I look back at the boat garage and then upstream, as if there may be another canoe coming, a better option. Someone to rescue me from making the horrible mistake of getting into this one. But no one’s coming, so I do it. We’re heading down the river, and there’s no turning back.

OLIVIA

As we paddle down the river—and by we, I mean me, because I forgot to grab an extra oar for Aiden—I’m starting to think this was a horrible idea. Because Aiden didn’t seem even mildly thrilled to get into this canoe with me, and he looks rigid and awkward in front of me now. Meanwhile, I’m trying to focus on keeping us in a semi-straight line, with only minimal success. Olivia, what were you thinking? I’ve clearly read too many romance novels. We’re in a straight section, so I set my paddle across my lap and open the bag I have between my feet. I pull the folded papers out, and now I have to actually talk to the guy in the front of my canoe. The one who hasn’t said a word to me. I clear my throat. “Can you read this?”

Aiden doesn’t react right away. He stays frozen in place, like maybe I’m talking to someone else on this deserted river. Maybe if the river was filled with tubers and other boats, it wouldn’t feel so awkward. I wish we had that noise to lighten the mood. Right now the air is filled with nothing but the heavy feeling that Aiden doesn’t want to be here with me. It’s engulfing me, like a heavy cloud that follows our boat down the clear blue river. Finally he shifts and turns toward me. His eyes are on the papers I’m holding in my outstretched hand. They don’t meet mine. I don’t really blame him though. After all, I did ruin our summer.

AIDEN