“I’m taking my brother on a road trip to New England,” Leah told him. “We’ll be gone three weeks.”

“Where are you staying?” Sebastian asked.

“RV parks. I’m renting a twenty-three-foot Airstream trailer. It has a bedroom for me, and a dinette that converts into a bed for Dylan.”

“You’re going to haul an Airstream to New England and back?” Sebastian asked. That didn’t sound safe.

Hadley Jane pushed her lips to the side skeptically.

“I am. It’ll be a first,” Leah admitted. “We go on trips every summer, but in the past we’ve stayed in a tent.”

“You’ve pulled an RV before,” Sebastian said to Ben.

“Yep.”

“You could give her some pointers.”

“Definitely.”

“If you decide you enjoy the trailer,” Sebastian said to Leah, “you two should organize a group camping weekend this fall.”

“I’d like that. Who could we invite to join us?” Leah asked Ben. “Definitely Connor.”

“Did I hear my name?” Connor asked. He’d been standing a few groups away and now made his way toward them.

Sebastian had met Connor, the art teacher at Misty River High, a couple of times before. He was the type of handsome that women liked. Tall. In his late twenties. Red hair and beard. He had a relaxed, reasonable personality that made him easy to talk to.

“You remember Sebastian?” Ben asked Connor.

“I do. Good to see you again.”

“Good to see you, too.” They shook hands.

“Ben and I were discussing the possibility of a camping weekend this fall,” Leah said to Connor.

“I’m down for a camping trip anytime,” Connor replied.

Talk of camping led them to talk of the adventure races Connor participated in. Ben asked him about the wilderness navigation involved, and Connor explained the basics.

Hadley Jane squirmed, so Sebastian set her on her feet. She ran off.

He was left alone with the three teachers, who seemed very happy together. Sebastian stood there, stiff, jealous, and unnecessary.

During a break in the conversation, Leah and Connor stepped to the outdoor table for appetizers.

Ben leaned toward Sebastian. “Stop it,” he said under his breath.

“I’m trying to help you out with her.”

“I got this. I don’t need you to help me out.”