Page 124 of Close Knit

“Oi! That was my cosmo twist.”

“What was the twist?” I ask, horror creeping into my voice.

“No vodka, extra syrup.”

I gag, shaking my head. “I’m texting Daphne to bring me a change of clothes.”

Knowing she’s likely prepping for her livestream in a few hours, I quickly type out a message.

Cameron

Any chance you can please bring one of my t-shirts down to the arcade?

Duck

Arcade!? Yes. I’ll be down in a minute.

Thank God.

Moments later, Daphne bursts through the doors.

“Who’s ready to rumble?” Her voice booms across the dimly lit, neon-hued arcade, shattering my concentration on the fight. She skips over, wearing that thigh-length sweater that makes herlook like a pair of perfect legs wrapped in knitted yarn. She’s carrying a flower-print crochet bag. A sense of calm overcomes me.

The team erupts in cheers at her arrival. “Daphne! Daphne! Daphne!”

Her hair glows and twirls as she does a dramatic spin and bows before making her way to me. My heart beats rapidly in my chest, a mix of adrenaline from the game and the excitement of seeing her.

“I’m gonna kick your ass,” Omar challenges.

Well, I’m not about to lose in front of my girl.

“You wish,” I mutter, refocusing on the screen.

“Come on, guys, let’s see some action!” Daphne shouts. Her enthusiasm is infectious as she stands next to me, her presence a bright spot amid the sensory overload. My thumbs work in overdrive as Johnny Cage trades brutal blows with Scorpion.

“Finish him!” echoes in the background.

“I got the goods,” she whispers conspiratorially into my ear. The smell of vanilla fills my senses, distracting me.

“Thanks,” I say, leaning over to kiss her—and losing the game in the process.

“Fatality!” screams the game as Scorpion delivers the final blow to Johnny Cage. Everyone around us yells and cheers, but all I can focus on is her. Worth it.

“You’re such a sap.” Omar cackles, slapping my back. I shoot him a glare.

“Shut up, Omar. Let’s go again. Load it up.”

As Omar shoves more coins into the machine, I yank off my tee and grab the shirt Daphne brought me without looking. When I pull it on, the room erupts into laughter. I glance at Daphne and see her doubled over, barely holding back her giggles.

“Nice shirt, man! Where’d you get it, the Big Balls Emporium?” Ibrahim calls out.

“Hey, does that come in my size?” Sven yells.

What now?

I look down at the tee, which reads,I Like Big Balls and I Cannot Liein yarn letters, with a skein right in the middle.

“Are you serious?” I scold as I attempt to keep a straight face.

---