Page 50 of Shockproof

“Trivia sounds like fun,” our mother announces, pulling our attention to her. “Why don’t I ask the questions, so you and Wahl can play?”

“Because I’m the host…” Feeling a bit of anxiousness tap the mic has me rushing to add. “And the host,hoststhe games.”

“You scared, Arlez?” T impishly goads in his famous fashion. “You afraid of how bad you might lose?”

“Wewon’tlose,” Slater confidently retorts before there’s even time for my mouth to move.

“The couple thatjuststarted dating?Ha.” In spite of the fun shading soaring out of his mouth, the crisp edges infer a challenge. “How about a side bet, Wahl?Whoeveranswers more questions right about their partner coughs up twenty bucks?”

My better half slowly shakes his head. “You don’t wanna do this, T.”

“Take your money?”

“Be put to shame at your own party.”

“Make it fifty.”

It’s my turn to try to object, “T-”

“A hundred,” he arrogantly antes up.

“Make it a thousand.”

“Slater!” I squawk in newfound outrage.

“Ohhhhh…I’m gonna haveso much funspending your money,” T pompously proclaims at the same time he shoves his hand out for the shake. “Bet.”

“Bet.”

The two lock grips while my dad haughtily chuckles, “Can I place like a side bet?”

Squeaking from me shifts to him, “Dad!”

Mom laughs, places her glass down, and exclaims, “I’ll get the fishbowl of questions. Arley, you round up the guests!”

Baffled beyond belief, I simply stand and gawk at the crock of crazy my family has managed to cook up.

This…this can’t…be…happening.

Right?

I’m not about to not only have to play one of these games I specifically picked because I didn’t have to play it, butwintoo?!

No.

I haven’t had enough tequila for this.

In fact, I’ve hadnotequila and can’t do this.

Won’t do this.

Slater offers me an open palm and soft, sweet, inspiring smile that’s impossible to resist.

Okay.

Maybe Ican.

But I’m not happy about it.

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