Page 13 of Nerdplay
“Stefan also dresses as a Viking,” Angela says, quickly followed by an apologetic look. “No judgment, darling.”
“Are you sure?” Gloria asks. “That sounded dangerously close to judgment.”
“All I’m saying is that Stefan lives his life as a fictional man,” Angela replies. “Obviously he’s going to agree with Cricket’s take.”
Stefan adjusts his horned helmet. “Vikings are historical, not fictional.”
I adore that Stefan unabashedly and unapologetically takes up space in a healthy way. He fully owns his Scandinavian corner.
“Your headgear is fictional, bro,” Bradley says. “Vikings didn’t actually wear them.”
Stefan heaves a sigh. “It’s a visual shorthand. I don’t have the right hair or beard, and I can’t carry around swords or spears, so the helmet is the easiest and fastest way to telegraph my identity to others.”
“I think you look great,” I tell him.
Bradley spears another marshmallow. “Dudes, I don’t know how you and Adam don’t sweat to death in those helmets.” In black jeans, work boots, and a Metallica T-shirt, Bradley doesn’t necessarily seem like the kind of man who would support helmet-wearing adults, but he’s proven himself to be one of the most open-minded and open-hearted people I’ve ever met.
Adam produces a small portable fan. “This helps.”
“What’s the matter?” Laura asks.
I swivel on the stump to look behind me. “Who, me?”
“Yes you. Your body is tenser than a Schnauzer on the grooming table.”
I stab a marshmallow with my stick and hold it close to the flames. “It’s nothing.”
“She had an unwelcome visit from a lawyer,” Gloria interjects.
Angela’s ears perk up. “What’s the problem? Is the camp in trouble?”
“No problem,” I insist. “There’s a property developer who seems to feel entitled to my land simply because he wants it.”
“Typical man.”
Angela would know. She’s been married to about half a dozen of them.
“Present company excepted, of course,” Gloria adds with a sharp look at Angela.
“None of the men here are typical,” Angela says. “This is an adult camp for self-proclaimed nerds.”
“My granddad’s a pretty typical nerd.”
We laugh at Olivia, Ben’s eleven-year-old granddaughter. Technically the rules don’t allow anyone under eighteen to attend Comic-Camp, but I gave Ben special dispensation this year to include her due to unforeseen family circumstances.
“Speaking of typical nerds, I’m happy to see you added robo races to the schedule this year,” says Ben, our resident wise man.
“It was a special request.” I catch Bradley's eye across the firepit and smile. The electrician lobbied hard for the addition after inheriting a collection of robot toys from his late uncle. I got the distinct impression he doesn’t have anybody near home who would share his enthusiasm, which I completely relate to. I know people who live in the area, but there isn’t a single one of them I would call a friend.
A sense of calm washes over me as I gaze around the campfire. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for my campers. They deserve these two weeks of freedom to be themselves. To cosplay without fear of snickers behind their backs. To fight zombies on a battlefield. To play a tabletop game until the sun goes down with no regard for meals or responsibilities.
I’m excited for camp to get started, although I know from experience these two weeks will fly by in a heartbeat. I already dread that final afternoon.
By the time I roll into my cabin for sleep, I’m bone-tired, but it’s a good tired. I’m reunited with my people, and all is right with the world.
All except the nagging feeling that the lawyer’s visit won’t be the last word from LandStar.
I choose my wardrobe carefully. If I want Miss Nerdy By Nature to believe my intentions are pure, I need to play the part. I unearth a Race to Mordor T-shirt that was gifted to me by my law school roommate, who clearly didn’t know me very well despite sharing cramped quarters for three years. I also pack a pair of dress shoes and zip a suit into a fabric travel bag for any urgent meetings that spring up, which happens all too often in the legal world. Someone else’s lack of planning becomes my emergency with alarming frequency.
