Esther’s mind was awhirl as she stared at the girl. “Um, nee. I think we are fine in here, dear. You go ahead and finish unpacking.”
She bounced up on her toes for the third time. “Ya, of course. I’ll be back soon. The fish smells gut. I’m hungry. I didn’t eat much breakfast this morning. I’ve been so excited about this new phase in mei life . . . There won’t be carrots for lunch, will there? I mean, I know I mentioned my dislike for them just now, but I thoughtI would—”
“No carrots,” Lizzie said without turning around.
“Okay, then I’ll go finish unpacking. I’m so happy to be here! I’ll see you soon for lunch.”
Esther didn’t realize her mouth was hanging open until Lizzie turned around and raised an eyebrow.
“I’m sure she’s just nervous and excited. She’s in a new state with a new job. Surely the maedel doesn’t always talk that much.”
Lizzie scowled, shaking her head. “You ain’t seen nothing yet.”
Eleven
After walking all around the area surrounding the caverns, Jayce occupied his time by browsing through the gift shop, notthat he had anyone to buy a souvenir for. He’d been told the film team might be in the cave two hours or all day. It seemeda waste of his time to be loitering around, but even if he had gone in the boats and into the cave, he would have been inthe way. At least that’s what he would keep telling himself.
“They’re back.” A guy who worked there walked in from outside with an apple in his hand. “I heard the boat motor.” He tooka large bite and headed behind the counter to a room in the back.
Jayce began walking down to the river, then took a right and descended the rest of the way to where the boats were. Once again, Bluespring had given exclusivity to Jayce’s father and the crew, offering free tour coupons for another day to the people who showed up to purchase tickets. School was in session, and it was Monday, so only a handful of people had left disappointed.
Near the parked boats, he waited until the guide docked the boat with his father, Veronica, and the more important players.He was surprised to see Gus in the boat with them. Following close behind was the second boat with everyone else.
Jayce started gathering equipment as soon as the boat docked, but he paused when Veronica got out. “You okay?” he mouthedas he tried to read her expression. She nodded but quickly cast her eyes downward. She was still wearing her wetsuit but hada blanket wrapped around her. Jayce had unloaded several pieces of equipment before he noticed that Gus was dripping wet.He laughed.
“What happened, big guy? You fall in?” Jayce reached for a box of odds and ends—camera lenses, extra batteries, cables, andvarious other items.
Gus opened his mouth like he was ready to unload on Jayce, but the old man glanced at Jayce’s father and must have thoughtbetter of it because he stayed quiet, jostling the boat from side to side as he lifted himself onto the dock.
“My gear malfunctioned again,” Veronica whispered as she eased up to Jayce. “That man, the big one, Gus . . .” She blinkedback tears. “He jumped in. I guess everyone was trying to figure out what to do. I was panicking because I couldn’t breathe.”She glanced at Gus, standing off to the side by himself. “Gus jumped in and pulled me to the surface. I was kicking, fightinghim, and . . . It was horrible, much worse than Friday.” A tear rolled down her cheek. “He saved my life, Jayce.”
Jayce glanced at Gus, the unlikely hero, shaking and dripping as he gulped from a bottle of water.
“That’s twice the equipment has failed, and I don’t know if I’m cut out for a movie where some of it is filmed underwater.”
He hated seeing her so upset and wrapped her in a hug. “You tell my dad to get a stuntperson and to find some reliable equipmentif there are any more scenes in the water. Be firm, Veronica.” Jayce stepped back and caught her gaze. “You okay otherwise?Are you hurt?” He eyed her up and down, but it was impossible to see if she was injured beneath the wetsuit.
“I’m okay, just shaken up.” She glanced at Gus, then told Jayce she’d be right back.
Jayce had plenty to carry, and it was going to take a dozen trips, even if the crew took mercy on him and helped. When Veronicareached up and wrapped her arms around Gus’s neck, Jayce stood watching. Gus lifted one arm and barely patted her back. Shespoke to him for another minute or so. Gus just nodded, then abruptly walked away.
Jayce got back to work. His dad passed by him without a word. Surprising. Usually he took out every bad thing in his lifeon Jayce.
It was an hour later before everything was loaded. Veronica was in dry clothes. Everyone was unusually quiet.
Jayce opened the door to Gus’s truck and got in. He waited a full five minutes before Gus walked out of the gift shop, presumablyhaving gone to the bathroom.
“So, I hear you’re the hero of the day,” he said when Gus opened the door and stood there scowling.
“I forgot I’d have to listen to you gab all the way home.” He climbed in. He was missing his suspenders and his shirt was untucked. His gray hair, no longer pulled back in a ponytail, was a matted mass that hung around his shoulders like a worn mop.
“Hey, I just paid you a compliment. No need to be nasty.” Jayce pushed his sunglasses up on his head. “So, what happened anyway?”
“Your father has a bunch of idiots working for him.” Gus growled. “I was only supposed to be going along for this one scene,but I can see that I’m going to have
