Page 47 of Nerdplay
Angela gasps. “It’s the video game version of Footloose. You poor deprived child.”
Cricket jumps to her feet and extends a hand. “Come with me if you want to live.”
I notice her T-shirt. “Geek Chic today, huh?”
“I mean, honestly, it’s every day.” She wiggles her fingers, encouraging me to take her hand.
“Where are we going?”
“I know a place.”
“Is it a place that involves yarn and needles? Because that’s what’s on the schedule.”
“Forget arts and crafts. I’m taking you somewhere more important.”
I feel an instant jolt as I slide my hand in hers. Her skin is smooth and soft. I’m slightly disappointment when I’m on my feet and she lets go.
I grab my banana off the table and follow her outside. Her pace is quick and determined and I’m forced to lengthen my strides to keep up with her. She’s a woman on a mission and somehow that mission involves me.
Cricket stops outside a cabin not far from her office and opens the door. “This, my deprived friend, is the arcade.” She flicks on the light switch. Inside the cabin are multiple computer screens with game consoles, as well as two traditional arcade games—Pac-Man and Donkey Kong.
“This is nerd-vana,” I say, almost speechless. “Why didn’t I see this on the tour?”
“Because I skipped it. It’s a free space, so anybody can come in here to play between the hours of noon and eight p.m.” She motions to the Pac-Man machine. “But I’ve decided to make an exception for you this morning.”
“Because of my sob story?”
“Yes. Which one would you like to try first?”
I hate to admit that I have no idea how to play any of them.
“Games aren’t really my thing,” I start to say, but she pushes me toward the consoles.
“You’ve told me how competitive you are. You’re tailor-made for these games. Pick one now or I’ll pick for you.”
I almost tell her that her bossy attitude is a turn-on but manage to swallow the words before they come out. This isn’t a date. I’m supposed to be mining this place for information, not wasting time on frivolous games. My parents were right. In under five minutes I’m letting them distract me from more important matters.
“I appreciate you showing me this cabin, but I’m not really?—”
She grabs me by the shoulders and steers me to another machine.
“Sit.”
I sit and she squeezes into the seat beside me. “This is a race. You take the wheel and drive the car first, then it’s my turn. Fastest time without crashes wins. Got it?”
She’s so close that I can smell her skin. Rose petals. Not that cloying sweetness like some rose scents. This one is only a touch. It’s nice.
“Earth to Charlie.” She knocks on the side of my head. “Ready?”
“I don’t know what to do.”
“I just told you, silly.” She takes my hands and places them on the steering wheel. Leaving her hands on mine, she nudges my foot aside and taps a pedal. “Now drive!” She guns it, and the video car skids into action. In truth, I figure out how to play in about three seconds, but I enjoy touching her too much to say so.
When it’s her turn, she bumps me aside with her hip. I loom over her, watching as she races with abandon, cursing at the other cars and acting like a general menace.
I love every second of it.
“I don’t see myself getting in a car with you anytime soon,” I say, once the game ends in a crash of fatal fury. “Do you always make up your own curse words?”
