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Emily sat on the bench with Grace and Brad, watching the show. Brad laughed heartily when Charlie won the first round. “This is the most fun I’ve had in a long time.”
“Do you think he’ll beat her on the next two?” asked Emily.
“I don’t know how he’s going to play this one,” admitted Brad. “He’s good. He climbs all the time. He did a five-thirteen last week.”
“Is that hard?” asked Grace.
“Yeah, pretty tough. It had a rough overhang.”
“So what do you mean, you don’t know how he’ll play it?” asked Emily.
Brad shrugged. “He might try his best, to impress her. Or he might let her win. You know, just barely. But he might let her win if he thinks it’ll be to his advantage.”
“Hmmm. He doesn’t know my sister. She’d know if he did that. It’d be a bad idea.”
“But isn’t she super competitive? Doesn’t she like to win?”
“Oh, she likes to win, all right. But she doesn’t take condescension from anyone. On the other hand, if he shows off... Well, she already thinks he’s egotistical.”
“So, he’s in trouble if he beats her or if he lets her win?”
“Pretty much.”
“So how’s he going to get her to like him?”
“I don’t know if it can be done. Many have tried—all have failed and fallen into the abyss.” Emily laughed.
Grace asked Brad, “Are you planning to climb tonight?”
“Sure. I’ll go after the contest is over. Right now, I’m enjoying the company.” He put his arm around her shoulder. “And it’s truly entertaining to see Josh fumbling a bit. He’s not used to failure of any kind.”
Charlie chose the next climb. She picked one with a section at the top that was slightly beyond vertical in pitch. Josh had ditched the girls who’d distracted him earlier and was standing inside her comfort zone as Charlie threaded the rope through her harness.
“Why don’t you go back to your fan club? I don’t need your help.”
“I like to throw them a few crumbs, but leave them hungry.”
“They looked like they wanted to eat you up. I’m surprised you didn’t let them.”
“Jealous?”
“No. I was relieved. Glad to have you otherwise occupied and out of my hair.”
“Why?” He reached out to tighten one of her shoulder straps. “Do I make you nervous?”
“No!” She jerked away from his grasp. “Not nervous—more like nauseous.”
“Well, that’s close.” Josh laughed.
Charlie turned to Spencer, who was observing the interchange with wide eyes. “Get ready to start the timer.”
This climb was more challenging from the start, even before reaching the over-steep portion, because all the holds were spaced farther apart. Charlie’s arms and legs were shaking from the effort. She was forced to stop and rest before beginning the last section. She glanced down and, seeing Josh’s amused expression, felt a surge of irritation along with a rush of adrenaline. She took advantage of the new energy and attacked the incline. Sixty seconds into it, her arms were crying out in pain. She lunged for the top and called out, immediately falling back on the belay rope. Her muscles were still trembling when she made it to the bottom.
“Six fifty,” announced Spencer.
“Okay,” said Josh, “I’m actually impressed. Pretty amazing for a girl.”
Spencer frowned. “Are you kidding? It’s pretty amazing for anybody.”
