The fact that Penelope was turning to his best friend for advice shouldn’t bother Luke, but it did. He was her big brother. It was his job to look out for her. A job he’d always taken seriously, especially after she’d gotten sick when they were kids. And even though his sister’s health had been fine for years, even though he knew Pen was growing up and didn’t need his help as much as she used to, Luke still liked being the one she turned to first, the one whose opinion she trusted most.

Jay stroked his chin in contemplation. “I think we should try it Luke’s—I mean Lance’s—way.”

Well, at least his best friend was agreeing with him, even if he was giving him shit at the same time. And what the hell was wrong with choosing Lance anyway? It was a perfectly good name.

“Besides,” Vijay added, wiggling his eyebrows, “this means we get to be in charge, Pen.”

That didn’t sit too well, either. “Wait a minute.” Luke frowned. “Technically, I’m still in charge.”

“There’s the Luke I know and love.” Penelope shook her head, exasperated. “You said you wanted me to be game master.” She crossed her arms. “Technically,” she added in a mocking echo, “that means I’m in charge.”

“If you insist on getting technical—”

“You started it.”

Luke ignored the jab and continued, “As I was saying, yes I want you to take over as GM, but I see it more as you playing a role.”

Her gray eyes narrowed to slits. “Playing a role.”

“Sure.” Luke hastened to explain. “Like I’m going to be pretending to be a guest in the game. Really, I’ll still be in charge of all the behind-the-scenes stuff. I don’t expect you to actually take charge of everything—”

“Because you don’t think I can handle it.” She scowled.

“I didn’t say that.”

“I am not a helpless little kid, Luke!” Penelope stomped her foot.

He raised an eyebrow. At this moment, she looked exactly like a child throwing a tantrum.

She must have gotten the message, because she straightened her shoulders and took a slow, deep breath. Her face relaxed, and when she spoke again her voice was calm and cool. “I have a degree in business with a focus in hospitality. Unlike you, Mr. Programmer, I’m good with people. I can handle this just fine.”

“It’s more than just that, Pen. And you know it. I’ve created and led LARPs before. You haven’t.”