“Well, start explaining.â€? Ben said as calmly as he could. On the inside, he was shaking like a drunken man.

Holly eyed Trey, Pete and Spencer.

“Why don’t you guys let the three of us talk for a while? Go back to your lunch.â€?

Pete and Spencer walked off angrily but Trey stayed put. “You are not gonna tell me what to do, Ben.â€? He snapped. “I stay where I wanna stay. You got me? I’m da main man here. Always will be.â€?

“Not too sure.â€? Pete murmured from behind him. He started pulling Trey back toward the lunch area, leaving Holly, Ben and Craig alone.

“This is … kind of awkward.â€? Holly whispered once they were alone.

“Why?â€? Craig asked. He and Ben sounded so sincere now. So sweet. They must really care about her.

“Um …â€? Holly laughed ashamedly, “I sort of … met Trey before I came here. I was in the woods alone when he came up behind me and … and …â€? her voice trailed off. “I can’t say it.â€?

Ben encouraged her with a hand squeeze.

“That bad four letter word.â€? She gave them a hint.

Spencer guessed, “Damn?â€?