I watched Caroline walk up the flight of stairs to join the other counselors. But when she leaned into Devin, who had to remove an earphone to give her his attention, it looked like she was telling him something. He looked away from her and over at me. Oh no. Caroline must have betrayed my confidence and repeated what I’d told her.
Feeling like I might throw up from complete embarrassment, I took off like lightning down the hill and didn’t look back.
***
During lunch, the heavy rain began and pounded so hard on the dining hall roof it sounded like it might break it. When we were done eating, we had email call. I had to get up from my seat to get printouts of my emails received from home. Whichever camper got the most emails had to perform a song and dance for everyone, so I was relieved I only got two. I didn’t think I could do anything crazy like that with Devin watching.
When announcements began, I discreetly peeked over in Devin’s direction, my heart skipping a beat when I saw his blue eyes looking directly at me. Our eyes actually locked, then he quickly looked back to the director, who was finishing the announcements.
How much did Caroline tell you? I wanted to run over and tell him we were only three years apart, and it wasn’t a preposterous idea that I might be interested in him. But I remained glued in my seat.
After lunch, it was still raining hard, so we had to make a decision on where to be for the afternoon in case we got trapped at that activity. Chase convinced us to go to the movie. Since I had no idea where Devin might be that afternoon, I agreed to go.
As things would have it, the movie was a mistake. It was one I’d seen before and was boring. If it weren’t for the occasional commentaries from Luke to make me laugh, I might have fallen asleep.
Chase whispered something in Lauren’s ear, and then they excused themselves and crept off together. I knew they were going to discreetly make out in the back of the room. Hopefully Luke wouldn’t ask me to do that, because I wasn’t sure what excuse I’d give not to. The idea of a casual fling didn’t appeal to me. And the only person I wanted to make out with was Devin.
“I’ve got to run to the bathroom. I’ll be right back,” I said, standing up and stretching one of my legs, which was tingling in an achy sort of way from falling asleep. I’d held as long as possible to avoid running through the storm, but now I had to go.
When I got outside, I realized it was pouring down rain even harder than earlier. And now I wished I had a hoodie or an umbrella to shield my head. The only choice I had was to run for it and try not to get soaked.
The bathroom was empty when I got to it. I was only in there for a couple of minutes. But when I got back outside, I couldn’t see five feet in front of me. Now seemed like a good time to run to the cabin and get an umbrella. So, I started running up the hill but only got as far as the craft cabin because I was completely drenched. The sky was flashing from lightning followed by crashing thunder, so it wasn’t safe for me to attempt to run up the hill. I decided to wait it out.
I ran up the steps and stood under a narrow awning that partially shielded the craft cabin deck, shivering and trying to wipe off my face so I could see. The rain actually hurt as it pelted my face like a thousand tiny daggers. All I had on was a lightweight sweater because it was cute, but it wasn’t practical for this weather.
The rain wasn’t letting up like I’d anticipated but was pouring off in a stream from the wooden deck. Just as I wondered how long I’d have to stand there in the cold while rain pummeled down on my head, someone wearing a hood came running across the deck. Maybe this person realized there was no use in running up the hill and was going to wait it out with me. I knew there was a spare room off the deck that was used as a cabin when camp was over capacity.
The hooded person maneuvered around me and opened the craft cabin door. The wind caught the door and swung it open. Suddenly the person grabbed my wrist and pulled me inside the room. Immediately, the door was shut and tightly latched behind us.
I stood stunned and watched what looked like a guy cross the small room toward the bunks. He reached up and removed the hood of the jacket he wore from his head. Long, wet locks of hair spilled out. It was then that I knew who had pulled me inside the cabin. Devin!
He removed his soaked jacket and flung it over a chair. I didn’t attempt to take off my wet sweater but instead took in the little room. It had two bunk beds against the walls, one single bunk, a desk, and a few chairs. Also, there was luggage in a few spots, so it did appear the cabin was being used to house campers and the deck used for crafts.
Devin finally turned and stared at me in a curious way. His eyes roamed over my body, assessing the situation. “You’re drenched. Take off your sweater. I’ll give you a dry sweatshirt to put on.”
He moved away from me to the single bunk, and I saw a duffel bag sitting on the floor. I realized this was Devin’s room.
He turned and saw me looking around. “Yes, this is my quote-unquote cabin. I got the overflow bunk. Four campers room here with me.”
“I figured as much.” My words came out a bit choppy, as I was trembling from the cold.
“I left the dining hall, where a group was playing chess, but got caught in the downpour. I’m not bothering to go back at this point and will wait it out. Here.”
He walked over to me holding a sweatshirt from his duffel bag. It was the burgundy Vans one I always saw him wearing. And he was letting me borrow it.
“Thank you.” I tried removing the rain-soaked sweater, which clung to the shirt underneath. Water continued to drip from my hair onto the floor.
Devin took another step closer, dropped his sweatshirt onto the desk beside me, and attempted to help me. As he stood near me, I had an even harder time getting it off and really did need his assistance.
