The Matchmakers of Butternut Creek Read Online Free PDF Page B

have to check this out.” Bobby swaggered toward the recreation hall. Nice kid, Adam knew, but Bobby loved to show a little ’tude.
    “Not luxury,” Adam said. “But…”
    He didn’t finish because Gussie exploded out of the building in typical Gussie fashion, waved, and shouted, “Welcome.”
    “That’s Gussie,” Bree said to Hector. “She directs the retreats and camps every year. She’s great.”
    Wearing jeans and a bright green T-shirt with WALK IN FAITH printed on it and her dark hair curling around her smiling face, she looked very different from the professional woman he’d met before. The kids with him grinned because no one could not smile when she did. Adam both smiled and blinked. Fortunately, his mouth hadn’t flopped open. He glanced at the kids, hoping none had noticed his response.
    Mac had. She wore a sly smile that looked exactly like Miss Birdie’s at her most dangerous.
    “It’s okay,” she whispered. “I won’t tell Grandma you like Gussie. I know what she’s like.”
    He had to believe she’d keep her word. No other acceptable choice.
    “Come on in. Time to get your packets. Don’t forget to pick up a T-shirt and sign up for chores.”
    “Sign up for chores?” Bobby grumbled. “Hector, what did I let you talk me into? I could’ve stayed home. My mother has a whole list of chores for me.”
    After Bree and Mac gave Gussie a quick hug, they led the grumbling Bobby and Hector into the enormous and echoing all-purpose room. Several adults and about thirty kids wandered around and greeted one another.
    “Pick up your stuff, then take your bags upstairs and find a bunk,” Gussie said. “Girls on the south; boys on the north. Meet us down here in a few minutes at the basketball court.”
    “You gonna play?” Hector asked Bree.
    “Sure. I play on the team at school. Varsity.” She glared, looking tough. “You know that.”
    “Yeah, but…don’t want you to get hurt,” Bobby said.
    “Let’s wait and see who gets hurt,” Bree challenged.
    Later in the day during a quick pickup game, Adam watched as both Bree and Hector went up for a rebound. Although Hector had five inches in height and fifty pounds on Bree, she had sharper elbows and more determination. She came down with the ball.
    “Hey,” he said as he rubbed his side after the game. “You don’t play like a girl.”
    “Told you.”
    “We were taking it easy on you,” Bobby said.
    “Next time, don’t.” With that, Bree dribbled toward the dining hall. She reached the edge of the court, turned, and shot. As the ball swished in, Adam cheered.
    Before Bobby could grab the ball, Gussie came out with a bag. “Looks like a terrific game, guys.” She smiled at everyone and motioned for them to gather around her. “Tonight the youth group from Roundville is setting the tables.” She grinned at the groans from her youth. “Hey, don’t complain. You get to do this because you’re special.” She clapped to quiet them. “Dinner in twenty minutes. We have just enough time for Slinky races on the steps down to the pool.” She started flinging the toys around. “Winner doesn’t do chores tonight.” With that, everyone took off toward the pool.
     
    * * *
    After dinner, Gussie stood and waved at the group. “Welcome!” she said and the kids all clapped and stamped their feet and shouted, “Gussie! Gussie—”
    She quieted the group, made announcements, then asked, “Anyone want to sing?”
    Campers shouted song suggestions.
    “Okay, let’s start with this one. Everyone join in. ‘If you’re happy…’”
    Gussie had a wonderful voice, strong and clear. She walked around the tables as she led the group, encouraging and bringing the voices together. When they began “Silver Spade,” she coaxed harmony from the group with a movement of her hand.
    Was there anything Gussie couldn’t do?
    After several songs and a glance at her watch, she said, “Cleanup crew, get started. Adults, meet at the center