Into the Wild Nerd Yonder (23 page)

“We really have to go,” Barrett tells Mom and Dad. “We’re picking up two other couples. That means more pictures at their houses. It would be nice to actually get to the dance, seeing as we bothered dressing up and all.”

“Okay, okay,” Dad submits. “Pretend you’re helping Chloe into the car. Then pretend you’re getting in the car.”

“Whatever you say, Dad. And after that we’re going to pretend to drive away.”

Henry, looking supercute in his new black Chucks, holds my hand as we watch the beautiful couple. Everyone waves at Barrett and Chloe as they pull out of the driveway, giving them a proper homecoming send-off.

“Hey!” my dad yells excitedly. “Why don’t you guys get together for some shots?”

“Sure,” Dottie says in her droll voice. “Why not?”

The seven of us huddle together, arms wrapped around one another’s shoulders and backs.

“Smile!” Dad yells. Henry tugs on one of my braids, while my dad snaps away. When he’s finished, Philip says, “Mr. Sloan—think you can e-mail those to me? I want to post them on my blog.”

“Sure thing,” Dad says.

My parents go out to a movie, while Dottie leads us in a fully intense adventure. After decimating some pizzas, we’ve had to solve a riddle, disarm a trap, and discover the whereabouts of
an ancient sword. There has been a lot of talking and thinking, but not a whole lot of action. We’re in the depths of an endless tunnel, and there’s anticipation in the air. Imalthia feels along the tunnel wall until she discovers a secret handle. She turns it and walks into a room she didn’t know existed before.

There’s a lengthy pause, punctuated by Kent gnawing on a pizza crust. Then Dottie smirks. “Roll for initiative,” she commands.

Something big is going to happen.

Huge, gigantic thanks to the following people:

Liz, for being an amazing editor and friend.

Rich, for the fantabulous cover art and hilarious e-mails.

Nina, for the neverending supply of all things Dungeons and Dragons.

My students, Meredith, Eleanor, Michael, Daniel, Matt, and Hannah, for reading my books and always coming back.

Eastman, for the advice and countless e-mails.

My old friends, Beth, Liz, Ali, and Tracy, for filling my teen years with stuff, good and bad, that I can twist into books.

Wendy, for the inspiration.

Mom, for the love.

Amy, for being the best sis.

Romy, for coming along when you did.

Matt, for all of the above and everything else.