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“I’m glad you brought us,” Maris says.
With a little help from Maris and the water, the canoe takes a steady journey down the river. I continue to paddle, although I can tell it’s not needed. Neither Colin nor Janice question why it’s suddenly become easy. For someone who says she doesn’t have magic, Maris is exceptional.
“And what do you think of my grandson?”
The question brings me back to the present. I don’t want her to have a thing with Colin, and Janice’s hint wavers my confidence. Does she like him?
The back of Maris’s neck turns bright red, and I dread her answer. “He’s nice, but I’m not looking for someone.”
I’m glad she didn’t give a naïve response, and I’m even happier she shut it down. She may seem innocent at times, but she knows what she wants.
“Aw. Bad break-up?” Janice asks.
“My ex was also seeing my best friend.”
“Tough times,” Colin says.
“The guy’s a douchebag,” I point out.
“He must be an idiot to fool around on someone as gorgeous as Maris.”
“She deserves the best fish the sea can conjure up.” I’m already smiling when her shocked face turns around. I mouth, “Just go with it.”
“Did you two ever have a thing?” Janice asks, waving at the two of us.
“She wishes,” I say. A hard laugh rattles in the back of my throat, and the others join in.
“Seriously. Did you?” Colin asks.
“We’ve only known each other a few days,” Maris admits.
“Then why are you doing this treasure hunt?”
“We were partnered together as part of a club we’re in,” I say.
“And what’s the prize?”
“A year’s worth of art classes,” Maris lies, getting into the swing of how these mistruths work.
“You don’t take me as the artist type, Kyle,” Colin says.
“I’m a tortured soul.” I keep my tone flat in the hope he’ll drop it.
The river splits in two, and Janice indicates which way we should go. The web of lies about art and paint get thicker but come so easily.
“There,” Maris says, pointing to the rocks. Her paddle slips into the water, and I lean over to grab it. The canoe drifts to the edge of the river, and I stand abruptly, ready to get off.
“This is my stop. It’s been a pleasure.” I quickly vacate the boat, pulling Maris along with me. We stand at the edge, waving.
“How will we paddle back?” Colin asks.
“Don’t worry, I’ll help,” Maris says.
They try to reach the banking, but Maris keeps them on course.
“Telling them you’d help probably wasn’t the best idea.”
“You could’ve warned them we were leaving.” She sounds a little annoyed, so I try to reassure her it was the right thing to do.
