“What about your, uh, your purse thing?”

She glances down at what I can only describe as a cross-body fanny pack. “No, I can keep this up front.”

“Sounds good.” I shut the back of the Jeep, and I’m about to get in on my side when I notice she’s not moving.

“I thought you said there are only certain things you spend your money on.” She motions to my vehicle.

I glance at it and then back at her. “Well, everyone needs a vehicle,” I say. “And I would hardly say a lime-green Jeep Wrangler is forking out the big bucks. Now, if I had something fancier, like…I don’t know, a useless Ferrari, then sure, but this is an everyday utility vehicle.” I study her. “Is this mode of transportation going to be okay?”

“Yeah, and I guess you’re right, other than the fact that not everyone needs a car when you live in the city.”

“True, but my family is from New Rochelle, and when I visit, I like to control my own transportation. I’d rather just drive, because then that gives me freedom, and I’m not held down by train times.”

She nods. “That checks.”

I chuckle. “Are you testing me before you get in my car?”

“And if I was?” She crosses her arms.

“Then I approve.” I move around to her side and lean against the car.

“I wasn’t looking for your approval.”

“How dare I even hand it out then. Shame on me.”

The smallest of twitches tugs on the corner of her lip, but she hides it well.

“Listen,” I say. “I understand this situation is weird, and going to a camp with a stranger might be a little more adventurous than what you’re used to, so if there is anything I can do to make you feel more comfortable, let me know.” When she doesn’t say anything, just stands there and stares, looking very unsure, I continue, “Do you have questions? Concerns? Do you want me to grab you an AirTag to keep on your person and have Mika hook up to it so he knows where you are at all times?”

Her brows raise up to the sky. “Am I going to need an AirTag?”

“No, I’m just trying to figure out how to make you more comfortable.”

“None of this is comfortable,” she says on a sigh and leans to one side. “But…maybe you can answer a few questions.”

“Okay, have at it.”

She purses her lips for a moment and then asks, “Where did you go to college?”

“NYU.”

“What did you study?”

“Art,” I answer.

“Really?” Her nose scrunches. “Oh wait…the expensive charcoal set. Is that the medium you like to work with?”