My bigger problem is that I didn’t think this whole thing through. In my panic over not having a summer job, I somehow managed to get one that I’m going to be horrible at. How did I go from sitting at a desk, writing editorials about local events and sorting through photos and fetching coffee and lunch, to working at River Depot? I mean, “River” is in the name. And it’s not like I can’t swim or anything. I grew up in a beach town—they basically just throw you in the lake when you’re born—but I’ve never been big into outdoorsy things. River Depot is basically nestled in the very spot I usually avoid. And the thought of complete failure—even at a job I’m not excited about—is making me want to crawl back under the covers. I don’t know how to prepare for this. Last night I googled “tips for working outdoors” and “surviving your first wilderness job” (a little dramatic, yes, but still semi-accurate). Nothing helpful. I should have found a job as a camp counselor, because that’s a job a lot of people are willing to give you advice on.

“They make tick spray, right?” I say absentmindedly as Aunt Sarah shoves her wallet into the brown leather laptop bag hanging on her hip.

“I … don’t think so?” I’m not sure why I’m asking Aunt Sarah, she’s not outdoorsy either. The Henry women have a long, robust history of thriving indoors.

“Do you have water shoes?” I ask.

“No, but you can order a pair.”

I nod. Maybe it will be a few days before they trust me putting in canoes. Maybe the river won’t be as squishy as I remember it being as a kid. Was that even the same river? What if I fall in? Surely they’ll waive the khaki shorts rule if it’s your first day and you fall in the water or something. They’re not going to make me work in soaking wet shorts. Ellis seemed reasonable, though it also didn’t feel like he was head honcho. Of course he was important enough to interview and hire me. Crap. What if this whole thing is just some sort of prank? Would they really put a teenager in charge of hiring people? Maybe that’s why I got such a strange look from Aiden. I fell for it.

Stop it, Olivia.