Page 24 of Nerdplay
“Because deep down all men long to be heroes. Here’s your big chance to act out the fantasy.”
Charlie seems to mull it over. “Okay. Count me in.”
“Wow. I didn’t think it would that easy to convince you.”
“I already have the hair,” he says, dragging a hand through dark blond locks. “Might as well go all in.”
“Already have the ego, too,” I mutter.
Charlie pulls out the schedule. “Where’s Hero 101? I don’t see it.”
I tap the paper. “The area between the lake and the arts and crafts cabin. I’ll walk with you.”
“You don’t have to babysit me. I’m sure I can find it.”
“And miss out on the pleasure of your company? What kind of hostess would I be?”
Although we smile at each other, the tension between us is palpable and it isn’t the good kind. It’s the kind that says, ‘I don’t trust you and you don’t trust me, but let’s pretend otherwise.’
“What’s up with the guy in the Darth Vader costume?” he asks, as we stride across the campground.
I hold up a finger. “While Adam may technically be dressed as a certain famous Sith Lord, he likes to refer to himself as the Original Shadow Daddy.”
Charlie shoots me a quizzical look. “Why?”
“Legal reasons.”
“I mean why Original Shadow Daddy? What does that even mean?”
I pat his arm. “Oh, you sweet summer child. It’s nice to know we have something to teach an educated man like you.”
The group is already assembled by the time we reach the area. It’s many of the same campers from ring toss with the addition of Hunter and John. Hunter is easy to identify because he wears a camouflage pattern every single day. Different outfits. Always traditional camo. John, on the other hand, is hard to identify unless you know him. He has that kind of thin, pale appearance that makes you think he might have the ability to walk through walls.
“We need three judges,” I announce.
“We already have two of them,” Hunter replies, motioning between he and Bradley.
Angela raises her hand and wiggles her fingers. “Consider me the Russian judge. Anything less than absolute ten out of ten perfection and it’s a five from me.”
Charlie visibly shudders. “She and my father would get along famously.”
I clap my hands. “Participating heroes, take your places.”
Charlie shifts from foot to foot. “What’s the first test?”
My smile is sticky sweet. “Take your spot and find out, hero.” I point to a sturdy oak tree.
“Those broad shoulders would make Captain America weep,” Angela murmurs.
As much as I want to, I can’t argue with her. His shoulders nearly span the breadth of the huge trunk. He looks—dare I say it—hot. I immediately repent by mentally referring to him as Charles Xavier, except it occurs to me that I also find Charles Xavier dangerously attractive. Abort mental mission! Abort!
A few other campers line up as well, including Olivia. I toss a questioning glance at Ben, who simply nods.
“A key characteristic of a hero is the ability to withstand level-ten damage.” Stefan turns to Gloria. “Release the hounds.”
The ‘hounds’ are tennis balls. Gloria switches on the machine and balls start flying, mainly at Charlie. They pelt his limbs, and one narrowly misses his groin.
“Thank goodness,” Angela breathes.
