Camp Rewind Page 9

  Alice nearly yanked her hand from Rosa’s grip but managed to stop herself just in time. Not only would she embarrass both of them further by doing so, she would also undoubtedly hurt Rosa with that type of knee-jerk reaction. For someone as worldly as Rosa seemed to be, the idea of being embarrassed about whose hand she held—and what it implied about her sexuality—would undoubtedly come across as pathetically precious. By the same token, a woman who had endured rape and death threats and public humiliation and unrelenting hatred as a result of an organized campaign to destroy her life surely felt fairly unmoved by some poorly disguised lust and mild innuendo. Determined to prove that she could handle being with Rosa this weekend, in every respect, Alice clung to her hand even tighter.

  “Indeed it is.” Rosa practically chirped the cheery reply, leading Alice past the small group without slowing. “Good luck on the range today, guys. Oh, and if you need any pointers, find Derek. He’s apparently quite accomplished.”

  Good-natured laughter echoed at their backs as they walked away. “Will do!” the friendly camper called out. “Thanks for the advice.”

  “Any time!” Rosa looked back over her shoulder, grinned, waved, then immediately sought out Alice’s eyes. “You okay?”

  “I’m fine.” It was the truth, for the most part. Considering the absolutely foreign, anxiety-ridden situation she’d landed herself in—stuck in an unfamiliar, inherently social environment while attempting her first same-sex romance—Alice felt astonishingly calm. Which wasn’t even close to entirely calm, but at least she seemed to have progressed beyond the paralysis stage. “Still nervous, but fine.” She rested her head against Rosa’s shoulder for just a second before straightening. “Thanks for talking.”

  “No problem at all. I’m used to talking.”

  “And writing,” Alice said lightly. Though she’d learned a little about Rosa, including her real name, she was eager to find out more. As much as possible. “Is that how you pay the bills? Or do you have another job?”

  Rosa’s smile was restrained. “I cobbled together a living freelancing for a while. Not so much since everything went down, unfortunately. I sold an article shortly after…that one…but hackers took down the site that published it almost immediately. Not before I received an outpouring of hate in the comments section, though.” She sighed and lowered her volume as they walked past a female counselor in an official Camp Rewind T-shirt, who waved at them politely. Once the counselor was well out of earshot, Rosa said, “I’m currently working on a book about public shaming in the Internet age, but I’m not sure I’ll ever have the guts to publish it.”

  Alice frowned. The idea that faceless online critics might have succeeded in silencing Rosa’s voice bothered her more than she could articulate. It wasn’t only because she believed that women should be free to express their opinions even when they ran the risk of upsetting men or otherwise threatening the status quo. On a more personal level, the idea that strangers had managed to steal one of Rosa’s passions in life—or two, perhaps, if the ex-boyfriend fell into that same category—made Alice hurt from head to toe. While she silently acknowledged that it was much easier said than done, Alice couldn’t help but express a heartfelt desire. “I hope you do. Some day.”

  Rosa chuckled without humor. “Well, it would certainly help me keep the lights on. Controversy does breed curiosity.”

  “But I understand why you’d want to wait a while. To let everyone forget.”

  “Unfortunately, the Internet never forgets.”

  Rosa’s obvious regret tugged at Alice’s heart. She could never have imagined wishing so sincerely for some way, any way, to ease the pain of a near stranger, but with Rosa that was exactly what she yearned to do. If someone walked up to her right then and told her that giving a speech to a crowd of five hundred people would erase this difficult episode from Rosa’s life, she was pretty sure she’d actually take them up on the offer. Somehow, she would find a way to conquer what was perhaps her biggest fear. Anything to eradicate the lost, empty expression Rosa got every time she talked about what had happened.

  Regretting her inability to do more, Alice said, “I’d like to read the book whether or not you end up publishing it. Sociology isn’t my field, but I do find the subject fascinating, if not slightly disturbing.”

  This time Rosa sounded genuinely amused. “Social behavior is disturbing at times, absolutely.”

  “Lila!” Standing in the open doorway of the arts-and-crafts building a mere twenty feet in front of them, Bree waved frantically in a bid to catch their attention. “Shy girl! Get your sexy asses over here.”

  “Oh God,” Alice mumbled under her breath, unthinkingly.

