Page 62 of Ex Marks the Spot

To keep from falling asleep, we decided to lay the groundwork for Operation: Elimination. The Bombshells were our first stop—obviously—and were in before Hartley could finish the first sentence of her pitch. They suggested a divide-and-conquer strategy to keep from being obvious that we’re hatching a plan. They’d talk to the A Team and the Alaska Girls, who should land in Kathmandu about an hour before we do, and we’d talk to Old Bay and Kick Asspen.

According to Hartley, the universe fully supports our plan because of what our clue said this morning.

Fly to Kathmandu, Nepal. When you arrive, make your way to Swayambhunath Stupa to receive your next clue.

This leg features two new elements: a Shortcut and a Repeat.

The Shortcut allows one team to bypass all challenges and proceed directly to the checkpoint.

The Repeat requires one team to complete a challenge twice before receiving their next clue.

“So whoever gets to the Repeat board first will put the Wise Guys up there,” I say to Treva and Boyd.

“But what if they get to the board before any of us do?” Boyd asks.

Hartley gives him a reassuring smile. “That’s not going to happen.”

“You don’t know that for sure,” he says, crossing his arms over his chest.

I don’t mean to chuckle out loud, but there’s one thing Boyd doesn’t know. “Hartley’s a master manifester. I still haven’t figured out how she does it, but if she says one of us will get to the board first, you can take that to the bank.”

“Works for me,” Treva says. “The sooner those disrespectful assholes are gone, the better.” As one of the more even-keeled contestants, her rare use of a curse word only emphasizes the group’s disdain for DeAngelo and Big Mike.

“It’d be nice not to hear them whine about the lack of McDonald’s,” Boyd adds.

I nod. “That’s an excellent point. Also, be careful if you discuss the plan with the other teams so the Wise Guys don’t overhear it.”

“What plan? There’s no plan,” Treva says innocently. “We’re all just chatting about how Boyd isn’t a disgrace to his family.”

“Huh?” My gaze darts between the two of them as I attempt to process the abrupt shift in conversation.

“I told you to let it go,” he grumbles to Treva.

“Why would you be a disgrace to your family?” Hartley asks.

He sighs. “It’s what they’ve told me since I graduated college.”

“Is it because—” Hartley looks to me for...I don’t know, moral support maybe? I offer an encouraging smile and she turns her attention back to Boyd. “—you’re gay?” She winces when she says it, like that will soften the sting of her words.

“What? No. They couldn’t care less about that. They’re pissed because I refused to follow in my dad’s oxford-covered footsteps like everyone else in the family. I haven’t talked to them in almost a year.”

“Oh thank god.” Her whole body deflates with relief. “Because I’m not above mailing anonymous glitter bombs when we get back to the real world.”

For the first time since we sat down with Kick Asspen, Boyd’s lips curve upward at the corners. “I appreciate your creativity and support.”

“I never became an official psychologist, but one thing I know is there’s nothing wrong with cutting toxic people out of your life, even if they’re family. Actually,especiallyif they’re family because that just exacerbates the toxicity. A family’s love should be unconditional, not transactional.”

Three sets of eyes land on me, but it’s Hartley’s look of pride and awe that catches me off guard. Setting boundaries isn’t revolutionary, and it’s obvious that Boyd made the right decision in doing so. All I did was remind him of that.

Still, it feels damn good to be on the receiving end of that look.

“Court’s right,” Treva says. “And besides, you’ve got us in your corner now.”

“An Xtreme family beats the hell out of a nepotism orgy any day,” Hartley adds.

“Thanks, guys.” Boyd sits up a little taller and relaxes his shoulders, then looks at me. “You’re not bad for an unofficial psychologist.”

“You should add that to your resume,” Hartley teases. “Court Mueller, illegal chop shop manager, substitute teacher, and unofficial psychologist.”