Page 6

Chapter six

At The Campground

Danny said Skyler needed a tent partner, so I volunteered.

That couldn’t have gone better if I’d planned it.

I was pretty sure it would piss him off beyond reason when he found out, but it couldn’t be helped.

I was the only one with extra space and equipment, including an extra sleeping bag, so that should make him feel comfortable.

Maybe.

More importantly, this would be the opportunity to set things right with him.

Or maybe it could lead to more.

So, I was careful and picked a spot for my tent in the very back, which was a little bit secluded, surrounded by trees you had to squeeze between to get in and out.

Danny winked at me knowingly when he okayed the assignment.

Maybe he was secretly rooting for Skyler and me to get together.

I know I was—even if it felt like wishful thinking.

Rubbing my hands together in anticipation, I plotted out where I wanted everything to go on our site.

I spread the tarp over the ground and started opening the bag holding the tent.

Before I got very far with the unpacking, footsteps approached, Danny was walking Skyler over.

I stood and got an eyeful of Skyler.

I could imagine the smoke coming from his ears.

Oh yes, he was angry.

“Hey. Welcome.” I spread my arms out.

Skyler turned to face Danny.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”

“No. This is the only choice.” Danny stretched out an arm, physically maneuvering Skyler into the site.

“Skyler, relax. Be nice.”

Skyler’s face turned beet-red, and he shook his head, then looked at the ground.

“This is not happening right now. No, no, no. No way am I sharing a tent with this asshole.”

“Hey, now. I volunteered. And I have plenty of room.” I spread my arms wide in invitation again.

One I was afraid he wouldn’t take.

“I think I’ll call an Uber and go home.”

Danny huffed, “Don’t be ridiculous.”

“I’m not,” Skyler protested with his hands balled into fists and planted on his hips.

“You are. But it’s okay. I get it. Not what you expected, but damn, it’s not the worst thing in the world, and if you open yourself to this, I think you’ll find Crow is not so bad. I mean, you could actually be friends.”

Danny’s words only earned me another scathing look from Skyler.

“I don’t know about that.”

“I’ll be very nice. You can trust me,” I added.

“I doubt both of those statements.” Skyler sighed.

“I guess I don’t have a choice. But.” He turned to Danny and pointed his finger into Danny’s chest.

“I’m holding you responsible for his behavior.” He pointed at me.

“Got it?”

“Fine. It’ll be fine, Sky.” Danny hugged Skyler and then booked it out of there like his pants were on fire.

I didn’t blame him.

A pissed-off Skyler was quite something.

“I’m working on the tent.” I pointed to the bag.

“And there’s a cooler. We can set up—”

“I’m going for a walk.” Skyler stormed away, leaving me to set everything up.

Well, who was the asshole now?

Apparently, me for assuming he would help out.

I would do it without complaint, though it would go faster with help.

Ultimately, having him in the tent was more important than having his assistance with it.

Hopefully, that turned into something more.

But I would start with friendship if I could.

Both seemed unlikely at the moment.

He wasn’t going to trust easily.