And I realize that I honestly want to stay here. It’s not just about experiencing something fun to relieve my boredom now. It’s for Scottie. It could be because she’s such a good friend to Mika that makes her okay in my book. But I think it’s just her too. I like her. I’m enjoying spending time with her. And if this helps her unpack her marriage and heal? Then I’m in.

“I say we do it,” I continue. “Stay. Enjoy the ride. Have fun basking in the knowledge of throwing off Sanders, because he’s probably never met a couple like us before. Enjoy watching the other couples scramble while we win challenge after challenge while bickering the whole time. I say we stay, paint each other’s faces, canoe out in the lake, go on hikes, and just be adults at an adult summer camp.”

Her smile grows ever so slightly. “I mean, when you put it like that, it does sound kind of fun.”

“Exactly. And I say you just let loose. Shake off the insecurities, don’t worry about what your coworkers might think, and just do this for you. Experience everything for you. Because you and I both know you won’t be working with the Brads and Chad forever, so might as well give them a show.”

“It does sound entertaining, but I’ve never done that.”

“Done what?”

“Dropped the insecurities,” she says. “I’ve always tried to save face, put myself out there in a positive light. Make it seem like I’m living a good life.”

“Are you though?” I ask. “In all seriousness, looking back, are you living a good life?”

She pauses, giving her answer some thought. From what I can tell, I’d say she’s living life, but she’s not living it to its fullest. I think she believes she’s making the right moves, but she’s not really making the moves that help her find joy.

Finally, she says, “I don’t think I am.”

“Then maybe it’s time you stop trying to save face and start living without a care. Throw caution to the wind. Do things you may never have done before…like attend a marriage camp with someone you only met a few days ago.”

“Yeah, I think you’re right.” Her beautiful eyes, a soft shade of blue with a unique ring of brown around her pupil, meet mine again. “Will you help me?”

A smile tugs at my lips. “Pips, you’ve come to the right place.”

Chapter Fourteen

SCOTTIE

“Good morning,” I say to Ellison and Sanders, who are holding hands and standing by the dock.