Chapter 7 #2
He shakes his head and takes his hat off, swiping the sweat there.
“I’m takin’ it slow. Plumbin’ shit sucks–pun fully intended by the way–and I’ve had to ask the Solomon’s down at the hardware store more questions than I’m willin’ to admit.
It’s pretty much ready, other than the plumbing, so I should be able to move stuff in, probably by next week. ”
“Well, I’m sure you’re doin’ a good job,” I have no idea, truth be told, but Mr. Harris won’t let him fuck anything up too badly.
“And when I’m gone, y’all can rent it out for extra income,” he says, eyes softening.
“Thanks, Jare. You’re a good boy.” At that, he smiles and I swear I even see a small blush tinting his cheekbones.
Papa comes in then and claps his shoulder, nodding toward the camp. “You keepin’ an eye out on the counselors?”
Jarrett laughs, and nods, “Yes sir, they seem like they’re gettin’ along just fine.”
The mention of the counselors makes me turn to look for Summer, but she must’ve slipped out while I was busy. I don’t know why I’m disappointed, and I try not to let it creep into my face.
Papa nods and tips his head toward the house. “We’ve got a big dinner planned for tonight, y’all are more than welcome to join.”
“Dinner?” I ask. This is the first I’m hearing of it.
“Absolutely. Mama’s probably been cookin’ all day, we’re goin’ to eat at the mess hall. Break it in for the season.” Papa smiles, turning around and walking to the ring where our two horses have been grazing while we worked.
Turning to Jare, and shaking my head, we both share a smile as Papa hands us the reins to take Echo and Tonka back into the barn. Once we make our way back to the house, Papa tells us both to go freshen up.
“Promise I will, but I’m gonna go check on my bees first.”
“Don’t be long BeeBee,” Papa’s voice calls out from somewhere in the house.
“I’m gonna go with her, Mr. Turner. I’ll make sure she doesn’t lose all track of time.” Jare winks at me as I glower at him, but it’s all in good fun. I love his company and he’s been great with the bees.
My hive looks active, the low hum of bees making me smile and my heart soar. Wildflowers dot the space around my hive boxes, because Mr. Harris leaves it unmowed for pollination. It was touching when I noticed he’d been leaving it that way without even being asked, but that’s just who he is.
“That new counselor sure is pretty,” Jare says, and I twist around to look at him.
“Not you too,” I start, recalling the conversation with my parents.
He chuckles and holds his hands up “I’m just sayin’.”
“Yeah, everybody’s super concerned about my love life apparently,” I mumble, while labeling the jars of honey that are ready for the market.
“Who’s everybody?” He asks, coming over to my work table and leaning against it.
“My parents, as it turns out, are very concerned,” I swallow, putting the jar down a little too hard.
“They’re your parents, it would be weird if they weren’t concerned,” he says, and I note the sense of sadness in his voice.
“I’m sorry, Jare,” I know this past year has been hard for him and Reese. Watching their dad’s cancer progress until there was nothing left. Yates Walker was an incredible man, and the whole community felt his loss.
“I know.” He shakes his head, curls flopping around, “Some days are harder than others, but I’m lucky to have the family I’ve found here.”
“We’re lucky to have you.” I nod, and continue on working through the labels.
“You and your family gave me more than I deserve, and I’ll always remember that,” he says, placing one hand on top of mine and smiling down at me. “Now let’s take care of these hives and go eat. I’m starvin’.”
I laugh and shoo him away, “No one asked you to chaperone me, Jare. If you’re starvin’ then git. I’ll finish up here.” He looks unconvinced so I press, “Go.”
“Fine, fine. But if Mr. Turner gives me shit I’m blamin’ you,” he emphasizes with a pointed finger as he walks backwards toward the house.
The sun’s hung low on the horizon now, giving the honey hut a golden halo.
Sinking to my knees, I run my hand over the closest box and watch as bees move about.
They mesmerize me, and just like they knew I would, I lose track of time watching them before I hear footsteps coming from the gravel drive.
Summer comes around the large tree that separates my hives and the house. She stops when she spots me, but continues until she’s standing a stone’s throw away. “Your parents asked me to come get you.”
“Why?” It slips out before I can check my tone. There’s no reason for me not to like this woman, and she’s going to be working here all season. I should at least try to be civil.
“I was walking around to get a feel for the place, and your dad shouted at me to get you for dinner. There wasn’t much more to it,” she offers.
“Oh,” I sigh, standing and dusting off my pants before walking toward the house. She quickly matches my stride and we walk in silence. When we get to the porch, I stop and turn to look at her. “We’re eatin’ at the Mess Hall, why are you followin’ me to the house?”
She stands up straighter and I see something blaze behind her eyes. “I don’t know where the mess hall is, Honey. Mind helping a woman out?”
Shit.
“I’m sorry,” I sigh. “I should have had one of the other counselors fill you in,” I was so flustered seeing her wherever I was, that I forgot she’s been here less than a day.
“No problem, I can tell you’re busy. You know, talking to bees,” she smiles and I can’t tell if that was a joke, or if she’s making fun of me.
“You know what? You know exactly how busy I’ve been because you seemed to show up everywhere I was today. Were you doin’ that on purpose?” I challenge.
“Just going where I was told. Happy accident you seemed to always be there,” she replies with a sparkle in her eye. “In fact, I could’ve sworn you didn’t mind when I caught you undressing me with your eyes earlier, in the barn.”
My cheeks burn at her words, and I mutter out a reply, “I’ll introduce you to River, and they can show you around tomorrow.” Then I turn and head inside the house.
She doesn’t follow me and I have to scoot out of the way as Mama nearly runs into me with a cake pan in her hands as she walks out the door. Papa steps out of the small hall bathroom and shakes his head. “Make sure you tell your Mama what a good job she did, she’s nervous.”
With a bemused smile, I promise to be out soon so we can all head to the mess hall, and overhear Summer offering to take the cake pan from Mama's hands.
Looking at myself in the mirror, I splash some water on my skin after washing my hands. I don’t know what it is about Summer that has my hackles up, but I’m choosing to listen to my instincts.
There’s something about her that I don’t trust.
I just can’t put my finger on it.