Chapter 137 137.Games
Tabitha’s POV
Their smiles drop. Reed smirks. I see anger flash across their faces before Ren grabs his friends and drags them out of the arcade.
“Pathetic,” Reed spits.
Luca and Jace walk up as the door swings shut.
“What was that?” Jace asks.
“Some clowns asking for Tabi’s number,” Reed replies.
“Pathetic,” Jace says.
“Forget it,” I say. “It’s not a big deal.”
They exchange looks. None of them agree but no one argues.
We play a few more games in the arcade before moving to the bowling alley. After a while my throat feels dry.
“I’m thirsty,” I announce.
“Let’s go grab drinks, then,” Jace says.
We head back to the main area. The moment we step in, party music blasts through the speakers and alcoholic drinks are being served to everyone, along with some light snacks. Even Andrew was being handed a shot of tequila and lemon wedge. The lights also begin to dim and I look up, amazed when I see the ceiling opening up and revealing a huge disco ball.
“Let’s goooo!” I hear Evelyn yelling from somewhere. She’s standing beside a dj booth in the corner of the room that I didn’t even notice earlier! The dj booth is being manned by Ian. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s happy hour! The real fun is about to start!”
The disco ball spins to life and fractures the room into moving shards of light. Silver reflections skate across the walls and ceiling. Color spills over bodies and furniture until the entire space pulses like it is breathing with the music. The whole crowd grows wild.
Evelyn tries to say something again but the chatter of the guests overpower her voice, so she climbs onto the DJ booth and grabs the mic. Her grin is sharp.
“Alright, everyone! Settle down!” Her thunderous voice booms all over the room, finally catching everyone’s attention. “It’s time for our yearly happy hour game tradition,” she announces and the room goes quiet. I frown. I also spot Andrew who is also looking a bit confused but mildly interested as he chugs his tequila shot.
“This year,” Evelyn continues, “we’re playing the Secret Pair Challenge!”
A cheer rises from the crowd. I’m not sure if that’s a good omen or not. But base from Luca’s knitted brows, I have a feeling that it’s not as fun as it sounds.
“Here’s how it works,” Evelyn says, pacing on the DJ booth. “I have prepared envelopes with everyone’s names. Each of you will draw one envelope. Inside is the name of the person you are paired with for the night. Some of you will be paired with someone you know. Some of you might not. If the numbers do not match, one trio will be formed.”
The room murmurs in excitement but my frown only deepens. She’s saying there’s a chance I’d be stuck partnered up with a stranger? I already don’t like where this is going and neither is Reed. He warily glances at me while muttering curses to himself.
“Fuck, we should’ve fucking left before the happy hour started. I forgot that this stupid game tradition exists.” He combs his hair in frustration.
“Once you know your partner,” Evelyn continues, “I will give each pair a challenge myself. The challenge comes directly from me. It can be something fun. It can be something embarrassing. It can be flustering. Every challenge must be completed. You cannot refuse. Failing a challenge means taking a penalty that everyone in the room will see.”
Okay. I really don’t like where this is going.
“The point,” she says, “is to see how you handle the challenge with your partner. Some challenges might make you blush. Some might make your partner blush. Some might make everyone else jealous. Each challenge is different. What happens affects both of you, so pay attention.”
I glance at Andrew and he still looks confused. Evren is pinching the bridge of his nose as if he’s trying to calm himself down. Reed and Jace are quietly discussing something.
“And now…” Evelyn raises the mic high, “grab your envelope. Read the name inside. Keep it secret. I will hand your challenge to you after the pairings are set. The game begins as soon as the first envelope is opened. The clock starts. The room is watching! Good luck, everyone. You are going to need it!”
The envelopes slide across the DJ booth and tumble toward the crowd. People reach for them eagerly. I step forward, my hand hovering over the nearest one. My stomach twists tighter.