Page 26 of Sunflower Persona
“What the fuck? I’m awesome at pool,” Nathan protests.
“If flirting with girls at the table is playing, then sure, you’re the best,” James says with a condescending grin.
“You’re one to talk.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? You know I could kick your ass any day of the week.”
“Oh yeah? Prove it, then.”
“Fine,” she snaps, “but let’s make this interesting. Winner gets complete control over the next game night.”
“Oh, come on. I don’t want to play Pictionaryagain.”
“Sounds like you’re admitting defeat already,” she taunts.
“Fuck it. Fine. I hope you like Risk.” He sticks out his hand, and she grabs it in an aggressive handshake before the pair storms off toward the tables in the back.
Morgan sighs as he watches his girlfriend go, but the love-sick smile never leaves his face.
“I should make sure they don’t kill each other,” he says and follows them.
“Come on, new girl, this is bound to get interesting.” Karis doesn’t wait for a response as she drags me behind her.
Evelyn falls in step beside me with a sheepish smile.
“I’ve learned it’s best to just go with it.”
I figured that one out on my own.
They’ve got the balls racked in the middle of the table by the time we make it back there, and they are arguing, quite loudly, over who gets to make the break shot. Morgan already looks defeated as he runs a hand through his messy curls. Karis beelines in the pair’s direction. I’m not sure if she’s planning on mediating or getting in on the action.
“Is this normal for them?” I ask my only remaining companion.
“Pretty much. You should see them at game night. Half the time, I’m convinced it’s going to end with one of those three killing each other. They probably would if Gage didn’t keep them in line.”
It isn’t hard to imagine him wrangling his friends. From what I could tell, he does a great job with the kids’ classes, and this trio acts like overgrown toddlers.
I wouldn’t mind if he wanted to boss me around either. The thought alone sends a shiver of need to my core.
“That sounds like a lot of fun.” The words come out breathier than I intended.
“You should totally come to the next one,” she says, thankfully oblivious to the direction my thoughts have taken.
“You don’t have to invite me out of pity.”
“It’s not a pity invite. It will be fun. Plus, I think Gage would like it if you came.”
“Pfft. He wouldn’t care.”
If he wanted me there, he would invite me himself.
“I’m pretty sure that man said more to you in the past twenty minutes than he’s said to me in the entire year I’ve known him.”
“He was just being nice.”
“Gage doesn’t do nice. Trust me on this. At least give me your number so I can send you the details.”
Fuck it. What’s the worst that could happen?
