Chapter 4
Justin, ever respectful and polite, waded to shore, put a hand on Jeff’s sagging shoulders and said, “No, really. We’re glad you could make it.”
Jeff brightened.
Everyone got out of the canoe. Steele and Melody rearranged the backpacks.
“Mm,” Justin said. “I’m sorry, but you have a bit more gear than we can manage with a full canoe. Can you—uh—cut it down a bit?”
Jeff rolled his eyes and sighed. “I don’t know. I only brought the things I’d absolutely need. I guess maybe I shouldn’t go after all.”
Todd stepped forward. “For God’s sake, Jeff! I’ll help you.”
The two men set to work picking and choosing what Jeff should and should not bring. The process was not without a good deal of bickering and Jeff’s declarations that he was causing too much trouble. He offered to leave over and over.