"Oh, I do like the sound of that," Linda told her with a grin and noticed Maggie starting to tap on her clipboard. “Looks like the games are about to begin.”
“What should we go for?” Isabel whispered.
“I think the classic clumsy knock into each other and then act dazed,” Linda suggested.
“Nice,” Isabel said. “I take the twisted ankle.”
“I’ll go for banged head and sore wrist,” Linda told her conspiratorially.
“Great, we’ll wait for the first activity to begin, then go over to watch,” Isabel planned.
“We’ll take it from there,” Linda smiled. Their plan to appear willing while secretly avoiding the games was set in motion as Michael stepped up to speak.
“Okay, let’s get this show on the road as the games are about to begin," Michael called out.
Penny stepped up to the whiteboards that had already been prepped with the day's activities and were just waiting to be filled with player names and scores.
Maggie’s eyes scanned the board with ruthless efficiency before softly conversing with Michael and Penny.
Maggie suddenly looked up.
"Okay, Darius, Martin, and Owen, you three are the core of our volleyball lineup. I’ve scouted the competition, and the Sanibel crew has a ringer. Don’t hold back." She pointed to the volleyball court. “Court one. You have ten minutes to prepare.”
“Make us proud,” Penny told them.
"Understood, Vice Captain," Martin muttered, though his eyes sparkled with a competitive heat. He turned to Owen. "Come on, Toucan.”
"Uh… Who put you in charge?" Owen shot back. “Shouldn’t we vote?”
“Who won the last volleyball match for us?” Martin asked him. Owen didn’t answer. He looked away, making Linda laugh. “Exactly!” Martin gave a satisfied nod then turned to Darius. “Do you have any objections?”
“No, volleyball captain,” Darius said with a grin and shook his head. “Lead the way. Let's smoke that other team.”
“That’s what I like to hear,” Maggie called. “Team spirit. Remember, don't lose.”
“Gran,” Toby said, rolling his eyes. “There are other places like second and third.” He gave her a pained look.
“Did I say we’re taking second or third place, sweetheart?” Maggie looked at him with raised brows and he backed away.
“No, Gran,” Toby said, snorting. “Geez, you really are bossy.”
“Yeah,” Linda backed that up with a teasing light in her eyes. “You’re very bossy, Captain. And there is nothing wrong with second place.”
“Is it as good as first place?” Penny asked, backing her captain.
“What a suck-up,” Isabel mumbled.
“Sheesh,” Emma looked at them in disgust. “This is just fun, you know.”
“Yes, and fun is winning,” Maggie told her. “That’s why we have trophies.”
“I think we’ve created a monster,” Sophia admitted, her eyes squinting at Maggie. “Gran, was Maggie like this the last time we joined these games?”
“Oh, sweetheart…” Linda sighed. “She was much, much worse.” She glanced at the five pairs of young eyes staring at her. “Believe it or not, she’s mellowed with age.”
“Then I’m glad I either can’t remember the last time or blocked it out,” Sophia said. “Because Maggie and even Uncle Michael are bad enough.”
“You know what we should do?” Lilly said, mischief sparkling in her eyes. Clearly, she had an idea.
