Page 55 of Don't Call Me Daddy
“You’re wrong, Janice! You’ve only seen the movies; you didn’t even bother to read the comics!” Ricky hollers behind his hand and rolls his eyes.
Who knew superhero trivia could get so heated?
I clear my throat, and they all look at me with bated breath.
“The tie-breaking point goes to … Ricky and the Wolf Pack. Wolverine’s real name is in fact James Howlett. Logan was his alias, as well as Weapon X.”
Ricky jumps out of his seat and crosses his hands in an X across his crotch, then howls in victory. “Suck it, Janice! You’re such a know-it-all in the office. Well, how does it feel to lose?”
“Why don’t you shut up, Ricky? Before I come over there and make you?—”
I hold my hands out. “Whoa, whoa, guys. It’s just a game. Let’s all take a deep breath and remember that this is for fun. It’s just a bonding activity, not anything that matters.”
Ricky does a victory lap around our tables, hands in the air like he’s waving to all his fans, while the Wolf Pack cheers and Janice and the Smarty Pints scowl at him.
Shit, Leo was right. These people really do take their trivia seriously. I don’t think I’ve seen a more competitive group … ever.
I thought Fern and I were bad. We used to fight like mortal enemies over every board game we ever played until we learned we were stronger as a team. Our twin bond gave us an edge that didn’t even feel fair at times, like we could read each other’s mind. Once we figured that out, we were pretty much unstoppable in any game where we had to communicate and work together.
Janice jumps out of her seat, trying to steal Ricky’s invisible trophy, and I panic.
“Hang on. Hang on. Let’s not get physical?—”
“I’m going to kick your ass, Ricky. Then, I’m going to CC you on every minor expense report correspondence that comes across my inbox. Now until the end of time!” Janice hisses.
Ricky audibly gasps. “You wouldn’t!”
She pulls out her phone and types something, then looks back up, wearing a devious smile.
He grabs his phone from his pocket, swiping it open, and lets out a bloodcurdling scream of horror. “Three hundred unread emails! You bitch!”
“Those are just from after five. Just wait until you open your inbox on Monday morning.” She throws her head back and cackles like an evil witch.
I have to admit, that was pretty harsh. Everyone knows Ricky can’t leave work until he’s read every email in his inbox.
I scratch my head, trying to think of something, anything to distract them because, right now, the Wolf Pack and the Smarty Pints are staring at each other like two gangs ready to brawl.
A server walks by with a tray of shots, presumably for the group of young people sitting in the corner, and I blurt the first thing that comes to mind. “Who wants shots?”
Ricky and Janice both pause and look at me like I’ve grown two heads, but I don’t really have time to think of a better game plan, so I grab the tray from the server with a pleading expression. “I’m so sorry. I really need to borrow these unless you want this place to turn into a WWE wrestling ring in the next five seconds.”
To my surprise, she obliges with no argument … which makes me wonder if this is a normal occurrence around Ashford Falls.
“Could you send those guys another round on Leo’s tab as an apology?”
“You got it.” She winks. “Watch out with Ricky there. Too much tequila, and he’ll be singing karaoke and trying to give everyone in here a lap dance.”
I quirk a brow. “Is that right? So, he’s a happy drunk?”
She laughs. “Oh, yeah. Total blast. I’d even be willing to bet that he wore his leopard-print thong just in case …”
I nod my head. Now, that could be a fun time.
“Keep the tequila shots coming, would you?”
She just grins. “I knew I liked you. Looks like it’s going to be one of those nights. Can’t wait.”
I grab three shots and head to Janice and Ricky, shoving one in each of their hands. “What do you say we make things a little more exciting tonight? No more competition, just bonding and having a good time.”
