Chapter 4 #2
As he made his rounds, he noted the other new additions that had gone up since he’d started work there. The guests wouldn’t know they were recently added, unless they were frequent visitors.
The camp had recently introduced a new badge system that had quickly become popular among guests.
Each time a returning visitor stayed in one of the thirty-plus themed cabins, they earned a colorful sticker badge featuring that cabin’s design.
Most guests proudly displayed them on camp-branded water bottles or coolers, creating a fun way to track their stays.
Collecting the badges wasn’t just for show either.
Guests who returned often enough also earned special discounts on future visits, making every new cabin stay both a keepsake and a reward.
There were three new gazebos on the grounds—the one he was passing now, one that overlooked the Gulf, and another near the small beach on the bay side of the grounds.
Besides those, there was the new admin building and at least half a dozen new cabins either just finished or still under construction. Not to mention the glamping spots, which had luxury tents and outbuildings with communal showers and toilets, for campers that liked to rough it a little more.
Aiden and his crew had been very busy over the winter making sure that everything was ready for their busy season.
While Aaron walked, he thought about how worried Beth had been when she’d seen him waiting for her in the parking lot that morning.
She had been stubborn and insisted that he take the day off to get some rest, but he’d assured her that he’d be fine.
Then she’d tried to convince him to head in to the cafeteria and eat a full breakfast, something he never did.
He’d grabbed a coffee and a large donut, knowing the sugar would help him through the first part of the day.
She’d crossed her arms over her chest, looking equal parts amused and annoyed when he’d emerged biting into the donut.
“For energy,” he’d joked and then offered her one that he’d brought her.
Now, as he stepped back into the newer admin office, he was immediately hit with the scent of strong coffee and the sound of Zoey laughing as she talked on the phone. She was hunched over her laptop on the desk. Her two kids’ backpacks were strewn on the floor behind her.
He waited until she hung up the phone, and then she looked up and narrowed her eyes at him. “You look like a hungover raccoon. Are you okay?”
Aaron dropped into the chair opposite her when she motioned for him to sit and stifled a yawn. “I didn’t sleep much last night. I stayed and watched Beth’s place, hoping I could catch whoever followed her yesterday.”
Levi poked his head in from the hallway, holding a clipboard. “Why does the s’mores bar get two chocolate fountains again?”
Zoey held up a finger towards him as she answered over her shoulder. “One is for dark chocolate and the other milk chocolate.”
“Right.” Levi glanced at his clipboard and then smiled in his direction. “I heard you babysat Beth’s place last night. Thanks for watching out for our girl,” Levi said as he waved and disappeared.
“Anything we should be concerned with on that front?” Zoey asked.
He shook his head. “Nothing that I saw.”
“I have smoothies,” Elle said cheerfully as she strolled in carrying a tray with three colorful smoothies. “We’re trying out a few new flavors. Who’s up for samples?” She handed one to Zoey and one to him. “You look like you could use some greens and energy.”
He eyed the bright green drink suspiciously. “What’s in this?”
“Spinach, pineapple, and blueberries,” she said, sipping hers with a smirk. “It’s called Green Spark.”
“What’s in mine?” Zoey asked after taking a sip.
“Banana, peanut butter, and a dash of espresso,” Elle said with a grin. “I named it the Morning Hustle, perfect for overachievers who never sit still.”
Zoey laughed as she stood and peeked out the window towards the zip line course. “Since I know you deserve it, I’ve asked Brett to give you a light schedule today. Are you up for sitting and monitoring the front desk area in the main building today?”
Aaron nodded as if on autopilot. “No problem.” As he pushed to his feet, Elle gave him a knowing glance. “So… was the car the only reason you hung around Beth’s last night?”
Aaron didn’t answer right away. He just looked out the windows and thought about his feelings for Beth, how he’d wanted to kiss her.
To protect her from all those shadows she was constantly jumping at.
Maybe it was because he was tired, but normally he would have quickly answered Zoey and excused himself.
The long pause had Elle letting out a low whistle.
“Uh-oh. I know that look,” she joked.
“It was the same look Liam gave me when he was worried about you,” Zoey pointed out.
“Yes.” Elle motioned with her own smoothie. “Exactly.”
Aaron rolled his eyes, cursed himself, and then headed towards the door, smoothie in hand. “Y’all need a new hobby.”
Behind him, Zoey called out, “We’re just saying, if Beth ever needs extra security, we know who will volunteer first.”
He shook his head, but he couldn’t stop the small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he passed the paddleboard racks and the kayak hut.
Music played faintly near the larger pool deck.
He passed a group of laughing women in floppy hats that were walking towards the activity pavilion for some sort of fun event.
The summer season at River Camps was in full swing, making the grounds alive with movement, laughter, and that warm buzz of connection that made it feel like more than just a job. It was home.