This Summer by Katlyn Duncan

to get to him first.
    I trudge out of the office. “Thanks for that,” I mutter.
    Will has the audacity to chuckle. “I won’t be able to handle that booth by myself tonight. It was purely for selfish reasons.”
    I roll my eyes. “Cute.”
    The entrance is nearly empty and Lily beelines for me, pushing her hand through the crook of my arm and pulling me away. “Why is there grass in your hair?” she asks, picking at my hair, flourishing a few blades of grass pinched between her fingers.
    I point at my knee. “I fell.”
    She snorts. “I’m not surprised.”
    I don’t dignify that with a response.
    Ethan and the rest of the pool staff gather together at the back of the room, their bonds already starting to solidify. The pool staff always come together quicker than our staff do since we spend a majority of time with the kids. But the bond between co-counselors is unbreakable. Which is why I’m not surprised when Will and Aiden gravitate towards us.
    I catch Carter’s eye and offer a smile, but he’s laser-focused on the small distance between Will and I. I lean closer to Lily.
    Dad practically runs into the room. “Great first week team!” he says enthusiastically. His eyes travel to my knee and it burns under his gaze. But without missing a step he continues on. “The carnival starts at seven. I need you all back here and in position for six-thirty. I have food coupons for you to use at the different carts. But remember, each booth has to be manned at all times. The carnival goes on until ten o’clock. Instructions are at each of the booths, but I do have an experienced staff member at each so if you have questions don’t hesitate to ask.” He claps his hands together. “See you tonight.” He gives me and Will a look and a tilt of his head before turning to his office.
    “We’ll be right back,” I say to Lily.
    “I’ll walk her home,” Will says.
    Lily narrows her eyes at me but I nod. “Catch up with you tonight?”
    “Sure,” she says, dragging the word out.
    I give her a tight-lipped smile and head in Dad’s direction.
    We catch up with him in a small office off the main entryway. His relocated office for the summer makes it easier for him to work in closer proximity to the camp.
    “What’s up?” I say, entering the room.
    Dad is already sitting behind the desk. “Close the door and take a seat.”
    Will reaches behind me to close the door as I take the seat closest to the desk.
    Dad moves papers into neater piles. “What happened to your leg?” he asks without looking up.
    I shrug “I fell. No big deal. Tally is writing up the report.”
    He nods, satisfied. He finally looks up at both of us. “How is your group doing?”
    “Great,” I say.
    Dad’s eyes meet Will’s.
    Will speaks first. “Oliver is starting to come out of his shell. But I am working on him. Hadley’s doing a fantastic job taking up the slack.”
    Dad nods and my head snaps towards Will. When did they discover a mind-reading connection? “We’ve had no complaints from his mother yet, but she has commented that he is talking more when he gets home from camp. Just keep that going.”
    “We will,” I say.
    Dad hands me an envelope. “Everyone gets one of each.”
    I open the envelope with the food and drink coupons for the staff. “No problem.”
    “I need to speak with Will for a moment, Hadley,” he says.
    “Sure.” I get up from the chair, ignoring the stinging pain in my knee. I enter the hallway and close the door behind me. I want to press my ear against the door and eavesdrop but I tear myself away and head back to the main entrance, giving them privacy. Tyler, Leo, Patrice and the only remaining camp staff. I go over to them.
    “Here are the coupons for tonight.” I hand each of them two.
    Someone touches my arm. I turn and Carter stands close to me, his arm brushing against mine.
    “Hey,” I say, absently handing him two coupons.
    He takes them. “Hi.”
    I politely step back and meet