Page 35 of Nerdplay
“I can’t expect to form an authentic connection with someone else when I don’t have one with myself.”
“No, I mean how do your outsides not match your insides?”
“I have the heart and soul of a Viking,” Stefan says. “I’d like to embody one more completely.”
“You wear a horned helmet,” Charlie says. “How much more like a Viking can you look? Chainmail?”
“Most Vikings didn’t wear chainmail,” Stefan replies. “Too expensive. Technically they didn’t wear these helmets either, but most people don’t know that. That’s why I wear it, so people can identify who I am without me having to explain.”
“Although to be fair, people demand an explanation like they’re entitled to it,” Adam says. “Believe me, I get it.”
“I thought you were content with your appearance,” I tell Stefan.
“Oh, I am, but with a few tweaks I could fully inhabit my ideal self.”
“Oh honey, we could all use a few tweaks,” Angela interjects. “That’s human nature.”
“I’ve been carting around a pair of custom boots that I haven’t even worn,” he says.
“Why not?” I ask.
“Because I don’t think I’d do them justice like this. I need to be the whole package.”
An idea occurs to me, and I send a quick text to Laura at the other table.
Angela stretches her arms above her head. “Speaking of tweaks, I need to go back to my cabin to finish my skincare regime before the fan fiction club meetup.”
“I didn’t know you were joining them this year,” I say.
“Apparently they’d like someone with experience to write the steamy parts.” Angela rises from the table. “Not all heroes wear capes. Ta-ta for now.”
Laura nearly topples over Angela in her rush to get to our table. “What’s the grooming emergency? Is it Chewy?”
Hearing his name, the Yorkie releases a yip from under the table.
I point to Stefan. “This man needs your professional help.”
Laura frowns. “This man is not a canine.”
“I can bark if it helps,” Stefan offers.
“Can you style him so he looks more like a Viking?” I ask.
“Don’t wash it or cut it for a month,” Charlie says. “Problem solved.”
Laura scrutinizes Stefan’s head. “No, no. I’m seeing it. Sort of a punk rock meets the devil.” She touches a strand of Stefan’s light brown hair. “I can work with this.”
Optimism sparks in Stefan’s eyes. “Even if you mess it up, I won’t care. I’ll be grateful you were willing to try.”
Laura pats his shoulder. “Come on, Stefan Eriksson. Let’s see what we can do.”
Adam pins her with a hopeful look. “Can Chewy and I watch? We love a good transformation story.”
“As long as there’s no side commentary,” Laura tells him. “It’s a good thing I packed my electric razor.”
Charlie slides down to my end of the bench. “Looks like it’s just us.”
I swallow another spoonful of yogurt. Before I can respond, Olivia appears out of nowhere, tapping my arm incessantly. “Cricket, can I feed Buffy today?”