He hesitated, then let go of my sweater, as if he’d done something wrong. We stared at each other, neither attempting to speak. His lashes were dark and wet, and his eyes looked especially blue. He was so cute. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t be able to say the same about me. Wet pieces of hair were scattered across my face. At least my mascara was waterproof.
Devin looked toward the door, then back at me and said, “We shouldn’t be alone in here like this—it’s extremely inappropriate on my part. But I couldn’t leave you outside in that storm.”
When he took hold of my sweater once more, I involuntarily shuddered from his touch. Slowly, he helped me peel it off my arms. He gently set it on top of his jacket, over the chair. Then he picked up and handed me his dry sweatshirt.
“You can use the bathroom to change your clothes.” He didn’t smile but only nodded.
I looked and saw the bathroom door and went to it. Once inside the bathroom, I removed my shirt and immediately tugged on the sweatshirt. It smelled like a combination of pine trees and Devin. I wondered if I could get away with not returning it—ever.
When I emerged from the bathroom, he handed me a towel.
“I just hope you’re not too far off from eighteen, in case you decide to tell anyone you were in here with me. Alone.” It was hard to tell if he was teasing or not.
Using the towel, I blotted my hair. “I turn eighteen during the last week of camp.” I couldn’t help but stare at him to gauge his reaction to my statement. “And I won’t tell anyone about this.” Then I remembered Caroline had probably told him I was interested in him, so he knew I wanted to be in here with him.
Devin smiled for the first time. “I didn’t think so.” The reply suggested he might have been teasing me with his earlier comment after all.
Before I could say more, he turned to walk back over to his duffel bag. He shook his hair, causing flecks of water to spray outward. This gave me a little time to study his body. He wasn’t much taller than me, with a slender build, and toned like a swimmer.
I continued observing while he had his back to me. To my surprise, he removed his shirt, then quickly put on a fitted forest green thermal shirt that he’d pulled from his bag. I wond
ered if he’d change out of his jeans next, which would be inappropriate. But I wouldn’t care.
He walked back over and pulled a chair out from the desk, which was by the window. “Have a seat,” he said, nodding at the chair. “I think it’s going to be a while before it lets up, so you might as well be comfortable—unless you’d prefer to make a run for it using my umbrella.”
There was no way I was leaving this cabin after he’d offered to sit with me. I couldn’t believe this opportunity to be alone with him had happened, and I hadn’t set it up either. I shook my head and sat down in the chair he’d set out.
Devin took a seat on the desk, with one knee up to rest his elbow on. He glanced out the window, which was blurred from all the water hitting it.
I needed to make the most of this time alone and get him to like me. After coming up with a question to break the ice, I asked, “Were you here last summer?” I’d wondered how I hadn’t noticed him last year.
He glanced back at me. “I was for the second half of the summer, in July. Your boyfriend was in my cabin.”
“What?” My boyfriend? Cameron wasn’t here.
He smiled again before replying, “Luke.”
No, no, no. Way wrong assumption. I needed to set the record straight—not that it mattered in the scheme of things, but I still cared to clear up the misunderstanding.
I laughed and said, “Luke’s not technically my boyfriend. We, you know, hang out…” This, at the very least, confirmed Devin did pay attention to me if he’d noticed Luke around me.
“Is this your first summer here? I don’t remember you either.”
“No, I was here last summer for June’s session. But I’m staying through July this time. Are you?” If he wasn’t staying, then I only had one week left to lust after him.
Devin didn’t answer immediately, but I was sure he knew by the tone of my voice I wanted him here for July. I slowly let out the breath I’d been holding.
Finally, he looked directly at me and said, “You’ll see me for another five weeks.” He turned his head toward the window.
Using the towel, I squeezed my hair again while attempting to shield my face, because it might have turned a shade of red by now. I still thought Caroline must have told him how I obsess over him.
When I had the courage to look at Devin again, he was still looking out the window. He must have realized I was watching him, so he looked over at me and said, “What?”
It was important to keep the conversation going with him without sounding infatuated. “I see you listening to music a lot. What kind of music do you like?” There. That was a safe topic.
Devin chuckled. “Indeed. I listen mostly to classic rock. Are you familiar with that genre?”
“Um. Think so. Like the Beatles?”
Devin smiled. “Yes. Earlier, I was listening to Led Zeppelin. Do you know any of their songs?”
So, he liked to talk about music. This was easy. “I’ve heard ‘Stairway to Heaven.’”
“Very good. That’s their most well-known song, I’d say.”
“Is that your favorite?”
“No. But I do like it. I choose my music based on my mood—not really favorites. But if I had to pick a couple over the rest, then I’d say ‘Wearing and Tearing’ and ‘Immigrant Song.’”
Devin got off the desk and walked over to his bunk, then came over to me holding his phone. He also had AirPods inside a charging case. He removed them. “Here,” he said, handing me the AirPods. So I placed them in my ears. “We’re not allowed to have our phones out around the campers. So, I have to resort to an old music player and earphones—the one you’ve seen me using—unless I’m alone. This is ‘Wearing and Tearing.’” He selected the song, and then I was listening to Led Zeppelin.
