Finn

“Why do you say that?”

“Thursday night, after you and Finn got back from the liquor run, which we all figured out was a sex escapade, you were different. Then yesterday on the raft and last night at dinner, he was even more protective of you, if that’s possible. There’s a glow about you, something I’ve never seen before.” She looks at me with squinted, prying eyes until I cave.

“I’m in love.” Saying it out loud has a formality to it. It feels great.

“Really? Have you told him?”

“Not yet, I haven’t had much alone time with him. Well, except for Thursday night.” I blush at the news our excuse to go to the store was transparent.

“This is great, Pres. I’m happy for you. If it helps boost your confidence, I’m positive he feels the same way.”

“I hope so.”

Mumbled voices fill the RV as the door closes. “We better get out there.”

“Hold on, I’m going use the bathroom again.”

I turn my back and wait, hoping Robbie explained we were in here. I’d hate to walk out on Raven pumping.

“Yes, it was fun. Did you see Declan’s face when Blake yanked him in the river with him? I wish I had a picture of that!” The sound of Raven’s cheery voice fills the space.

“I can see the headlines now, ‘Super Star Rocker almost dies in near death drowning’.” Charlie laughs.

“It’s been such a fun weekend so far,” Abbi gushes. “And I LOVE Presley and Reese. It’s been fun getting to know them. I know now what Jimi meant. Finn is totally gone for her. I wonder if there’s another wedding in our future.”

The air in the RV changes, and even through the closed door, I feel the energy shift. Reese washes her hands quietly and stands close.

“It’s ridiculous is what it is. Who is she? Does anyone know anything about her?” Raven’s high-pitched voice rings in my ears.

“You should get to know her, Raven. She’s genuinely special.” Ember’s tone is distressed.

“How special can she be…?”

Tears roll silently down my face as I listen to Raven tear me apart and shred the euphoria I’ve been feeling all weekend. Hearing her talk about her time with Finn and their relationship blindsides me. With every malicious word and comment, my heart splinters.

Reese growls under her breath and spins me toward her. She takes a hand towel and wipes my cheeks, then stares at me with an enraged expression, anger radiating off her body.

“Tell me what to do.”

“Get me out of here. Not just off this RV, but out of this campground. Away from all these people.”

“Can you hold it together for another fifteen minutes? I’ve got a plan, but you’ll have to be the strong one. I don’t know what that bitch’s end game is, but Finn won’t let you out of his sight if he thinks there’s something wrong. We’re going to pin it on me. Can you do that?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, suck in a deep breath. Square your shoulders. Don’t let them see your pain.”

I do as she says and mentally prepare to face Raven when we walk out. Reese flushes the toilet, and the other side of the door goes quiet.

“Raven, who’s in the bathroom?”

I open the door and step out with Reese on my heel. She’s got her hand on the small of my back in support.

“It’s me, Charlie,” I say flatly and avoid everyone’s glare except Raven’s. Her eyes bulge and then cloud with guilt.

“Robbie said we could use your bathroom. I apologize for the interruption.” There’s a collective gasp in the room, but I don’t dare stop walking.

“Okay, I’ll get us out of here. Trust me.” Reese leads me to the now-open public restroom.