  Rosa caressed her thumb. “Back to the woods? Or would you be willing to go inside if I asked Bree to tone it down a little?”

  Reassured by the subtle contact, Alice took a deep breath, then exhaled evenly. The goals she and Dawn had agreed upon for her time at camp required her to participate in at least one group activity. Now that she had a friend—one goal down—this second task should be much easier to achieve. That was unless Rosa’s undeniable magnetism continued to attract additional hangers-on. “We can go inside.”

  Rosa led Alice to the building wearing an easy smile. “Hey, Bree. Are you coming or going?”

  “Not coming yet, unfortunately.” She popped an expertly manicured eyebrow and darted her gaze back and forth between Rosa and Alice. “How about you ladies?”

  “We’re taking it slow this morning. Thought we’d find a creative outlet while we get to know each other better.” Rosa let go of Alice’s hand to approach Bree, wrapping an arm around her shoulder so she could pull her aside and whisper in a low voice. Bree nodded, offering a barely audible apology before they broke apart and Rosa returned to stand at Alice’s side.

  Bree shot Alice a conciliatory smile. “My apologies for the overly effusive welcome. I know I come on a little strong.”

  Alice’s face heated. She hoped Bree didn’t think she was upset. “It’s all right.” It wasn’t, clearly, but she still felt the need to say so. “I’m just…”

  “Reserved. I get it, and I should have known better.” Bree gestured through the door. “They’ve got all kinds of fun stuff in here. Want to check it out?”

  Disappointed that she and Rosa wouldn’t have the privacy to talk openly, Alice nonetheless nodded in agreement, polite and gracious in every circumstance. Just like her mother raised her. “Sure.”

  As Bree turned to enter the building, Rosa squeezed Alice’s hand. Is this okay? she mouthed.

  Alice nodded and mustered a brave smile. This was good for her. Interacting with more than one adult woman who wasn’t her mother, her therapist, or a colleague, both at the same time, even, was a groundbreaking step to take. If this didn’t constitute growth, she didn’t know what did.

  Inside the building was a bright, spacious room with eight long, wooden tables lined by benches. Only half the tables were occupied, and as Bree led them to an empty one at the far side of the room, Alice gazed around at the various projects and people on display. She spotted a colorful paper-bag jellyfish, two sticky-looking women slaving over a pair of papier-mâché bowls, a pair of grown men who laughed hysterically as they acted out a vicious battle using cartoonish figures they’d fashioned out of pipe cleaners and construction paper, and a lone woman bent intently over a number of thin sticks that she’d painted wildly different colors. Their intended purpose was unclear. They reached their vacant table before Alice could finish her survey of the room and its various wonders.

  “I don’t know about you ladies, but I feel like getting my construction-paper mosaic on. Anyone else?”

  Rosa scanned the tables around them with an expression of mildly overwhelmed indecision that perfectly echoed what Alice felt inside. “I’m not sure yet. I may need to look at all the options before I decide.”

  Bree pulled out a chair, set down her bag, and turned toward the front of the room. “Going to get
supplies. I’ll be back.”

  Alice exhaled as soon as she left. Worried that Rosa would think her rude, she said, “She’s nice.”

  “She really is, if a little single-mindedly focused on getting laid this weekend.”

  The comment triggered a memory of something Rosa had said during breakfast. “She was one of the people who hit on you this morning?”

  Rosa stilled, then carefully met Alice’s gaze. “Does that bother you?”

  “No.” If Rosa had wanted Bree, she could have had her this morning. Instead, she’d tracked Alice down without knowing whether she’d even wanted to be found. “I certainly can’t blame her.”

  “Well, as it happens, you’ve managed to capture my full attention.” Rosa pulled out the chair nearest to Alice and gestured for her to sit. “Would you like me to fetch supplies for both of us? What do you want to make?”

  A mostly male chorus of voices cheered from a spot near the far wall, in an open area free of tables or supplies. Alice’s curiosity overrode her sense of caution—we can leave if I say the word—and she took a few steps away from the table, craning to catch a glimpse of what had everyone so excited. As she watched a handsome, deeply tanned man in board shorts and a plain T-shirt demonstrate his crude creation, she couldn’t help feeling similarly thrilled by the spectacle. “Miniature siege engines!”

