Page 27 of Rule 5: Never Crush on the Captain
I peer up from the sheets billowing around the chair that Vinnie has tied to various bookcases and Stella’s desk.
“You’re insane,” I say.
“You’ve never built a fort before, McAllister?” Vinnie teases. “What do you think, Stella?”
“I love it!” Stella says.
“Maybe you want to play the princess, Stella,” I say, removing the tiara. “I could join Vinnie and be another knight.”
Stella rolls her eyes. “I don’t need two knights, Daddy. And I’m going to play the dragon!”
“Oh, no!” Vinnie covers his eyes. “You’re not Stella, the fiercest dragon of the land?”
“I am.” Stella giggles happily, and something in my heart warms.
Then Stella roars at Vinnie, and he puts his hand over his heart in mock distress.
“I’m scared!” Vinnie says.
“You can’t be scared,” Stella says, more seriously. “You need to rescue the prince.”
“Right.” Vinnie nods. “Good feedback.” His eyes narrow, and he grins, maneuvering the plastic sword like someone who has watched a lot of samurai movies. “I will save the prince.”
Something bubbles in my chest.
Vinnie saunters around the room, and Stella stalks after him, roaring.
I’m not sure if dragons roar, but Stella is doing her best to be frightening. Then Stella climbs onto her bed and jumps onto Vinnie. He staggers back but holds onto her firmly. She uses both hands as claws.
I’m not sure if Stella is behaving like a good host, but both Stella and Vinnie seem to enjoy the moment.
Finally, Vinnie directs his sword at her. “I will defend the prince.”
“Never!” Stella shouts.
Vinnie hesitates.
“Now you should kill me,” she whispers.
I snort.
Vinnie does more fancy maneuvers with the plastic sword, then Stella clutches her throat and gasps. He sets her onto the bed gently as she continues her death scene. Finally, after she stills, he turns to me.
“I have rescued you, Fair Prince,” Vinnie declares, his eyes gleaming. He stretches out his hand, and I take it.
His hand is warm, his grip firm. I tumble up beside him, and his eyes widen as he steadies me.
“Now you need to kiss!” Stella exclaims.
My eyes jerk to Vinnie’s. They are wide.
“Vinnie is a man,” I say, my voice rough.
“Men can be together,” Stella scolds me. “Holly has two daddies.”
“Holly is Stella’s best friend,” I say apologetically to Evan.
“Ex-best friend,” Stella corrects me. “Now Bridget is my best friend. Don’t you pay attention to anything?”
