“I wasn’t going to plan anything until we got here and we decided. But going out on the lake was definitely not in the plan.” Mary winced. “Sorry.”
“No need to apologize. I’m not about to force you out where you don’t want to go. Some people aren’t monsters.”
“I know. Thank you.”
Max looked out to the canoes. They were almost little dots now. He unhooked the radio from his waistband and brought it to his mouth.
“How’s it going out there, Chris?”
“It’s not too bad. They’re actually listening and not behaving like idiots. But I do have the bride and the maid of honor flirting with me.”
“The bride is?”
“No surprise there,” Mary grunted.
“Yeah, she’s laying it on a bit thick. I’m mostly ignoring her, but it’s getting annoying.”
“Don’t be afraid to make her stop. Remind her that she’s getting married.”
“I plan to if she keeps paddling too close to me. With the other ladies all around us, I feel like I’m getting boxed in.”
Max was beginning to wonder if he should have been out there as well.
“Do you need me to come out and join you?”
“Possibly. I might have to turn back if this carries on.”
“Let me know, and I’ll be right out there.”
“Will do.”
Max lowered the radio and looked at Mary.
“Sounds like your sister’s enjoying herself.”
“She sees a handsome guy, and she wants them. It doesn’t matter if they’re available or not, she just has to have them.”
“Even if she’s getting married?”
Mary shrugged.
“From what I heard earlier, she’s going to make the most of her last few days of freedom. I’m not going to speculate what she means by that.”
“I don’t think I like your sister very much.”
“You and me both.” Mary slid off the rock and stood up. “I think I’m going to go for a walk. I don’t want to stop you from working.”
Max scrambled to his feet. Suddenly, he didn’t want her to go. He cleared his throat.
“You’re not stopping me from doing anything. I do need to look after the guests.”
“But you’ve got guests out there surrounding your coworker.” Mary gestured towards the tiny dots. “You’d better rescue him. I’ll be fine.”
“What are you going to do in the meantime?”
“I might just go for a walk. It is a beautiful place, and I want to explore.” Mary gave him a small smile. “I’ll be okay. Really.”
Max knew that. But he still didn’t want to walk away from her. Just a few minutes, and he wanted more. What was wrong with him? He swallowed, trying to hide his disappointment.