  “Huh?” Rosa stood close to her side and joined in her study of the playful competition. “Oh, I get it…they’re trying to see how far they can launch a marshmallow? That’s cute.”

  It was more than cute. It looked fun, and Alice was suddenly eager to win. “They’re building siege engines from Popsicle sticks, wooden blocks, and rubber bands.” Upon scanning a smaller table near where the crowd had gathered, Alice spotted a stack of the small plastic cups that were intended to hold the ammunition. “Over there. That’s what I’m doing.”

  “Yeah?” Rosa seemed tickled by her choice, or else her unabashed enthusiasm. “Want me to grab some supplies for us?”

  Alice turned to Rosa, grabbing her hands with enthusiasm. “That would be so great. Thank you.” She started to release Rosa’s hands but stopped, their fingertips still linked. “Wait. You don’t have to do the same thing as me…if you don’t want.”

  “I know.” Rosa pulled away after blowing her a kiss. “I do want. At least to try.” She nodded at the group of guys who attempted to launch their marshmallows farther on each successive attempt. “Look what a great time they’re having.”

  Giggling, Alice sat in the chair Rosa had pulled out. “I think it’ll be a lot of fun.”

  “Then that’s what I want. To have fun, with you.” Rosa walked backward a few steps and waved, clearly reluctant to leave her side. “I’ll be right back. Two shakes.”

  Alice blushed at the overwhelming wave of affection she felt for Rosa, especially because she’d probably never even see her again once camp had ended. But how could she not feel warmly about a grown woman who measured time in terms of a lamb’s tail? “I’ll be fine. Go.” A thought occurred. “Make sure to get lots of Popsicle sticks!”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Rosa tipped an imaginary hat, then scurried off.

  Alice was unsurprised and only vaguely uneasy when Bree returned to their table mere seconds after Rosa left. She dropped a stack of differently colored pieces of construction paper on the table, followed by a larger sheet of white card stock, a pair of scissors, a bottle of glue, and a freshly sharpened pencil. Sliding into the chair across from Alice, Bree exhaled and studied her materials for a few seconds before picking up the pencil and the sheet of card stock with an expression of serious determination. She glanced up at Alice. “I should warn you in advance, I’ve never made a mosaic before. Or really done a whole lot of arts and crafts like this. This could turn out to be a real disaster.”

  “Me neither,” Alice said honestly. “That’s why I picked the engineering project.”

  Bree glanced over her shoulder, scanning the room until her gaze landed on Rosa. “Yeah, too complicated for me.” She placed the card stock on the table, then turned it this way and that as she studied its blank surface. “I like art. But my elementary school in Detroit didn’t have a lot of money for supplies, and nurturing the creativity of inner-city kids wasn’t exactly a top priority for anyone. My mother always encouraged me to draw, though, every chance I got. She tried to give me and my brothers every opportunity possible, but there was never any money to send us to a camp like this one. Not after my father died.” Touching pencil to paper, she began to draw using bold, confident strokes. “Lung cancer. He was a big cigarette smoker from the time he was eleven years old. Disgusting habit.” As though suddenly realizing that she might have just unthinkingly served Alice an insult, Bree looked up in alarm. “You don’t smoke, right?”

  The truth came tumbling out. “Not often, and never tobacco.”

  Bree chortled in delight and went back to her drawing. “Full of surprises, aren’t we, Miss Alice?” She paused to offer a warm smile, probably in case Alice had misinterpreted the comment. “How about you? Ever come to a camp like this as a kid?”

  “Never.” Alice watched as the distinct shape of a gorgeous, strong-boned female face began to take form on Bree’s paper. “My parents probably could have afforded it, but my mother in particular didn’t value purely social activities. She did send me to an intensive summer music program once, when I was sixteen, to play the cello. They had us practice so much we barely had time to interact with the other campers—and there were no arts and crafts.”

  “Lame.” Bree shot her a sympathetic look. “Your mom’s a real hard-ass, huh?”

  “Yes.” Hard-ass was indeed an accurate term to describe Amanda Wu.

  Rosa returned to the table with a veritable wealth of Popsicle sticks, an assortment of wooden cubes that had small holes drilled into their faces, some slim wooden dowels, two marshmallows sitting in a stack of plastic cups, a fist full of rubber bands, a few lengths of string, and a cordless hot-glue gun. “I really hope this is enough stuff.”

