Page 7 of Sparks Flying

Chapter 3

“Hi sweetie. You’re home tonight?” Mom asked.

“I am. Thought I’d take it easy. Westin Force is on the way and I’m going to have to meet with Patrick and his team in the morning.”

“I’m surprised you aren’t going to be there to welcome them.”

“Me too, but Ryan insists that it isn’t necessary. So I’m going to get a good night’s sleep and be ready to work bright and early.”

“Where are they staying while here?”

“I have no idea. I assume at the motel, but that’s a Ryan problem, above my paygrade.”

She shook her head, but she was smiling.

“I’ll have a tray brought up to you. Your father and I already ate.”

“That would be great, Mom.”

Ryan and Elias had never been able to get away with things the way I could, or reap the benefits of things like this. We all knew I was Mom’s favorite. There had to be some benefits to being the baby of the family.

Kissing Mom’s cheek, I ran upstairs, taking the steps two at a time.

I was supposed to be with Tracey tonight, but I’d bailed when I heard about Westin Force coming in. Besides, the newest upgrade to Chaos had just launched, and I’d been dying to dive into it.

First, I changed out of my work clothes and into plaid pajama pants and no shirt. If Mom wasn’t sending up a tray, I’d already be stripped down to my boxers.

Firing up my gaming system, I settled into my special chair and rocked back. I was ready to play.

Starting a new game, I sat in the holding room waiting for others to join. I’d been off my game for a while and wasn’t sure who was who anymore. It was sad and something I definitely needed to rectify soon.

I needed a six-man team. First foxyhook signed in, and next came mitch8 and tybee38.

We chatted for a bit, waiting for our final two to join. It felt like forever before JH37069 and wolfhunter247 popped into our room.

“Great. We’re all here. Let’s talk strategy.”

“Just play the game already,” Mitch complained.

“I’ve already beaten this game three times,” Tybee insisted.

“No, you haven’t,” JH challenged.

“What? Did too.”

“No one has beat it yet,” JH insisted.

“He would know,” Wolfhunter said with a laugh.

“This is ridiculous. Are we playing or not?” Foxy said.

I couldn’t agree with her more.

“Let’s start,” I said.

“Who made you team leader?” Mitch argued.

“It’s my room. My rules. Don’t like it, leave, but we’re starting now.”

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