Page 9 of Embers of Torment

"Hey, there! Can I get either of you something to drink?" she asked.

I glanced at her over my shoulder. "I'd love a Blue Moon."

"Sweet! How about you?" She turned to Jarod.

"I'll have the same. Thanks."

"No problem." The woman walked away humming toI Ain't Worriedby OneRepublic as it played overhead.

I scoffed at the irony, wishing I could adopt a positive mindset at the moment. But the tightening in my gut warned me the night wasn't going to turn out well. Sighing uncomfortably, I refocused my attention on my date.

Jarod picked up his ball and got into position. After taking a few seconds to concentrate on the pins, he took four steps toward the foul line and threw his ball. It was a near-perfect throw, knocking down nine of the pins and leaving the number ten pin standing in the far right corner. When Jarod stepped toward the scoring console to wait for his ball, three ladies in the booth beside us snagged my attention as they loudly toasted each other. A few years older than me, they appeared to be having a blast. Spotting me watching them, they grinned and raised their glasses.

I returned a smile.

Jarod took his second throw, sending the number ten pin spinning wildly on its side. Pleased with himself, he did a cute little arm pump before he sat down. Based on his stance, approach, and throw, I could tell he was an expert bowler.

But so was I.

"That was almost flawless." I picked up my ball and gave him a congratulatory smile.

"Thanks. Now let's see what you can do," Jarod snickered behind me.

Planning to do just that, I got into position, concentrated on my strike spot, made my approach, and threw. Watching, I could immediately tell my speed and hook were perfect.

It was a strike.

"Yes, yes, yes!" I bounced up and down, my arms flinging wildly in the air.

The ladies next to us raised their glasses in tribute.

Jarod scowled.

My jubilee was interrupted when our waitperson returned and set our beers on the table. I grabbed one and took a healthy swig while Jarod paid the tab.

Jarod took his turn, which was a repeat of his last one, except this time, he left the number seven pin standing in the far left corner. He picked up the spare.

It was my turn again, and Jarod had me more competitive than ever. I attributed it to his stupid scowl and irritating snicker, and I was determined to win. After getting into position, I approached the lane and threw my ball. My hook was good, but the speed wasn't quite right. Nine pins fell. I held my breath as the ten-pin wobbled…and wobbled. Then it dropped.

Another strike!

"Yes!" My arms flew upward into my standard goalpost position, and I did an exuberant little jig toward our booth.

The ladies next to us hooted and hollered in support.

Jarod gave me another scowl. "Hey, come on. Do you need to make such a spectacle?" His cheeks flushed, and his head swiveled from side to side as he checked out our sudden audience. "Dammit. You've got people staring at us, and it's embarrassing."

"So what? I'm having fun."

"Yeah, well…you look ridiculous, especially with that silly top. At least it matches your hair."

"I'll have you know this is my lucky blouse. What's wrong with it, anyway?" I narrowed my gaze as my irritation shot upward.

"You must like cats, for one thing, since it's covered with them. And the background is such an obnoxiously bright pink, I could probably find you in the dark."

I looked down at my chest. The cotton material was plastered with colorful cartoon felines in various poses.Asshole. I like my frigging blouse.

The redhead of the trio next to us nudged my arm. "Honey, your shirt is adorable. He's the obnoxious one. Ignore him."

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