Page 127 of Well Played

I park my car and head into Burgers and Brews, a local bar and grill. Timmy and Kaitlyn are already seated at a high top near the bar. No sign of Summer. As I head over, I look around to see if she’s here yet. If I’m lucky, she changed her mind and headed home instead.

“She’s not here,” Kaitlyn smirks, reading my mind as I hop onto the stool.

“Not my business.”

“I don’t know why you’re always complaining about her. She held her own. She did good.” Timmy always has to be contrary to me. Why are we friends?

“For a change. She upped her game today; I’ll give her that.” I don’t want them to think I have it out for the woman that I’ve been shit-talking for the last three weeks. But they can’t seriously think she was all that just because she didn’t lose every point for our team.

“I’m sure it doesn’t help one bit that she’s cute,” Tim adds, earning an eye roll from Kaitlyn. “Not as cute as you, of course,” he says, leaning into her.

“Not going to happen.”

He twists his mouth to the side and narrows one eye at her as if he’s contemplating something very serious. “Then why are you acting so sus?”

“I see them. Thank you.”

The sound of the timid voice at the end of the table makes every muscle in my body stiffen. Standing next to the waitress, Summer’s nervous eyes glance around the table.

I catch her looking at the empty chairs. She’s probably contemplating where she should sit. There are three stools on either side of the table. Tim and Kaitlyn sit next to each other opposite me. I’m on the middle stool on my side, so there’s an empty seat right where she’s standing.

The princess hesitates as we place orders for our drinks. I shouldn’t care, but I didn’t do anything to deserve her attitude. All I’ve done is welcome her into the group as if she were anyone else. Looking hella uncomfortable, Summer pulls out the stool next to me and takes a seat.

The waitress leaves, and silence settles on our little group. Of course, now that she’s here, everyone is awkward and uncomfortable. Maybe Tim will believe me now, though I doubt he’ll seriously consider my request to switch partners.

Doesn’t matter. I can’t ask again. I don’t want to hear his theory that things will improve between us if I fuck her.

I should’ve chosen Kaitlyn when I had the chance. Now the teams are set, and the games have begun. One beer, I tell myself. I can make small talk and include her for one beer, and then I can head home for the night.

“You lucked out,” Kaitlyn makes an attempt to pull Summer into conversation. “Nico’s the best player in the league.” Okay, that was out of line. Still, I turn to see Summer’s reaction.

Summer nods with a smirk that suggests she strongly disagrees. How can such a beautiful woman with a name that brings images of bright blue skies and a warm sun bring such a dark cloud with her?

“Don’t listen to him. You’re doing great!” Timmy adds. Hmm. I wonder if he wants to pull her out of her shell or if he’s trying to make a play for her. Doesn’t matter—not my business. Not my problem.

“Thanks,” Summer replies, using the one word to answer both comments.

I hate that I notice how tense and uncomfortable she looks with her arms crossed over her chest. I don’t know her well enough yet to know if she’s naturally quiet or if she looks unapproachable because she’s judging us.

Luckily, we don’t have to wait more than a few minutes before the beers are served. I hold my bottle with both hands and keep my eyes focused on the drink. I sit and listen, picking at the label. Better to focus on that than the infuriating woman next to me.

“You just wait,” Tim says, holding his bottle up. “Next time, we’re going to kick your cute little ass.” He reaches out to clink bottles with her.

Instead of letting him have his moment in the sun, Kaitlyn and I join in so that all four of us clink together. Things are already strained; I don’t need a dash of Tim to take us all over the edge.

“Don’t mind him,” I lean over and speak into her ear, causing her to straighten her spine. I can’t even focus on how that move pisses me off because I’m thrown off guard to be met with a sweet flowery scent. How did she do that? We were just sweaty messes, and now she smells... good? “He thinks it’s necessary to hit on all the women in our spikeball group.”

“Do not,” Timmy defends himself.

“Yes, you do,” Kaitlyn adds.

“Are you guystogether?” Summer asks the dueling duo.

“No,” Timmy and Kaitlyn say simultaneously.

The question irritates me. Is that her problem? Is she looking for a different kind of partner? “If you joined the league looking for someone to hook up with, I suggest you quit. We’re all friends and don’t need the unnecessary drama.” I snap.

“Lighten up, man. She asked a question. It’s what you do when you're getting to know someone.”

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