Page 45 of Nerdplay
“And then he stops being an asshat?”
Adam’s gaze flicks to the office and back to me. “That remains to be seen. Have a good night, Charlie.”
“You too.”
He continues his evening stroll with Chewy, and I stand outside the office feeling like the worst kind of human imaginable. I’m not a villain; I’m a good person.
But if I walk through that office door, I’m definitely an asshat.
I return to my cabin and let myself in. It feels strange not to have to unlock the door. Although my house isn’t in a crime-filled neighborhood, I wouldn’t dream of leaving the front door unlocked. It seems like asking for trouble.
Maybe there’s a way to satisfy both parties without subterfuge. I could try to have a real conversation with Cricket instead of trying to cram a check down her throat.
I strip off my clothes and brush my teeth. It’s too hot for anything more than boxer briefs. The fan is doing its best, but it’s only capable of circulating the hot, humid air that already plagues the cabin. Too bad Cricket doesn’t have the funds to invest in air conditioning for the cabins. I wonder whether she sleeps in her underwear too.
I try to block any further thoughts of Cricket in her underwear, but another feeling is making that difficult, and this one is of the physical variety. Groaning, I return to the sink and splash cold water on my face. Courtney Abernathy is a thorn in my side. An obstacle to mount. A mountain to climb.
Nope. Not helping.
I try to focus on a different subject, like partnership and the fact that Matt’s deal suffered a setback. I still have time to work my magic on…
Forget it. I refuse to think of her. She’s already permeating my every waking moment. No need to add her to dreams too.
I’m still deep in thought about Cricket when I climb into bed—which is why I don’t immediately notice that I’m not alone under the sheet.
My side brushes against something and my body reacts faster than my mind. I launch out of bed, not quite screaming but not exactly mute either. More of a Muppet sound.
I peel back the sheet to reveal an ugly-ass doll with menacing eyes. Is that the Chucky doll from the horror movies? In addition to his blue overalls and striped shirt, he’s wearing a green tie. On closer inspection, I realize it’s a Philadelphia Eagles tie. Nice touch.
At first, I place Chucky under the bed, out of sight, but after a few minutes with my eyes wide open, I realize I won’t be able to sleep with him right underneath me. I get up again and relocate Chucky to the bottom dresser drawer and shove the chair in front of it. One can’t be too careful.
Admittedly, I don’t sleep well that night. I dream that Michael Myers, Chucky, and Jason Voorhees show up at the camp. We ride in a pontoon and drink beer together, but the whole time I’m wary that they have an ulterior motive.
* * *
The next morning, I pull on a T-shirt and shorts and add the Eagles tie. “Never let them see you sweat,” as both the deodorant commercial and my father always say. Take that, nerds. I can quote things too.
I venture to the cafeteria and load my plate with scrambled eggs and bacon, then head to the picnic area where most campers are enjoying breakfast.
“Go Birds,” someone says with a fist pump as I approach the group of tables.
I offer the natural response. “Go Birds.”
Cricket is seated at a table with the usual suspects. I plant myself at the end of the bench. Cricket’s gaze goes straight to the tie, and I notice her mouth twitch.
“Fly Eagles fly,” says Ben.
Olivia squints at the tie. “It isn’t football season.”
“The Eagles are always in season,” I tell her.
“Sleep okay?” Cricket asks with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
“Best night I’ve had yet,” I answer. “Camp is infinitely more fun with a bunkmate.”
Ben spits his coffee back into his mug.
“You got a bunkmate?” Angela asks. “Lucky you.”
