“What in the hell was that all about?” I asked while we all watched Ellie walk off with a serious pout on her face.
“You don’t think she’s upset about Alison, do you?” Heather asked.
Gunner walked up next to me, his eyes still on his retreating wife. “Who’s Alison?”
“Heather was sitting next to her in that stupid art class,” I said. Glancing over to Heather, I narrowed my brows. “What did you say to her?”
Her eyes widened in shock. “Me? Why do you think it was me who upset her?”
I shrugged. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because she was fine until you talked to her. Then she got all weird. I mean, what was with the whole thing about Heather already has plans?”
“I simply said I didn’t want to go on a hike and that Josh and I were going to go over to Alison and her husband’s campsite. Then I suggested that her and Gunner spend some time together. I might have also said y’all would probably like to spend some alone time with each other.”
I gasped. “Wh-what?”
“What?” Heather asked while swinging her eyes between the three of us.
Jeff held up his hands. “I’m staying out of this one. Totally neutral.”
Gunner stuck his hands in his pockets and locked his lips shut.
Turning back to Heather, I glared at her. “I can’t believe you made plans with another couple on our couples camping trip!”
“Are you serious right now, Ari?”
“Yes! You might as well have told Ellie you’re tired of hanging out with her and you’re going to find someone knew to hang with.”
Heather threw her hands up in the air and huffed. “This is insane. Are we not allowed to have friends outside of this group?”
“Of course we are, but we’re on this trip together. You know how much Ellie’s been wanting to go
on a hike. You blew her off for this … Alison chick. Who, to be honest with you, was looking a little too hard at Gunner, if you ask me.”
“Me?” Gunner asked all innocent and cute. “Why are you dragging me into this?”
“Because she was. She was eye fucking you more than the art instructor was.”
“That’s insane!” Heather said with a gruff laugh. “We were talking the entire time and she seems nice.”
My eyes met Heather’s. “I know what I saw, Heather. My bet is this girl is trying to get in with the group.”
“What? Yes, she mentioned possibly coming over this evening and hanging out around the fire, but that was it. Maybe they just want to meet new friends. Why are you being so weird about this?”
“When did she invite y’all over? Before or after Gunner showed up?”
Heather shook her head and folded her arms across her chest. “I’m not doing this with you. Ellie is behaving like a child who is not getting her way and honestly I’m a little surprised by her behavior. I don’t want to go on some stupid hike! I didn’t even want to come on this damn camping trip in the first place!”
“Gunner? We … um … we need to run up to the park store.”
All eyes turned to see Ellie standing there. Her eyes were filled with tears, and I instantly started to walk her way. She held up her hand and forced a smile.
“I’m sorry if y’all are not having fun. Jeff and I thought this would be a fun way to spend the weekend, but I understand if you’re not enjoying yourselves. If you want to leave, I understand.”
Heather walked up next to me, “Ellie—”
With her chin trembling, Ellie forced a smile. “It’s fine, Heather. Go hang out with Alison and her husband. I’m sure they’re nice people. And honestly, if you’d feel better leaving, that’s totally fine. I’m sorry for my … childish behavior.”
Spinning on her heels, Ellie quickly walked over to Gunner’s truck.