Page 78 of Mr. B

“I got a mixed response. A few of them aren’t too happy with the situation.”

“Are they blaming you?”

“They’re questioning why I wasn’t with them.”

“Do they understand the counselors are there to take some of the responsibility?”

“Yes. But still. I’m the head honcho.”

“I’m sure it’ll blow over.”

“Let’s hope so.”

She held out her hand. “Let’s get some breakfast, then maybe a nap.”

“Food, yes. Nap, not until these kids are picked up.”

“Even if their parents leave town right now, they won’t be here for three hours.”

“I can’t have anyone saying I was sleeping while the kids were sick in their cabins. I’ll sleep tonight.”

“You’ll be a zombie by tonight.”

“So be it.”

She motioned for him to get up. “Come on. Food will help a little.”

He took her hand and groaned as she pulled him out of the chair. He looked at her for a moment, then reached for the door and shut it. “I need something else to help me get through the day.”

“What’s that?”

He leaned in and kissed her. “That.”

“There’s more where that came from.”

“In that case, I’ll take another.” He put his arms around her and kissed her again. “Okay. Food.”

They left the office and went into the kitchen. The kids had all finished eating, and the leftover food had been removed from the dining area. May handed Wes and Cassandra each a plate.

“We kept the food warm for you.”

“Thank you, May.” Wes took some scrambled eggs, two pancakes, and some bacon, then poured himself a cup of coffee. Cassandra took eggs, bacon, and coffee, then they went to the table in the dining hall and sat down.

June came from the kitchen with a pitcher of syrup and some butter. “For your pancakes, Mr. Buchanan.”

“Thank you.” He sat for a moment and stared at his plate, pushing away the image of six sick kids.

Cassandra patted his hand. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. Just a little nauseous.”

“Don’t think about it.”

“I’m trying not to.” He picked up a piece of bacon and looked at it, then took a bite. “Okay. Bacon saves the day.”

Wes cleared his plate, then leaned back in his chair and patted his stomach. “I feel…slightly better.”

“Ready to face unhappy parents?”