Page 15 of Nerdplay
I don’t relish the idea of Lizzie in my space while I’m gone, but at least I know my kitchen will be spotless when I get home. My sister is the queen of ordering out.
I take the turn toward Lake Willa and inhale an anxious breath. Courtney Abernathy was feistier than my usual business associates. More attractive too. Then again, most of my work interactions involve balding men over forty, so a beautiful woman in her thirties is a nice change of pace.
Did my stream of consciousness upgrade her from attractive to beautiful? I slam the door shut on that line of thinking. Not helpful, Charlie.
Today the parking lot is packed with a variety of vehicles—mostly older sedans, jeeps, and a couple trucks. I slide my Audi between a pickup truck and a VW Beetle, grab my duffel bag from the passenger seat, and follow the painted wooden signs that direct campers to Courtney’s office.
There’s no line outside her door, which I guess is no surprise given that camp officially started already.
I enjoy her look of surprise when she looks up and registers my presence. “You again.”
I flash the smile I reserve for new clients. “Me again, but I’m not here to get you to sign anything.”
She looks dubious. “No?”
“You said I could stay if I registered as a camper.” I spread my arms wide. “So here I am.”
“You want to attend camp?”
“Is that a problem?”
“Shouldn’t you be playing sportsball somewhere?”
“I gave up sportsball a long time ago.” I try to maintain a casual air. “I liked your description of this place—a home away from home. A place to belong. I’d like to have that experience.”
As soon as the words leave my mouth, I realize there’s a kernel of truth in them. Some people would cite my office as my home away from home. While there’s a certain comfort in that space, it’s more about safety than acceptance. As long as I’m at my desk in my ergonomic chair with my view of the city, I’m somebody. My job is the equivalent of a statement piece—and when I can add ‘youngest partner in the firm’s history,’ even better.
She seems to read my mind. “You don’t have that feeling when you’re lording over the plebes in the city from the top floor of your fancy skyscraper?”
“Mine’s the fifteenth floor.”
She winces. “Oomph. How many more ambulances do you need to catch to reach the penthouse?”
“That’s not the kind of law I practice.”
She cracks a smile. “I know, but I don’t have any ready insults for a corporate lawyer.”
“While I’m here, try to think of me as Charlie Thorpe.” I gesture to my T-shirt. “See? No boring tie.”
“Got it.” She seems unimpressed by my Lord of the Rings-inspired attire. Hmm. I figured this one would be a winner.
“Does that mean I can stay?” I hear the hopeful tone in my voice, and it takes me by surprise. I think a small part of me wants her to refuse, but if she refuses, then I can kiss partnership goodbye.
Interesting.
“What makes you think I have availability? For all you know, there’s a waitlist.”
“Is there?” I’ve seen enough documentation to know it’s unlikely.
“No. There is one cabin open. Technically someone registered for it, but he was a no-show last year, and I imagine he will be again this year.” She hesitates. “Are you sure you want to do this? There’s not a ball to be seen. I assume that’s what you’re into.”
“Until I wasn’t.”
She shoots me a questioning look. “You look like you’re active.”
I can’t tell whether that’s a compliment. “I run, play basketball and golf, lift weights—the usual.”
“Those things aren’t usual here. There’s no gym either, if that matters to you, although I can recommend a sturdy branch for pull-ups if you don’t want to skip that part of your routine.”
