving together.
You can’t be jealous. You don’t like him. You’re just interested in what’s going on with him, I reminded myself.
I recalled his strong arms around my body, his fingers on the back of my thighs. Then I pictured how he’d glared at me, his face darkening as his eyes fell on me.
No matter how attractive he was, there was no way he’d come near me with a ten-foot pole.
Sasha and Levi stopped between the two groups, and Sasha addressed us. “Gather up, troops. Let’s get started.”
I walked with True, stopping when the circle seemed complete. Even though it felt like a lot of space, Levi took a step back as if I’d come too close.
Yep, definitely still repulsed by me. Great.
While I focused on a rock at my feet and not my embarrassment, the rest of the counselors waited for instructions. The smell of sunscreen wafted over the scents of sweat and lake water as feet shuffled through the gritty sand.
“Wonderful. It’s good to see you all again,” Sasha began. “I think I know everyone except you, Piper, but Dean Purty has filled me in. I’m Sasha by the way.” She gave me a warm smile, and I returned it.
“Nice to meet you, Sasha,” I replied.
“Nice to have you, Piper. Can you swim?” One dark eyebrow arched as she assessed me.
“Yes. I took five years of lessons. I’m also certified in CPR and First Aid.”
“Great. Then most of what you’ll see is review, but we retrain every year. The water is nothing to play around with. About four thousand drowning deaths occur each year and not one of them is going to be at Camp Shadow Lake. Isn’t that right, everyone?”
There was a chorus of agreement.
“Right. So, let’s start with water rescue. Everybody in.”
There was a collective groan as the counselors began to remove anything they didn’t want to get wet. I realized I’d have to shed my protective layer and felt myself burning bright red as I did so.
While I disrobed, Lars, Naveen, and Ian ran to the water and plunged in, one of them giving a whoop as water sprayed everywhere. The girls were more tentative, walking in slowly, emitting little squeals as the cold water touched sensitive areas. Levi and Sasha walked in unceremoniously, leaving True and me as the last two to enter.
Do it, Piper. Don’t let them see your fear.
It was bad enough I’d fainted and probably everyone knew. If I didn’t show some gumption now, they’d most likely send me back home. A dud. Defective. I couldn’t live with myself if that happened.
Taking a deep breath, I walked as confidently as I could to the water and in, letting it inch up my body with my lips sealed