Intently, he watched me while I listened. The song was surprisingly good, and I smiled at him to show approval of his selection. At the same time, I enjoyed how close to me he was standing. I liked that he wanted to share songs that meant something to him. And I loved most that I had Devin all to myself even if for a few minutes.
When the song ended, I removed the AirPods and handed them back to him. “I liked it. I’d listen to Led Zeppelin.”
“You bet you would,” he teased. “I wish I could’ve been around when they were in concert. My grandfather got to see them live and said it was one of the best concerts he’d ever seen.”
“That’s awesome.” I smiled at him.
“You’re welcome to listen anytime you want. And I’ll play you some other groups if you’d like.”
Seriously? Devin was offering to hang out with me, sort of, and show me songs. This was better than I’d hoped for.
“Yes,” I said a little too enthusiastically. “I’d like to hear anything you want to show me.”
He walked back to the bunk and put his phone away, then turned back to me. “So, you just finished high school? Will you be going to college?”
“Yeah. I’m going to attend UW. Lauren, my friend who got hurt last week, and I are getting an apartment together.”
Devin tilted his head slightly but didn’t take his eyes off me. “Do you have a major in mind?”
“Uh-huh. I want a degree in social work. Maybe a minor in psychology. What about you? Are you in school, or do you work?”
He responded immediately. “Both. I’m fortunate because my grandparents pay for my education.”
“Oh, that’s generous of them.”
Devin nodded. “Very. They want me to be able to support myself. A college degree might secure that for me.” He paused and smiled at me before adding, “That’s the plan.”
“I get it. So, what are you studying?” I asked, hoping I didn’t sound too forward.
“It’s not fascinating.” He paused, as if asking me if I still wanted to know.
I nodded. “That’s okay.”
Devin held my gaze for a moment before answering. “Marine biology. It interested me when I was younger but not so much now. Yet, I’m still majoring in it.” He ran his hands through his hair to comb it back, distracting me a little.
“Well, why? What do you want?” I realized how it sounded and quickly added, “—I mean for a career.”
Devin didn’t answer immediately. Then he cleared his throat and said, “I don’t know, Dahlia. Every day changes because I’m unsettled in life. Thinking now I might want to coach a college swim team. And I can have any bachelor’s degree to do that.” He paused and gauged my reaction. “Not too impressed with me now, huh?”
I sighed audibly, wanting to tell him I didn’t care what he did with his life if it meant I could still get to know him. But I couldn’t tell him that, so instead I asked, “What college do you attend?”
Devin stared blankly at me. Maybe he didn’t want me to know in case I might stalk him. Finally, he replied, “Same as you will.”
I tried to hide my grin. This meant he had to live near Seattle, too—at least while attending school. “And you work summers here,” I stated.
“Yeah. But I was once a camper here, too.”
This surprised me. “You were? How long ago?”
“Right after my senior year of high school. Then the following summers I returned as a counselor.”
“Oh, okay,” I said, wanting him to talk to me all day. “You mentioned you work?” Where, please?
“During the school year, I teach a CPR class one night a week. I also assistant coach the college girls swim team several days a week. I can’t handle much more and school.” He paused and nodded at me. “Your turn. What will you do with a degree in social work?”
“Oh.” We were taking turns now. I was still processing that I could take Devin’s CPR class. “I’m interested in adoption and foster care matters. So… Where is your CPR class held?”
Devin turned his body to face mine and swung his legs off the desk.
“You want to work with adopted kids?” he asked.
“Um. Maybe.” I noted he hadn’t answered my last question.
“May I ask why?”
I cleared my throat and said, “It interests me because I’m adopted.” Devin didn’t react other than to stare at me. So, I continued, “And I’d like to meet my birth family.” I paused to see if he’d say anything, but he still didn’t. And I couldn’t read his expression. “We now have open records in Washington, so I’m allowed to request my original birth certificate when I turn eighteen. That’ll give me my birth mother’s name and date of birth. Then I’ll search for her.”
Devin rubbed his chin. “Washington allows access now? I didn’t know that… You can have her info when you turn eighteen?”
“Yeah. Well, hopefully she didn’t fill out the no contact preference on the form. The birth moms could fill out that form if they wanted. They had a year to do so after the law was passed like six years ago. The website was a little confusing due to the legal lingo, but that’s my understanding of it.”
He blinked but didn’t take his eyes off me. “So your birth mom got to decide recently whether or not you can have her info? It’s up to her?”
“Yep. But the overall majority of birth moms allow their info to be seen.” I explained further, “I looked up the stats of open states,” then I nodded and smiled.
“I see,” Devin said almost inaudibly. He turned his face away from me and I heard a deep sigh. Then he combed through his hair and gathered it all at the nape of his neck. He turned to look at me again. “Why do you want to find her? You don’t like your adoptive parents?”
I didn’t realize searching for my birth mom would make Devin assume I didn’t like my adoptive parents. I wanted to correct that assumption immediately. “You can like someone but still want your information. One really has nothing to do with the other. But for the record, I wasn’t abused or anything, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
Edge of Eighteen: A Slow Burn Summer Camp Love Story Page 5