Free Camp Payback by J. K. Rock Page A

care?”
    “I showed my gratitude today by swimming.” If this girl wanted to exchange wholesome, happy platitudes, I could totally go there. I heard enough of that at home. I clomped over to the mirror and borrowed some of Trinity’s pink lip gloss and mascara. After applying the makeup, I scrunched the ends of my hair to amp up the curl. “And next I’d like to eat and be grateful for the bounty of our fields.” I held out my arms like a temple priestess bestowing good will on everyone in the room. Then I quit the act and stuck out my tongue. “Everyone ready?”
    Jackie snorted and shook her head. Siobhan tried to give me a scolding frown, but I could see the humor in her expression, too. Finally, I’d won a round with Yasmine, but seeing the way she silently slid into her shoes didn’t do much to cheer me.
    “I’m so hungry I’m ready to eat these.” Jackie handed Piper back the pistachios. “Shell and all.”
    “You shouldn’t have played that pick-up game with the Warriors, Jackie.” Siobhan scribbled something in her notebook, closed it, and stood. “You used both free periods, and now you won’t have time to get ready before the pyrotechnics show.”
    Jackie smoothed her Chicago Bulls jersey, then raked a hand through her close-cropped tawny curls. “I think I look awesome.”
    Everyone nodded. Jackie could wear a paper sack and she’d still look gorgeous, which was one of the reasons the boys always included her in their games—the other being she was a fierce competitor who led her team to victory nearly every time. I added a second coat of mascara, wishing I were a natural beauty, too.
    We followed her out the door, my stomach twisting in anticipation. I was hungry, too—craving to see Javier. I couldn’t wait to try out my plan to get him alone. What could be more fun, and romantic, than watching fireworks together?

Alex
    “Wow. This looks awesome.” I examined the steaming spinach, cheese, and chicken strips artfully arranged on a round wrap that looked kind of like a tortilla on my tray. The smell of spices filled the mess hall, making it feel more like a restaurant than camp.
    “Thanks, but I can’t take the credit.” Helena added a scoop of corn on another section of my platter. “This morning’s delivery left out the ingredients I needed for the chicken potpie. I was in a panic until Javier came through. He even made dessert.”
    I followed her nod and stared at the handsome boy serving up what looked like puffs of fried dough sprinkled with cinnamon. Both looked yummy. The flash of his bright smile made my breath hitch.
    That smile faded when I stepped in front of him. Despite the encouraging gesture of the flower, he hadn’t said a word to me since that time together in the garden. But tonight would change all that. I’d make sure of it.
    “Hi, Javier.” I held out my tray. “You did a great job. Dinner looks delicious. Are they fajitas?”
    “Arepas, actually. A Venezuelan specialty.” He kept his eyes fixed on the cinnamon triangles and nodded. “How many do you want?”
    I could have wolfed down ten. “Three, please.”
    “Chocolate or strawberry sauce?” He placed the dessert pieces on my tray. Thick lashes rested on his angular cheeks, his eyes downcast as though a look at me would turn him to stone quicker than Medusa.
    Just like he’d been the week we’d worked together, right up until that last amazing hour we’d spent in the garden.
    “Can I have both?” Or a look from you? I thought Javier and I had found some neutral ground. Declared a truce. Gotten a little close maybe. So why was he back to giving me the cold shoulder?
    “What happened to apple pie?” a familiar voice spoke behind me, making my spine stiffen. Vijay.
    I shot him a death look, willing him to be quiet.
    “Aren’t we supposed to eat American food on the Fourth of July?” he added.
    Javier slid white containers filled with brown and pink liquid across the counter. I picked up the