  Alice’s mouth stretched into a silly grin at the sight of her new friend, and her heart beat a little faster. “I’m sure it is.”

  “Good.” With an exaggerated sigh, Rosa dropped into the chair next to Alice’s and folded her arms over her chest. “Now please tell me you know what you’re doing, because I looked at what they’ve got going on over there, and frankly, I’m baffled.” Her attention drifted to Bree’s paper, and her eyes widened comically. “Holy shit, Bree, that’s incredible!”

  The visage of a veritable African queen had emerged from Bree’s pencil strokes, revealing an absolutely unbelievable level of talent. Bree lifted the pencil from the paper and let it hover near the woman’s mouth while she tilted her head and considered her work. “It’s not bad,” she conceded. Another stroke of her pencil brought further definition to the woman’s full lips. “She’s my mother.” She lifted her eyes to meet Alice’s, still sympathetic, but also full of pride for her own maternal influence. “Figured I’d take this home for her. Let her hang it on the fridge.”

  Alice grinned. “Your first camp project.” Her smile faded at the bittersweet certainty that her own mother would never accept such a gift from her without unleashing some type of withering insult or passive-aggressive comment. Not wanting to take away from the significance of Bree’s gesture, she forced a happier face. “Your mother will love it.”

  “Unless I mosaic it to death.” Bree turned her attention back to her sketch. “Probably should’ve started with something simpler.”

  “I have complete faith in you.” Rosa’s hand crept over to rest on Alice’s knee, squeezing tenderly, but her eyes remained locked on Bree’s creation. “You’re a true artist.”

  Bree snorted but visibly soaked in the praise. “Tell that to my boss at the hospital where I work security. My actual career is as fucking unartistic as it gets.” She gazed across the table at Rosa, a drawn-out look of admiration that managed to spark a tiny
flame of jealousy deep in Alice’s stomach. “But I really appreciate you saying that. Thanks.”

  Eager to impress Rosa even half as much as Bree had, Alice answered her earlier query. “I know what I’m doing.” She waited for Rosa to look at her, then grabbed a few Popsicle sticks and began laying them out on the table. “Want me to show you how to build a simple catapult?”

  Rosa angled her chair to give Alice her undivided attention. “Sure.”

  Alice arranged four wooden cubes in a rectangular formation, then placed two Popsicle sticks alongside them to form the long sides of the rectangle. She glanced across the table at Bree’s scissors. “Mind if I borrow those for a second?”

  “Go wild.” Bree giggled, probably at the very idea of Alice doing any such thing.

  Resisting the urge to blush, Alice cut another Popsicle stick in half, then laid one of the shorter pieces next to the bottom pairs of cubes so three sides of the catapult’s base were outlined. “We’ll use hot glue to secure these sticks to the blocks and form the bottom of our base. Like this.” She squeezed dollops of hot glue onto the ends of a longer stick, then pressed it against two wooden blocks until the adhesive set. She followed up by gluing another long stick to the opposite set of blocks. “Why don’t you do the same thing for the other side?”

  Rosa gamely followed her instructions, creating the other half of their mini siege engine’s base. “I take it you’ve done this before?”

  “Maybe.” Alice grinned as she slid yet another cube onto a wooden dowel, positioning it squarely in the middle of the rod. She squirted glue onto one end, then fitted the stick into a wooden block from each side, joining them. After that, she placed more glue onto the ends of another half Popsicle stick. “I’m actually an engineer.”

  “Like, professionally?” Rosa watched Alice secure the other end of the two sides together by attaching the half stick to the bottoms of a block from either section. “Oh, I see what you’re doing.”

  Alice held the freshly glued sections together with her fingers. “Good. You can glue the other half stick on top of this one as soon as it’s ready.” She glanced over at Bree, but their companion looked suddenly preoccupied, cutting out tiny pieces of colorful paper while simultaneously staring at an older, flaxen-haired woman who was bent over her own masterpiece two tables away. Satisfied that she’d recaptured Rosa’s interest—and Bree’s had turned elsewhere—Alice relaxed slightly as she passed their nearly finished base to Rosa. “Here you are.”