Page 9 of Game Misconduct

He let out a boisterous laugh that echoed through the nearly empty room. I glanced around, feeling eyes on us.

“Shh. They’re staring,” I whispered and scowled at him.

He cringed and ducked his head, but didn’t stop laughing. “Sorry, but that was an exceptional burn.”

I thought over my words and realized what I said and how insulting it could have been. “Oh no!” I stepped toward him. “That’s not what I meant. I don’t mean that you don’t have a pretty face too.”

He was still chuckling when he waved his hand. “Looks like we both know how to stick our feet in our mouths.”

Four

Parker

The laughter from the far side of the room caught my attention a few times, but I tried not to stare. Mitch, or Dory as I was told to call him by the other guys, was helping a woman I hadn’t been introduced to. Lance and Jake pointed out Jess and Dani when we walked in but neither of them said anything about her.

“Tug it a little bit more to your side,” Mikey directed.

I focused on the tablecloth and centered it before we let it fall. “Do you know who that is?”

Mikey walked around the table, tucking in the linen as we were instructed, and glanced around. “Who?”

“The woman talking to Dory.” I signaled in their direction.

He spun around, gaining their attention, and waved. Great. I should have specified being discreet, though I wasn’t sure Mikey knew what that meant. He was as blunt and direct as they came.

“Oh, that’s Jess’s roommate.” He walked to the next table and unfolded the cloth, handing me one side. “She probably got called in to help too.”

I tucked away that knowledge while we continued to work our way around the room, but it was hard not to get pulled back in her direction. Their laughing was near-constant with random jumps in volume.

“At least some of us are having a good time,” Mikey groaned. “I was planning on taking an ice bath and relaxing tonight.”

“We need to move, people!” Dani started clapping her hands. “I want to see some hustle.”

Jake shook his head and moved a bit faster around his table, tucking as he went.

“She does remember we’re free labor, right?” Mikey muttered only loud enough for me to hear.

I still wasn’t sure how I’d been roped into this. I was heading out of the locker room with Mitch when Jake stopped us and asked for help. Since Mitch was my ride, I was forced along. It wasn’t like I had any plans for the evening, though. Plus, this showed I was a team player. Hopefully, word would get back to the coaches or captains.

“New guy,” Dani called, and I looked up, assuming I was the only new person she didn’t know the name of.

“Yeah?” I stepped back so we could cover our next table.

She made her way over and eyed me. “Thanks for coming. I appreciate the extra hands.”

“Sure.” I didn’t mention that it wasn’t necessarily by choice. “Anytime.”

“I’m ordering in food. Do you have any pizza topping preferences?”

Ordering food was always a tricky situation when you’re around new people. Do you go the honest route and admit what you like, or try to be easy-going and low-maintenance?

“I like either a meat combo or meat and veggie combo.” I didn’t add that I’d pick off the mushrooms of anything that came near my plate.

“Great. You, Lance, and Dory can share one.” She turned to Mikey. “I’m getting a pepperoni with extra peppers and onions for you.”

“Thanks, Dani.” He winked before she moved on.

“I guess that means we’re here for a bit,” I mentioned.