Page 72 of Nerdplay
She laughs. “That’s not how that works. You don’t sit there watching the emotions pass in front of you like sushi on a conveyer belt. Ah yes, I’ll take the sashimi sadness.” She mimes lifting a plate from an imaginary belt.
“I thought this camp is supposed to be judgment free.”
“I’m not judging you. I’m helping you.”
“I agree. You’re helping me feel inadequate.”
She slaps a hand over her mouth. “I’m so sorry, Charlie. That isn’t my intention at all.”
“I didn’t come here for a therapy session.”
She angles her head and a sheet of chestnut hair dips alongside her face. “Then why did you come?”
“I told you. I wanted to experience the things you told me—a home away from home.”
“And how are we doing so far?”
My gaze sweeps the campground. “I’m starting to get it.”
“Are you?” She sounds uncertain.
“What will it take to convince you? I’m still here, aren’t I?”
“Yes, and I’ve got to be honest, it surprises me. I expected you to pack up after the second day, once you realized you couldn’t persuade me to sell.”
“I’m fitting in, enjoying all that your camp has to offer. I mean, where else can I crochet a penis?”
She cringes. “Esther roped you in, huh?”
I shrug. “One more skill to add to my resume.”
“Speaking of which, you know what I realized? You haven’t had a turn to feed Buffy.”
Now it’s my turn to cringe. “Not sure how I feel about that.”
“What do you mean? She’s sweet, adorable, and completely harmless.”
“She’s a rodent with wings. And not even cute butterfly wings.”
“Would that make you more inclined to feed her?”
“Not really,” I admit. “Why a sugar glider? Why not a cat or a dog?”
“Gloria says Buffy is easier to care for. She already has her mother, so she couldn’t be outside walking a dog multiple times a day.”
“How about a cat, though? They seem low maintenance.”
“Her mom is allergic.”
“Oh. That’s too bad.”
“Not really. She adores Buffy.”
“Did you ever have a pet?” I ask.
“We had a dog, Taffy. She was a golden retriever.”
“I’m surprised you wouldn’t want a dog now, living in an isolated area by yourself most of the year.”
