Chapter 7 Liam #2
“Wow,” I proclaimed, adjusting my sunglasses. “They really meant it when they said clothing-optional.”
Liam chuckled. “You get used to it fast. It’s like Burning Man met a hardware store and decided to vibe.”
A young couple passed us on their way to the pool, hand in hand, towels slung over their shoulders, matching pastel swim trunks and beach bags swinging in sync. One of them carried a rainbow inflatable flamingo under one arm.
Another guy strolled out of the office in flip-flops and a harness, holding a popsicle in one hand and a clipboard in the other like that’s just how Tuesdays rolled here.
“Alright,” someone called from the group. “Guess we’re doing this!”
We all made our way inside the office, the cool blast of air-conditioning a welcome contrast to the warm afternoon sun.
A friendly guy behind the counter was shirtless, naturally.
He walked us through the process: show ID, sign the membership forms, get your wristband, don’t forget your camp map, and have fun.
“You’ll see signs for tent sites and camper hookups,” he said, handing Liam a laminated cheat sheet. “But mostly just follow the glitter and the sound of Beyoncé.”
One by one, we cycled through the check-in process, swapping jokes and low-key gawking at the bulletin board covered in camp events: drag bingo, nude yoga, a Britney-themed campfire sing-along, and something titled “Twilight Twister.”
Wristbands secured, paperwork signed, and laughs shared, we all walked back out to our truck and SUVs. Everyone was smiling now, buzzing with anticipation.
The vehicle groaned slightly as we climbed back in, the weight of all the gear and half the liquor aisle from Havenwood pressing down on the shocks.
Liam cranked the engine again and shot me a look. “Ready?”
“Born ready,” I said, already rolling the window down. “Let’s go find our little slice of gay paradise.”
We rolled toward the designated campsites, past more deck repairs, lawn games, and sunbathing. Most of it was done with far more skin than I was mentally prepared for.
I wasn’t uncomfortable. Just aware.
As soon as the car was in park, the doors flew open, and everyone scattered, grabbing their bags, stretching out muscles stiff from the long drive.
Liam was cracking jokes as people claimed their spots and started setting up.
He seemed calmer the busier things got, like the movement and noise had flipped some internal switch for him.
I took my time, stepping out onto the packed dirt and rolling my shoulders, taking it all in.
The energy here was different.
Tents sprouted up quickly, little islands of color tucked between the trees.
Some people were faster at setting up their site than others.
Liam, of course, had his up in under ten minutes, working with expert-level skill as he staked everything down like he could do it blindfolded, moving so fast it was hard to tell where instinct ended and planning began.
Me? Not so much.
I gritted my teeth, wrestling with a stubborn tent pole as my shirt clung to the sweat on my back. The instructions had definitely lied about how “quick and simple” this was supposed to be.
From nearby, I heard a low chuckle.
“Need help, Eagle Scout?”
I looked up to see Liam standing there, arms crossed, leaning casually against a tree with the most insufferable look on his face.
I shoved my damp hair out of my eyes. “I’ve got it.”
“Uh-huh.” Liam’s smirk didn’t budge. “Sure you do.”
I shot him a glare of pure determination, doubled down, and with one last push, finally got the damn thing to stand up straight.
I stepped back, admiring my handiwork. “Told you.”
Liam wheezed, clapping me on the back. “Alright, alright. You win this round.”
I grinned, wiping my hands on my shorts. Damn right, I did.
He leaned in, voice low and playful. “I’ll let you handle the next thing we have to erect, then.”
My face flushed immediately, the heat creeping up my neck before I could stop it. I opened my mouth for a comeback, but all that came out was a startled laugh as Liam shot me a wink and strolled ahead.
Once the last of the tents were secured, Liam clapped his hands together, his signature call for attention.
“Alright, ladies, tour time.”
Our ragtag crew fell into step behind Liam as he led the way through the winding dirt paths.
The campground sprawled out before us, a blend of towering trees and open spaces, scattered with tents, RVs, and small cabins. But it wasn’t like any old campground. This place was different. It felt like its own little world.
Liam gestured dramatically toward the bathhouse, which was a decent-looking building tucked between the trees.
“Showers are solid, but if you go during peak hours, prepare for a lot of eye contact. And eye candy!”
Renzo chuckled, shaking his head. “So, avoid mornings?”
“Avoid right before dinner, too,” Liam added. “That’s when people try to freshen up before the nightly activities.”
I narrowed my eyes. “By ‘nightly activities,’ do you mean the campground’s official events, or are we talking about…? ”
Liam smiled. “Both.”
