"It was really nice of you to invite me camping, Mrs. Blake," said Skyler as he helped load the last of our gear into the car. Despite my and my mom's repeated attempts at helping, Skyler had managed to load four suitcases of clothes, two coolers of food, and lots of gear into the camper. He was sweating through his thin t-shirt, and I couldn't help but trail my eyes across his broad shoulders. He was a tall, thick man, in more ways than one, but he carried himself well. His blonde hair had been affected by the workout as well, it was matted down almost covering his blue eyes.
"Oh, it is really our pleasure," my mom answered him. "Since his father had to stay home, Luke would have been dreadfully bored all week. Isn't that right, Luke?"
"Right." Dreadfully bored, yeah. But it would have been a lot less risky. I can't believe Skyler had talked me into this.
"I think that's the last of it," Skyler said. "Are you sure I have time for a quick shower?"
"A very quick shower," said Amber from the front seat. "We should have left already."
"We might be on the road already," I said. "If you had done anything to help."
"Hey," she said. "I was supervising."
"Yeah, right. What level are you on?"
"Fourteen. I mean ... screw you Luke."
"Amber, Luke. Enough."
"Don't worry Amber," Skyler said, attempting to stifle a grin. "I'll be back before you reach Level Fifteen." He rushed back into the house.
The Blake family camping trip was a yearly event, and it had always been just the four of us. Mom and Amber would go do their stuff, there were two small shopping villages within fifteen minutes of our campsite, as well as a spa. That left Dad and I to go fishing or hiking or whatever, though we spent a lot of time just relaxing by the lake.
No sooner had I told Skyler that Dad had to stay home for work, he began developing this plan Without Mr. Blake around, he had told my mom, Luke would either have to go antique shopping or to the salon or have to sit alone in the woods. Mom had been thinking the same thing so it didn't take much to convince her. She and Amber could do their "girl" stuff. And Skyler and I could do "guy stuff."
If only she knew.
"Earth to Luke," Amber yelled. "I'm talking to you."
"What do you want?"
"I said, for the third time, that Mom and I are going to go grab some lunch for the trip. What do you want?"
"Oh, um a chicken parm sub. Get Skyler the same."
"Thanks," she replied in mocking sweetness.
"Tell Skyler not to rush," mom said, "We have plenty of time."
"Alright, mom. We'll be ready to go when you get back."
They drove away and I went back into the house, trying not to let Amber get to me. She could be a total pain in the neck. I took back what I thought about Skyler going on this trip,.I'd go crazy if it was just my sister and my mom.
I knocked on the door to the bathroom. "I ordered you a chicken parm sandwich. I hope that's alright."
"Yeah, man," he said. "That sounds good. Hey, could you bring me a towel?"