Page 63 of The Perils of Pretending
“What are you getting?” I ask the group.
Michelle puts her menu down. “Fish and chips with a small side salad.”
I jump to that listing on my menu and read more about the hand-dipped and deep-fried halibut. “That sounds good.”
Sadie perks up. Pulling a faded yellow paper from her bag, she unfolds it and points to item number ten. “Dad’s list has us pigging out at an all-you-can-eat buffet. What do y’all say we go for the unlimited crab feast?”
“I’ll do that instead of the fish and chips.”
I rub my palms together. Brody never backs down from a dare. Looking at him across the table from me, I say, “I bet I can out-eat you.”
Brody smirks. “From what I recall of our last food showdown, I ate more pizza than you.”
I wag my finger. “Only because I had a big breakfast that day.” Which is true. The week before we graduated with our bachelor degrees, we ordered a 23” pizza from The Pie. It normally serves ten people. There were two slices left when we were done with it. But Brody only ate one more slice than I did.
I’ve got this in the bag.
Sadie slaps a hand on the table. “Looks like we have a bet. What’s the prize?”
Michelle grins. “Because it’s to support the list, I’ll give $20 to whoever eats the most.”
Sadie laughs. “I’ll share my stomach meds.”
I cock an eyebrow. “What do you say, man? You on? I’ll throw in $20 as well.” I’ll use the forty bucks to buy everyone ice cream or drinks later.
Brody cracks his knuckles. “Bring it, dude. You’re going down.”
I shake my head. “It’s cute you think so.”
Sadie laughs. “I might be too busy enjoying you two going at each other’s throats to actually eat anything.”
“Same,” Michelle says, smiling.
The waiter comes over and takes our orders. I hope Sadie gets enough to eat. I have an advantage over Brody. I know how to use the tools to crack the crab legs fast. That alone should help me win.
“The food’s been ordered, bets are placed,” I say. “While we wait, Sadie, what else is on your list of activities?”
Sadie holds up her list. “A lot, actually. Cold plunge, bonfire on the beach, witnessing Alaska’s midnight sun, side-by-side tour, bear viewing, fishing, and more.”
“What should we cross off after this?” Michelle asks.
Sadie shrugs. “Star gazing?” She frowns. “Actually, with the midnight sun, can we even see any?”
I waffle my hand in the air. “Very few. That task is best suited for other seasons.”
Sadie flicks the paper. “Bonfire on the beach?”
Michelle nods. “We can make that happen. Do you want to do it tonight?”
“After dinner sounds perfect,” Sadie says. “I probably won’t stay out too long though. I’m exhausted from lack of sleep and food.”
Brody raises a finger in the air. “I’ll stay up and put the fire out.”
Sadie folds the paper, putting it back in her bag. “Perfect.”
The waiter brings out plates and cups of clarified butter for each of us, letting us know the crab will be out shortly. Minutes later, a waitress comes out with a big metal bowl. “Do you all know how to use the crab crackers and pincers to get the meat out?”
“We do,” I rush to say. I don’t want Brody to get instructions and ruin my advantage.
