Page 38 of The Perils of Pretending
I don’t have answers and likely never will. I focus on the gratitude coursing through me, sending it the moose’s way.Thank you, Captain Big Rack, for saving me!
Dorian looks to Grandma, silently asking what he should do.
Not one to be deterred, Grandma rolls her eyes at him, waving him to get in the picture.
Tugging his suit jacket down, he puffs out his chest like it will intimidate Captain BR, and takes two steps. The moose swings his body around faster than expected, charging at Dorian. He backs away, heading toward the lodge. As soon as Dorian is a good thirty feet from me, Captain Big Rack settles into the grass, keeping his gaze focused on Dorian and his backside to me. His body positioning is clear. Heismy bodyguard, and Dorian better stay away or else.
I smile appreciatively at Captain BR. I don’t know how he connected with me or knew I needed him, but I’ve never been more grateful for wildlife than I am right now.
Dorian shrugs, an apologetic look on his face, giving upon joining the picture.
Grandma huffs. “Take the photo, Misty, so we can get out of here.”
My smile for the photographer turns genuine.
The camera clicks in rapid succession. The photographer takes a moment to look at the screen. I use this as my opportunity to escape. One of the shots will have to be good enough, because I’m done with Grandma and Dorian.
Skirting a respectful perimeter around Captain BR, I head to the cub cabin, Grandma yelling for me to come back.
I keep walking and wave above my head.
I have limits, and Grandma reached hers with me. I’m not posing anymore.
Chapter 16
Sadie
I’msittingontheleather loveseat in the rec room, squeezing myself between Mom and Brody, with my arms wrapped around my bent legs, trying to make myself as small as possible. After pictures, I took as long as possible changing out of the dress—and the first thing I put on afterward was the pink-and-gold necklace from Poppy—hoping if I arrived late for breakfast, I’d miss Dorian and Grandma. Before entering the dining room, I hid behind the potted topiary right outside the double doors, searching for Dorian. I thought the coast was clear and went inside to eat. The second I took my first bite, Dorian appeared out of nowhere and sat next to me.
He didn’t touch me, but his arm was only two inches from mine the entire meal.
Too bad moose aren’t allowed inside.
Now we’re in the massive rec room watching the slideshow great Aunt Maude put together, explaining our itinerary each day, and where’s Dorian? A respectful distance away? Nope. He’s on the other side of Mom, man-spreading like he owns the sofa. There’s a plethora of seating in the room. Why, after I told him to leave me alone, is he trying to get close to me? Does he not care what I say? Is Grandma telling him not to give up?
“The next slide will show the groups for our games today,” Aunt Maude says. She’s holding the microphone by her stomach. It’s a good thing she’s a loud talker and doesn’t need the amplifier anyway. “Payattention to who is in your foursome. We’ll rotate clockwise throughout the room. We’re playing single elimination. Losers will play against other losing teams while the winners go head-to-head until we have the final showdown between the top winning teams.”
Aunt Maude clicks the button, the next slide pops up. I scan the eighty-five-inch TV until I find my name.
Team G
Maude
Jeff
Sadie
Dorian
I clench my teeth, scanning the other groups. At least Mom and Brody are separated as well. Still, I’m not pleased to be torn away from the two people I actually care to talk to. There’s nothing in my crossbody bag I’m wearing that will fix Dorian being on my team. I inhale, centering myself. This outcome isn’t surprising. I knew Grandma would shove Dorian in my face. I have nothing in common with Maude and Jeff, but I don’t have to talk to them to play card games.
I’ll focus all my energy on strategy.
At least if we win, I can look forward to the prize.
I stab the dry erase marker against the board, pointing to the tail I drew on the dog. I’m not the best artist in the world, but even a toddler can figure out the different parts of a household pet.
“Stem?” Maude guesses, squinting her eyes, tilting her head to the right and left.
