Page 97 of Nerdplay
I finish my cornbread before I leave, careful not to leave a trail of crumbs that might lead a hungry bear to my cabin door. My phone lights up with a voicemail from my father, and I realize I’ve kept it on silent all day. I spend the evening returning phone calls, including one to Jeannie.
“What’s the emergency?” I ask.
“No emergency. I wanted to hear more about camp.”
I sigh. “My cabin flooded last night.”
“You’re not going to report that to LandStar, are you? I’m sure that jerk would want you to find a way to use it against the camp owner.”
“Matt called me to gloat about the charity event tonight.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t drive down for it.”
“I considered it.”
“But?”
“I checked the traffic report, and it would’ve taken me almost an hour longer than usual.”
“That sounds like an excuse. The Charlie I know would’ve done whatever it takes to show up.” She pauses. “I like this Charlie better.”
“Thanks … I think.”
“Are you still enjoying yourself?”
“It’s complicated.”
Jeannie chuckles. “No, it isn’t, Charlie. It’s an easy question. Yes or no.”
“Then yes.”
“Good. Milk the time for all its worth. You deserve it.”
“Except the client is paying me to be here and I’m not doing the thing he sent me to do. It’s unethical.”
“Then don’t bill him for the time. Maybe talk to Joel to write some of it off. You’re a smart guy. You’ll figure it out. Forget we exist for another few days. It won’t kill you.”
I smile into the phone. “Have a good night, Jeannie.”
I no sooner put down the phone when there’s a knock at my door. I hope my visitor didn’t overhear my conversation.
I open the door to reveal Cricket. In ripped denim shorts, a plaid red shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and a hint of cleavage, she’s giving off sexy farmer’s daughter vibes that immediately trigger a throbbing sensation in places I’d rather not acknowledge. I force myself to focus on her face instead.
“No glasses tonight?”
“I don’t have a pair that matches my outfit.” She crouches down and places her palms flat on the hardwood. “Your floor is still damp. You shouldn’t sleep in your cabin tonight.”
“It’s not too bad.”
“What if there are mold spores?”
“I doubt mold grows that fast.”
“We should ask Olivia. I bet she knows.”
“Is that why you’re here? To save me from ingesting a lungful of mold and avoiding a lawsuit?”
“Actually no.” She holds out her hand. “Come with me.”
