“Did he tell you how he made me fall for him?” I asked.
“I got a few details. He also told me how sorry he was and how much he still wanted you. It was kind of pathetic actually.” He elbowed me playfully. “You can do better.”
“Not helping,” I said.
“I tried,” he said with a smirk.
“Okay, where is this tent you’re taking us to?” We were in the woods, away from the others. “We’re lost, aren’t we?”
“Not a tent,” he said. “They’re letting us use this little cabin out here.”
“The cabin?” I had to make sure I’d heard correctly.
“Yeah, it’s supposed to have a shower. And not to be rude, but you could use one.”
I had to smile at that. “Right back at you.”
“I’ll let you go first, then I’m definitely taking a turn,” he said.
“The cabin is Alec’s house. Did he tell you that?” I asked.
“No, but he told me you might refuse to stay there.” Kyle led us down the little path in the woods and I could already see the cabin. We were nearly there.
“The thought crossed my mind,” I admitted. “But as long as he’s not there, I’ll accept the space. And the shower.”
I knew we weren’t in a position to be picky. Plus, the cabin had the added benefit of being rather secluded. I wasn’t in the mood to interact with the rest of the camp. Especially since I had no idea what I was going to do when I saw Sheila or Malcom. Sheila had been my first real friend ever. So I thought. And Malcom had tried to warn me about Alec. What else did he know that he hadn’t shared? I wondered if he’d be someone I could add as an ally.
I followed Kyle up the steps that led to the front door. He opened it and we walked into a cozy, bright, welcoming space. A worn couch covered in blankets sat on one side of the room, on the other was a double bed with a patchwork quilt. A lamp on the bedside table was on, giving the space a warm glow. On the right was a little alcove with a window. It held a small table with three wood chairs around it. To the left was a single door. My guess was that it was the bathroom.
No kitchen or other rooms, but it was enough space for the two of us. The cabin was homey and peaceful. Despite the fact it had been Alec’s home, I felt at ease here. It didn’t look like it had even the slightest bit of Alec’s personality. I knew the cabin had once been Greta’s and it looked exactly as I’d imagine a space she’d decorated should look.
I walked to the door and opened it to reveal a tiny bathroom complete with sink, toilet, and shower. It sure beat peeing in the woods. “Not bad.”
“You sure Alec lived here? It looks like it belongs to a grandmother,” Kyle said.
“It did,” I said. “I guess Alec never updated it.”
“Well, guess it’s ours for a few days while we figure out our next steps,” he said. “Why don’t you shower. I’ll see about some food.”
“Thanks.” I stepped into the bathroom. Fast shower, then food. It was exactly what I needed. Well, and some sleep. But at this point, I might as well wait till evening and just sleep all night.
The water pressure was non-existent, but I managed to get washed up with the surprisingly nice smelling soap. After drying off, I put back on the same weird borrowed clothes. I frowned down at the ill-fitting, dirty garments. One of these days, I’d have my own clothes again. And more than one pair so I could wear things that were clean.
My hair was a soaking wet tangled mess hanging down my back. I looked around the bathroom in the hopes of finding a hair tie. Under the sink was a pack of toilet paper but nothing else. Not a single sign of a woman ever staying over. Somehow, that surprised me. Had he cleaned the space out or was Alec not having women over? When we hooked up, it had been in my tent. Maybe he was a no sleepovers kind of guy.
The sound of a door closing made me jump. Then I remembered that Kyle was bringing food and I quickly left the bathroom.
Kyle was in the room, and he did have food, but he wasn’t alone. I crossed my arms over my chest and waited for Alec to say something.
“Might as well give him five minutes, Lola,” Kyle said. “That’s all.”
After our earlier conversation, I felt like I owed it to him to be supportive. Kyle and I hadn’t said it, but it felt like we’d started over. Clean slate and all that shit. Besides, as much as I hated to admit it, Alec was helping us. It was probably out of guilt, but we could use the assistance for now.
“Five minutes,” I said.
“Can we go for a walk?” Alec asked.
I glanced at Kyle. He held up a sandwich. “It’s portable.”