12. Lulu

12

LULU

Present Day

The next evening I’m practically bouncing off the walls, prepping for the scavenger hunt. The level of fired up I feel might be off the charts. I text Leo.

Lulu: I’m stretching.

Leo: I’m listening to an audiobook on the wonders of Brazil. But I’ll bite. Why are you stretching?

Lulu: It’s prep work for the hunt. Did you know I’m completely determined to take home the prize?

Leo: I had a feeling you were. And so you anticipate needing to stay flexible while engaged in a team-building Easter-egg-of-sorts hunt?

Lulu: You never know what hoops we might need to jump through! My friend Mariana told me her law firm tried team building once, and the big boss threw all sorts of unexpected stuff their way.

Leo: Such as?

Lulu: He made them do things together. Like have meals. And discuss their feelings. Gag.

Leo: Sounds horrendous.

Lulu: They’re lawyers, so you can imagine how well that went.

Leo: As well as finding a parking place in the theater district on a Saturday night?

Lulu: Who would even attempt such an impossibility?

Leo: No one, Lulu. Absolutely no one. What other prep work are you doing?

Lulu: Why? Angling to join me?

Leo: I don’t think you want to see me in leg warmers doing calisthenics.

Lulu: Was that even an option? Either the calisthenics or the leg warmers?

Leo: Shockingly, no.

Lulu: Fine. We shall work on our brain stretching. I’m seeing my mom later tonight. Want to meet me at An Open Book in fifteen minutes?

Leo: I’ll bring my brain along.

Lulu: It’s good that you keep it handy like that. PS What are the wonders of Brazil? Besides chocolate.

Leo: I’ll tell you when I see you shortly.