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“Yeah, I’m fine, just thankful I chose to wear jeans today!” I rush to the bathroom, grabbing some paper towels to clean up the coffee as much as I can.
“Speaking of today,” Scar starts, “are you ready for game night tonight?”
I nod, still nursing my coffee-soaked jeans. “Absolutely! It’s been a while since our last one. Any new games in mind?”
“Maybe,” Scar replies nonchalantly.
“Well, our old favorites never disappoint.”
“And the prize this time will be free coffee for the rest of the summer.”
“No five-hundred-dollar prize this time?”
Scar lets out a hearty laugh. “We can’t make it too easy, can we?”
“If you say so.” I laugh.
I return to the register, still a bit preoccupied with thoughts about yesterday’s incident with my dad and Eric. It’s hard to shake off the worry and guilt that gnaws at me, but I try to focus on the upcoming game night to lighten my mood. I pull out my phone, tapping Eric’s name and sending him a text.
Me
Hey, you okay? Haven’t heard from you since yesterday morning.
He seems like such a good man. I’m hoping my dad didn’t make him change his mind about dating me.
He doesn’t respond, and I stuff my phone into my back pocket and focus on work.
* * *
The hours pass slowly,but eventually, it’s time to prepare for game night. Scar and I set up the cozy corner near the back, arranging board games, card decks, and a stack of our favorite tabletop games. The soft glow of fairy lights adds a touch of magic to the atmosphere, creating a warm and inviting space for our friends.
I look at Scar as I clean up the tables. “What’s the plan for tonight?”
“Well, they can bring a couple of their own games, but those who didn’t will grab a stack from here, and we will make sure everyone has the same number of games. And as usual, the first table to go through all games wins a prize,” she says.
As our customers start to arrive, the energy in the room shifts from the mundane routines of daily life to the excitement of friendly competition and laughter. Sam, the resident board game enthusiast, arrives with a bag full of strategy games. Lisa and Max, the couple who won last time and always bring delicious homemade snacks, enter with a tray of freshly baked cookies and a bowl of their famous guacamole.
I unlock my phone, tap the play button on the music app, and glance up as the rhythmic beat flows through the speakers. Tonight promises to be a blast. I take a quick survey of the tables to ensure everyone has the five games they need.
“Let the games begin!” Scar’s voice booms through the wireless microphone she’s wielding.
The atmosphere becomes electric as everyone eagerly delves into their first game.
I retreat behind the counter, settling into my chair. I scroll through my phone, anxiously checking for a reply from Eric, but there’s nothing.
“I’m sure everything is okay,” Scar reassures me, appearing by my side and placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.
I can’t help but express my concerns, my voice tinged with uncertainty. “What if he was too good to be true?”
Scar, in a surprising display of seriousness, responds, “If that’s the case, I’ll personally take care of him for you.”
I shake my head and laugh.
“What? I’m serious,” she says, a hand on her hip.
“I know you would, that’s what makes it funny.”
The night buzzes with lively conversations, laughter, and a contagious sense of enjoyment. Some individuals at the same table are particularly enthusiastic, displaying a competitive spirit that adds to the excitement.
