Camp Lore - 17. Chapter 17

Andy didn’t hit on me a third time because I snuck up on him.

“I have permission to help you teach,” I said. “When I want.”

He just looked at me.

“Huh?”

And I explained my conversation with Linden.

“What if I don’t want?” he asked warily.

I grinned.

“Then I guess it’s back to the bench.”

He thought about that for a moment then laughed.

We were sitting at our usual corner table in the Canteen, about as far from the speakers and dancing as we could get.

“Now how did that happen?” he asked.

I added some more detail, and he thought about that.

“Not a lot we can do in front of the girls,” he cautioned.

“Who knows? They might like to watch.”

He volleyed.

“What would they be watching?”

“You teach, of course.”

He let that make him smile.

“And what would you be doing?”

“Helping. In any way you’d like.”

“I’m not gonna win this one, am I?”

“You already have. We both have. We’ve got a place that’s private and doesn’t involve breaking in. Now we’re just working out the time.”

He thought about that.

“I still don’t see...”

“Maybe ‘cause you’re not around teachers enough,” I said. “I grew up circled by ‘em – my parents and grandparents. I’m practically cursed with...”

“Being one?”

“I hope not. There’re so many more interesting things to do.”

He nodded.

“But I still sometimes think like one,” I admitted. “And when you’re teaching, you plan ahead. So if the people in the girls’ camp get used to seeing me – say every afternoon for an activity period or two. And if they know where I’m going – and why. Well, they’re not gonna question why I’m there at other times.”

“Like?”

“During general swim or something. When if anyone knocks on the door, we can just say we’re prepping. You know how long updates and downloads take.”

“And you’ve got to find ways to pass time.”

I nodded.

“Which gives us a little wiggle room.”

“Exactly.”

He grinned.

“I’m beginning to like this teaching stuff.”

“You can have my genes.”

“I don’t think I can get them that way.”

“You never know.”

And we both cracked up.

“When?” he asked next.

“Soon. We just need to set it up.”

“Is that a problem?”

“It shouldn’t be. Though the way I see it the most useful time is the one that makes the least sense.”

“After Rec.”

“Yep. You usually walk your kids to their bunk and come back here.”

“Instead, we’d have to walk to the girls’ camp.”

“To check on some program or other you’d need to use the next day. Or even something you’d been trying to teach me.”

“You really think things out.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Though you don’t think you’re getting just a little ahead of me?”

“Oh, come on – you’ve hit on me twice. Three times, if we count the train.”

“Nothing we could’ve done on the train.”

“Nothing I would’ve let you. But this is better than meeting on some hiking trail.”

“I never should’ve told you about Nate.”

“Why not? As my dad sometimes says, ‘It put some skin in the game.’”

“Maybe a little.”

And we studied each other.

“Right now, that bench is looking very good,” I said.

“But who’d be sitting on it?”

“Maybe both of us. Maybe we could interest Nate.”

That cracked us up again. Enough to make the kids at the next table look.

“How come you’re always having so much fun?” one asked.

“Yeah, what’s the joke?”

“We’re trying things out for Saturday night,” I quickly excused. “You’ll see them soon enough.”

That made them laugh again, and they left us alone.

“What about Saturday night?” Andy offered.

I grinned.

“Maybe there’s a thing as too much planning.”

“We just let it happen?”

“Best way – to me. But only after we set things up. People need to get used to seeing me.”

“And if I wanted to do a little training right now?”

“Too soon.”

“I’d sit on the bench.”

“I’m not interested in collecting you.”

“You sit.”

“I don’t trust you enough.”

“Thanks.”

“It’s the simple truth.”

“I’ll take out my contacts – handicap myself. Without them, I’m as blind as you are.”

“They might get lost.”

“That’s very thoughtful.”

I shrugged. Then waited.

He almost seemed to be considering. But I knew he wasn’t. And I hoped he wasn’t serious.

Instead, he glanced at the clock on the wall.

“I need to be getting back. If I don’t get some sleep, I’m useless in the morning. And some of those girls are very smart.”

“What’re you working on?”

“Website design. Some basic coding.”

“Way beyond me.”

“It’s okay. You can clean the screens.”

“Deal. I’ll wander up after lunch tomorrow. See what I can learn. But I’m only gonna stay for an hour the first time. And I’ll get there and leave while the kids and counselors are there.”

“Sounds good. And good night. Or do you want to walk me back?”

“Think I’ll dance for a while.”

“Dance?”

“Yeah. I’ve got some energy to work off.”