Page 104 of Biggest Player
What a douche.
When we’re ready and reach the base of the rock wall, I turn to look up at it.Allthe way up at it, to the top. It’s intimidating, but there isno going back. I’ll look like a total pussy if I back out now. This was my idea, after all.
“Ready to conquer this beast?” I am all bravado.
Margot groans. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”
Wyatt stands next to us, looking pretty damn adorable in her gear.
“You look like a pro,” I tell her to puff up her ego.
“Are you stalling?” She squints up at me.
“Pfft. Me? No.” I gesture grandly toward the wall. “Ladies first.”
Margot and Wyatt both narrow their eyes at me.
“Oh no,” my date announces. “This was your idea—you go first. You’re not getting out of this that easily.”
“Fine,” I grumble, fidgeting with the strap on my helmet. I hate this dumb thing—I look stupid and unsexy. “But if I get stuck, you’re coming up to rescue me.”
“You’re not going to get stuck.”
I chuckle, fiddling with my harness straps. It’s got my nuts in a vise grip.
Meanwhile, a few feet away, Ben is demonstrating the essential moves and giving basic instructions.
“... climbing is all about balance and rhythm.” I swear he looks at Margot when he says the wordrhythm. “Keep three points of contact with the wall at all times—two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand.” He winks. “Don’t forget to trust your gear.”
This fuckin’ guy . . .
Margot raises an eyebrow, nodding. “Trust the gear. Right.”
“I got you—don’t be nervous.” Ben grins. “It’s natural to be a bit frightened. Just remember, your harness and rope are your lifeline. They’re designed to hold much more than your weight.” He points at me. “Like him.”
Me? Fuck you, dude!
Ben points to the rock wall. “Look for solid footholds and handholds. If you feel stuck, take a moment to regroup. There’s no rush.”
“No rush,” Wyatt repeats, determined.
“Any questions before we start?” Ben goes on, scanning our faces.
Wyatt’s hand goes into the air. “What if we fall?”
Ben shakes his head. “That’s what the belay is for.” He jiggles the harness around his waist. “Trust me, you’re not going anywhere.”
After a final check of our gear, he claps his hands. “All right, who’s ready to climb?”
“Dex, you’re going first!” Wyatt reminds me impatiently, nudging me toward the base of the wall. “Go!”
Ben gives me a thumbs-up, that fucker.
With everything securely fastened, I grapple for the first grip hold to start my ascent.
Easy!
I climb up another few feet, moving quicker—and more confidently—up the wall. The rock feels cool beneath my palms, and solid, and I find my rhythm faster than I was expecting. Not too far below, I hear Wyatt and Margot chattering away, their voices carrying up.
