Page 8 of Playing For Keeps

No one within the school system asked because it was sort of a personal question in a way, and they were just happy she was there to help in a pinch. Sebastian, on the other hand, didn’t seem to have a sense of boundaries, even here.

He must have seen her bristle at the question because he jumped in quickly with, “Not that there’s anything wrong with substitute teachers.”

It was a poor attempt at editing what he’d already said, but Farren chose to believe good intent when it came to most people. She was sure the question wasn’t meant to be rude.

“I like the variety. Plus, I don’t have a proper teaching degree, only an Associate’s degree. So there’s that,” she said, waving her hand in a dismissive gesture, even though she felt insecure telling him. He probably had a serious degree. Men of his age, dressed in “business casual,” usually did. It wasn’t like it used to be in her parents’ generation where experience was enough to go by.

These days, in this city, in this economy, a degree of some sort was a must for all entry-level positions unless she wanted to work in retail, food service, or jobs even more thankless. Again.

He nodded in understanding.

“I’ll take the red tiles this time, maybe that’s the key to winning,” he said, a small smile carving itself into his cheeks, and her spiral of self-doubt was cut off almost immediately.

He let her place her token first. They danced around each other again, watching the other closely to try and figure out the next move. Sebastian learned quickly, and it seemed like he tried to use more foresight this time… Which worked because he won the second game, despite Farren giving it a good go.

She couldn’t help being distracted by him and the way he rolled up the sleeves on his button up so they bunched just above the elbows resting on the table, his chin in his palm as he leaned forward. A few small muscles in his forearm jumped as he moved, and it was strange how something so small could be entrancing.

“One each. Are you ready for the last game?” Sebastian asked, his face more relaxed, the tension in his body less evident as each minute went by. His good humor was aided by him winning the second game. The light was back in his eyes. And Farren wanted it to stay. She wanted it to be there again next week, so there was only one thing for it.

Farren had to get serious.

“You’re on!”

They both leaned over the little table, practically glaring down at the grid, occasionally looking up at the other to try and gauge where this was going to go. The perfect game of cat and mouse—exhilarating. Farren loved playing games, loved the adrenaline rush that came with wanting to win and trying your best to do so. She also loved victory, and making new friends.

They didn’t speak, didn’t do anything but focus on the game, and those ten minutes passed incredibly quickly. Sebastian’s scent tickled her nose, the lingering notes of deodorant or body wash, or simply him. As distracting as it was—as delicious as it was—Farren stayed on her task, the game ending with no one winning. At least not outright. Farren didn’t have the heart to tell him that the person to set up a stalemate was technically the winner. She wanted it to feel fair. They’d both focused so hard on sabotaging the other, neither set up for a clear win.

Sebastian chuckled at the useless result with a slight shake of his head.

“I—I’ll give you the pastry,” Farren said in a near whisper, reluctant but she knew he needed it more than her. Playing with him had been worth it, even if she never saw him again.

His eyes widened, and although he shook his head, she could see him seriously considering it. “One more round, please?”

“Fine, since you asked so nicely. I can’t believe you’re risking your precious pastry,” Farren teased.

“You set the terms; I intend to honor them. Now, pick your color!” It was said without much heat, a smile off-setting the command.

This time, they took their time and chatted a little throughout. Farren shared she was one of seven kids, smack dab in the middle. Sebastian responded that he was an only child. Neither of them skimmed too far beneath the surface. Farren didn’t tell him how she’d always felt a little invisible in a big family, she didn’t tell him that was why she loved game night so much and the friends she’d gotten to choose… the ones who saw her.

Was his family like hers, or did being the only child mean a sharp spotlight? It wasn’t something she’d ever considered. Farren loved her siblings. Even if they were all so different, a life without them fell outside the scope of her imagination. The unbidden thought of her sister sprang to mind, those fraught days when Lindsay had been sick as a child, and Farren fought an unexpected shiver. Best not to think about the past. Lindsay was fine now.

The night outside spread toward them, black, inky darkness swallowing the edges of the trees and buildings. Light pooling under street lamps and spilling from buildings gave some relief from the shadows. The stars weren’t as visible here, not the way they were where she grew up, and sometimes she missed them. Like she did right now.

This last game had the least heat out of all of them, and Farren got to enjoy the journey, trying to balance setting up her own victory with preventing his. It was a misstep on Sebastian’s part that handed her the win. He seemed disappointed but gave a little half grin as he accepted his fate.

“So, that’s it then,” he said, shrugging.

“We could keep going if you’d like, best out of five?” Farren offered sincerely.

“No, no. I’ll accept my loss,” he said with reluctance. Was he used to losing, or did this chafe more than he let on? “But next week, I will beat you!”

“I look forward to it,” she said, giving him a smile before something occurred to her.

She reached into her purse, rooting around for a pen. Farren wrote her name and number on the outside of the wax paper bag holding the croissant, careful not to crush the pastry.

“Here.” She held out the bag to him.

“But, that’s not what we agreed?” He seemed to be warring with taking what he wanted from her and keeping his word.

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