Page 1 of Fetch

The line to get into Joystick tonight is already wrapped around the block. I walk past it and hand the bouncer my VIP ticket. A cackle of boos rings out behind me. I turn to them and shrug. “Perks of being a sponsor, boys.”

Technically,I’mnot a sponsor. My work is. The pay might be shitty at Vinyl Delights, but nights like these make up for it. Our little record store is one of many local businesses collaborating to bring Lavender Heights the biggest gaming event it’s ever seen.

As a diehard gamer girl myself, I wouldn’t miss this for anything. Plus, Juniper would kill me if I made her come alone with only Coast and Milo to hang out with. We tolerate them at work, but neither of us wants to hang out with them all fucking night.

They’re good looking and polite enough, but their taste in music is weird. And they’re semi-obsessed with Juniper. When we all work together, they just gawk at her and let her pick the music in the store. I think it’s kind of cute but it gives Juniper the ick.

My gorgeous friend waves to me from the bar, her blonde hair reflecting tones of pink from the glare of the neon lights. “Damn, lady, you look spicy. These gamer boys are going to think you’re one of the snacks.”

I feel my cheeks blush. Juniper is an exhibitionist, and I usually hide my curves behind hoodies and jeans. But tonight, I want tolooklike a VIP. I twirl around, showing off my short organza skirt. It’s black with sparkles.

“I’m flaunting tonight,” I say as I lean forward and squeeze my arms together, showing off my deep cleavage. The ribbons on my black bustier are hot pink, matching the lights overhead. I paired the entire ensemble with high-top wedged sneakers. You never know when you’re gonna have to run away. Heels are a death trap. I hate them. Especially after my accident.

She fingers a lock of my dark-brown hair. “I love the waves too.”

“Youalways look hot,” I praise. Juniper leans against the bar in a tight white bodysuit, rhinestone stiletto heels, and a brown, faux-fur jacket.

She puckers her bright-pink lips around the straw of her pink drink and winks. “Thanks, babe. Coast and Milo already came by to tell me that very same thing.”

I burst out laughing. “They did not. Those two would have a heart attack before that happens.”

She winks again. “I know, but it’s what they’re thinking. Fucking weirdos.”

I glance around the bar, taking in the sights. They did an amazing job transforming our local arcade bar into a gamer’s wet dream. In between each vintage arcade machine is a server dressed up as an iconic game character, holding a tray of brightly colored shots. Cassette tapes and vinyl records strung together act as garland in between the aisles. And in the center of the room is an old-school photo booth. A pair of drunk girls stumble out wearing pink boas and star-shaped sunglasses.There’s so much glitter everywhere.

The speakers are pumping out old-school, classic eighties music. I bob my head to “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds. while Juniper and I peruse the hors d’oeuvres table. Keeping with the eighties theme, there are mini sloppy-joes sandwiches, a cheese fondue station, deviled eggs, and Popsicles for dessert. There are also trays of lollipops, Jell-O shots, and candy cigarettes.

I grab a shot while Juniper settles for a Popsicle to satisfy her oral fixation. “So, you think Punk will make an appearance?”

My stomach flips. “Punk Wilder?He’s an enigma. I highly doubt it,” I answer while trying to keep the disappointment out of my voice.

Punk Wilder is one of the most famous skaters of our generation. Tonight’s party is to celebrate the five-year anniversary of his skateboarding game. But what makes him more intriguing is the fact that he hasn’t been seen in public since its launch. And who could blame him?

Juniper twirls her tongue around the tip of the Popsicle like it’s something tastier. “Yeah, afterthatscandal, I wouldn’t show my face in public either.”

“Shit happens. I think everyone deserves a second chance.” I feel bad for the guy. After his injury, he spiraled.I can definitely relate to that.

She shrugs. “Well, at least he didn’t loseallhis sponsors. Otherwise, this dope party would not be happening.”

I don’t play extreme sports games, preferring the first-person shooter ones instead. But I respect the impact his franchise has had on our community. Every little skater boy and girl plays that game like it’s a rite of passage. Which is why Joystick also set up a skate ramp in the back parking lot as well.

“Oh fuck.Incoming,” Juniper says under her breath. She rolls her eyes and turns her back toward the crowd.

I can’t help but chuckle as Coast and Milo make their way toward us. They barely look at me. “Quit pretending you don’t love that they’re obsessed with you.”

She winces as if I slapped her. “Lies. They are so fucking cringe.”

“Hey, Juniper,” Milo rasps. At five foot ten, he just barely bests her in height. Especially in those four-inch heels she’s wearing. Coast, on the other hand, towers over her.

She lets out a dramatic sigh for emphasis as she spins around. “What’s up?”

“Cool party,” Coast quips. His long black eyelashes are to die for. They frame his big brown eyes like spider webs.

Juniper shrugs.

“We are having a great time,” I answer for her as I try to conceal a giggle.

“Okay, bye, see you at work tomorrow.” Juniper grabs me by the wrist and drags me to the other side of the bar. “Ugh, they are so awkward.”

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