A mix of groans, cheers, and surprised laughter rippled through the group.
Ezra groaned dramatically, while Max clapped his hands like Christmas had come early.
Tess just shook his head, and Avery asked, “So, what I’m hearing is I need to shower twice a day?
” Harper let out a low whistle, and Renzo raised an eyebrow with a look of surprise and said, “This is going to be interesting.”
Next stop: the community space. A big, open pavilion with colorful string lights zigzagging overhead, picnic tables, and a small stage for karaoke nights.
“This,” Liam announced, “is where the magic happens. Friday night karaoke. Gaymer night a couple times a week. If you ever want to embarrass yourself in front of a bunch of strangers, this is the place to do it.”
Avery perked up. “They do gaming events?”
Liam nodded. “Yep. Mario Kart tournaments, board game nights, D&D one-shots.”
Avery whooped. “Hell yeah.”
Further down, we reached the pool and hot tub area, which already had a few people lounging on floaties, sipping oversized drinks, and soaking in the sun.
“Here’s where we’ll be spending most of our time. It is not packed right now, but as the week goes on, it will fill up,” Liam said, already looking way too pleased with himself.
Then came the snack stand, which had a menu of fried everything, soft pretzels, and burgers.
As we passed a secluded section of the campground, my eyes landed on a weathered wooden sign at the entrance of a tall privacy-fenced area, the bold lettering catching the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees: The Hardwood Forest.
I tilted my head, curiosity sparking in my chest.
Liam caught the look instantly. “Ah, yes. The legendary Hardwood Forest.”
I arched my brow. “Legendary, huh?”
“Oh, absolutely.” Liam gestured toward the winding path beyond the sign. “Think of it like nature’s version of a VIP lounge. Very exclusive. Very… interactive.”
Renzo snorted. “Pretty sure that’s just a polite way of saying ‘this is where people fuck in the woods.’”
Liam didn’t even try to deny it. “Correct. But in a classy way.”
I huffed a laugh, shaking my head as I kept walking, “A classy hookup zone in the woods.”
Elliott said, “This will be a week for the books for sure!”
Liam barked out a laugh, clapping Elliott on the back so hard he nearly stumbled. “Oh, you have no idea. And if you think this is something, wait until you see the indoor one on the other side of the campground.”
Renzo laughed, crossing his arms. “Indoor? What, so they can stock it with leather slings, sex benches, and a wall of TVs playing looping porn?”
Liam grinned, eyes glinting with mischief. “Have you been here before too?”
Renzo held up both hands. “Uh… no.”
Liam’s smile only widened. “Well, you nailed it. That’s exactly what it has.”
Harper cackled and pointed at Renzo. “Oh my god, look at you! I’ve never seen a Latin man blush that hard. You’re practically luminous.”
The group erupted into laughter, half in disbelief, half in sheer delight at the absurdity and excitement of it all.
As we looped back toward our tents, the energy in the air shifted.
This place felt untouched by the outside world.
I looked over at Liam, who was grinning like this place had always been a part of him. So proud to share this with his friends this week.
Liam
By the time we made it back to camp, the sun was at its peak, heat pressing down in that perfectly lazy, early summer way. The kind of warmth that made you want to sink into the water and stay there until the world stopped spinning.
Everyone was moving with single-minded purpose, grabbing towels, filling up their oversized tumblers with drinks strong enough to make you forget your own name, and already buzzing with anticipation. The kind of collective motion that finally quieted the restless hum in my head.
This was my favorite part of the trip. Witnessing my friends shake off the stress, fall into easy conversation, let themselves enjoy the moment without thinking about anything else.
I made sure everyone had what they needed. “Alright, you beautiful people, line up,” I called, holding up the bottle of sunscreen like an offering.
Evan was the first to step forward, already turning to show off his bare back. “Drown me in it, babe. I am not leaving this trip looking like a lobster.”
I smiled, squeezing a generous amount into my palm before rubbing it over his freckled shoulders, working it down to the dip of his spine.
“Ugh, that feels amazing.” Evan moaned dramatically, tilting his head to the side.
Elliott, standing nearby in a deep blue pair of trunks that hung low on his hips, arched a brow. “Does that come with a massage?”
“Depends, Teach. You tipping?” I shot back.
Sam chuckled, but still hadn’t moved forward.
“You’re up, Mr. Responsible,” I said, gesturing at him with the bottle. “I know damn well you’re not risking sunburn.”