Page 42 of Faking Ties

As if I could refuse her anything when she asks like that. “Fine.”

She beams. “Then message your friends. Now.”

“Why the rush?”

“Because I don’t want you to change your mind.”

I snort. “I doubt they’ll want to come.”

“Well, you’ll never know until you ask.”

I write them when we stop at a traffic light, fully expecting them to decline. I would if I were them, wanting to lick my wounds by myself. But less than five minutes later, Jake and Quincy agree to meet.

Well, fuck. I guess we’re going bowling.

The peopleat the alley let us in for free. Not because we’re famous, but because “we lost so bad, it’s the least they can do.” Stella laughs and slips each of the employees multiple bills in thanks.

Quincy and Jake talk to Stella while I order us all sodas since we’ve officially started the season and we’re not allowed to drink unless it’s a bye week. When I return to them, Stella is at the computer inputting our names.

Hers is Queen of Bowling.

Quincy’s is Mr. Cool.

Jake’s is Too Pretty to Lose.

And mine? Jeggings.Fucking Jeggings.

“Why do they get good names, and I don’t?” I demand.

Stella pats me on the shoulder. “I ran out of characters. Better luck next time.”

Quincy chokes on a laugh. “You’re my hero,” he says to Stella.

“A toast.” Jake raises his drink toward Stella. “To the queen.”

Stella laughs as she clinks her cup against the two of theirs and takes a sip.

“Fine,” I say. “I get it. I’m in time-out for how I acted earlier.”

“Aww, you’re smart too,” Stella says, patting my chest. “If you’re good, I’ll change your name.”

“To something good, right?”

“Maybe.” A smile graces her lips. “All right, the rules are simple. We take a sip after each person goes, two for a gutter ball, three for a spare, and four for a strike. Normally it’s more fun with alcohol, but we’ll work with what we’ve got.”

“Who goes first?” Jake says.

“Me, of course,” she says. She grabs a purple ball, throws it, and gets a strike.

“Damn,” Jake says. “You really are a queen.”

“Drink up, boys.” Stella grins.

The rest of us are shit. Gutter balls every time. Stella thinks this is the funniest thing in the world, and every time she laughs, I can’t help but smile. Maybe bowling isn’t that bad, as long as I’m doing it with her.

After we all have a turn, Stella nudges me with her elbow. “So… Are you ready?”

“For?”

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