Alicia wipes her forehead with the back of her hand. “When that inflatable teddy bear popped up in the middle of the maze, I almost had a heart attack.”
“But the trampolines were your true nemeses,” Fitzy says.
Alicia groans, shaking her head. “Those trampolines.”
“What,” Fitzy says, “never played on a trampoline growing up?”
“No, Fitzy, I did not. Thanks.” She accepts a bottle of water from someone off-screen and gulps it down.
“I think you did admirably,” Louis says. “And between you and me, I have a feeling you’re going to make it to the finale. Not that I know the other teams’ times,” he adds, raising his hands. “I just like your style.”
“Well, thanks, Louis.” She nudges him with her elbow. “But go on, you can tell me the other teams’ times. It’ll be our little secret.”
Fitzy forces himself between them. “Oi. No conspiring. Some might call thatcheating. Eh, Game Master?”
Louis’s smile falls briefly before his easy confidence returns. “Of course not, Fitzy. Besides, the biggest secret is what I have in store for the finale. And believe me, our viewers won’t want to miss it.”
38
Sierra
It took all Sierra’s willpower to keep up her sour facade ratherthan join her teammates in the excited chatter as they were led off the stage.
“That has to be one of the fastest times in semifinals history!” Carter said, her eyes bright with exhilaration. “I really think we have a chance this round. I—”
“Let’s not get cocky,” said Adi. “We have no idea how the other teams are going to do. Maybe it was an easy room.”
Carter glared at him, but Sierra could tell her heart wasn’t in it. “You’re tellingusnot to get cocky? You hypocrite.”
“Hey. Team Loud and Obnoxious.”
They turned to see Vera standing beside a stack of wooden beams and building supplies. She held up her phone. “You’ve got twenty minutes before post-round interviews. Stand over by the creepy clown head so I can get some pics.”
They posed for a few shots—some with arms around each other, some celebrating with their hands in the air, then some goofy ones.
“Good enough,” said Vera. “Adi’s up for his interview first. Ranielle wants him on film while he’s still got some of that”—Vera swirled a hand in front of Adi’s face—“sexy sweat on him.”
Carter grimaced. “Ew.”
“Don’t look at me. I’m not the one issuing orders around here.” With that, Vera stormed off, Adi slouching after her.
“Why does she hate usso much?” asked Carter.
“Who cares?” Sierra ushered Carter and Beck toward the greenroom. Team Dread was inside, with one notable absence. “Where’s Jarius?” Sierra said under her breath.
Delphi, Neil, and Gabriela eyed Team Helsing’s carnie costumes dubiously.
“Promising,” Neil said with a smirk.
Delphi smacked her bubble gum.
Beck opened his mouth to respond, but Sierra muttered, “Note. Mirror. Now.”
“Shouldn’t we wait for Adi?” Carter said.
“No.”
Beck said in his singsong voice, “We are a team.”
