Page 75 of Class Clown

“Right.” I made my way past him and into my bunk area, avoiding a second look.

Man in fitted camo uniform? Yummy. I did not need another reason to find him yummy. At this point I was simply grateful that he wasn’t acting awkward around me again after our romantic interlude in the forest.

I didn’t regularly wear dark colors, but I did find a navy tee and those purple zip-away pants. It wasn’t fashion forward, but it would hide me well enough in the darkness. I came out of my curtain area and went into the bathroom. As I passed through the living space there was a knock on the front door of the cabin. Nico and I exchanged a glance. As far as I knew, this was a first. I shrugged and went into the bathroom to change while he answered the door. At least the loud cracking sound when the door opened didn’t come as a surprise this time.

Nico’s low voice, and the higher tones of a woman’s, sounded through the bathroom wall, but I couldn’t understand what they were saying. I took a few minutes to use the bathroom, put on more deodorant, and pull my hair up to keep it out of my way, before leaving the little room.

Nico was still standing in the open front doorway, but he was large enough to block whomever he was speaking to. Curiously, I set the clothes I’d changed out of on my bed and made my way over to the door. I peeked up over Nico’s shoulder, accidentally pressing against him when I did. My traitorous insides immediately cheered, so I went back down onto flat feet and pushed at his shoulder to get him to move over.

Gina was standing on the porch, dressed in dark brown clothes that reminded me of a delivery driver. Her hair was up under a hat, which I thought was smart considering its bright and beautiful red color. She also had black paint swiped under her eyes, which I loved. I wanted black paint under my eyes, like a warrioress.

“Hey, Gina,” I said cheerfully. “What’s up?”

Nico was sort of stiff beside me and when I looked over at him it was to see that decades old stoic expression. He wasn’t happy about whatever was happening.

“Sometimes we partner up in this game, and I was asking Nico if we could form an alliance,” Gina chirped. “I figure with his skills as a Marine I can’t go wrong.” She giggled and pointed at him. “I mean, come on, he opened the door dressed like this.”

I looked him over and nodded, fighting down a wave of jealousy. “You’re not wrong. He’d be a great partner.” The words burned coming out. Why hadn’t I known about partners? I wanted him on my team. “The best,” I mumbled sadly.

“Plus, it can kind of be scary out in the woods after dark.” Gina playfully shivered. “I’d feel a lot better not being alone.”

“Totally,” I agreed without any umph.

“I was letting Gina know that I had other plans,” Nico interrupted, surprising me.

I glanced up at him, wondering who on earth, oh. “Cole,” I nodded, looking back at Gina. “Makes sense that him and Cole would pair up.”

Gina shook her head with a smile. “No, Cole is running the game, not hiding. Who are you going to partner up with?” she asked me.

I shook my head. “Oh, no one. I’m a solo player all day long. The woods are my home, you know?” Nico was still looking down at me, but I ignored it. “I’m looking forward to the alone time.” I ever so slightly stepped away from him. “Easier to win if I don’t have to drag deadweight around.”

Gina laughed. “I honestly admire that so much,Ruby,” she said.

I clapped my hands together and retreated into the cabin. “I will see you two on the playing field.”

I hustled back into my curtained off area and bit my lip hard to keep from making a sound as I tamped down on the sickness in my stomach. Jealously had never been something I wanted to experience. Gina and Nico, out in the woods together, after dark. It was so romantic I wanted to cry. Yet, how could I cry when I was the one who’d pushed him away?

“Let’s go, partner,” Gina chirped cheerfully.

“Ruby?” Nico called. “You coming?”

I swallowed hard. “I need another minute. Good luck!”

There was a moment’s hesitation when I almost thought he’d come check on me, he had to have noticed the wobble in my tone, but the front door banged shut and boots clomped heavily across the front porch and down the stairs.

I stood and swallowed down the last of the ugly little green lump in my throat and pushed the curtain aside. I was as ready as I’d ever be, and kind of excited about hiding out for a bit in the wilderness. It matched the feelings flying around inside of me. I wanted to find a cave and huddle up until this feeling washed out of me.

I made my way to the fire area where everyone was gathering. Kids were forming up their groups, and staffers were forming alliances, and I wished so badly I’d known we could partner up. I’d have asked Nico in a heartbeat – platonically. Although there was that bit about him already having plans. Would have been cool if he’d let me in on them.

I found him in the crowd, standing still while Gina chirped at him about her ideas and plans. Watching him made me feel moody, so I turned away and took a seat on a log bench to wait for instructions.

Kristy arrived a few seconds later with a huge smile on her face. She was dressed in head to toe black, an experienced staffer, and also had the dark smudges painted under her eyes. Her head was covered by a blue beanie, her eyes glowing with excitement. I decided I’d ask her to partner with me. We’d have a good time, and neither of us would have to watch the flirting that was bound to happen.

However, before I’d had a chance to greet her and see if she wanted to partner up, she approached Nico’s other side, laid a hand on his arm and turned into a different person all together, fluttering her eyelashes up at him.

“We are definitely going to win this,” she cooed. “I’m sure you're the smartest and staffer.”

My eyes grew large. We? Like, they were forming a trio?

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