Page 43 of Bro Smooth
Both Felix and Lukas squeeze my hands. Even though I’m not confiding everything, it’s sweet that they’re comforting me and it does make me feel better.
I divert the conversation to them. “How have you been? You didn’t play a poker game this week, did you?”
They normally play on Friday, but they skipped last week for movie night and they’re missing this week for the competition. Working an unpaid internship for college credit, I get how tight money can be. I don’t want to be the cause of extra financial stress for them, if they really did need last week’s income since they’re also missing tomorrow’s game.
“No, but we’re not worried about it. We have plenty for the next few months, remember? And the competition is more important,” says Sebastian.
“And so are you,” says Lukas.
Sebastian turns around to frown back at Lukas. “I wasn’t implying the competition is more important than Rebecca.”
“I didn’t say you did,” counters Lukas.
“Not specifically, but you implied it,” Sebastian shoots back.
Before Lukas can further their argument, I jump in. “I’d love to hear more about this weekend. Do you have a schedule you can show me?”
They both look like they want to continue their little fight, but I know that now that I’ve asked a question, they don’t want to be rude and not answer it.
“I have it right here,” says Felix, releasing my hand. He pulls up the document on his phone, which he immediately hands over, no questions asked.
I can’t believe how much trust these guys have in just handing me their phones—first Lukas to get my number, and now Felix. Although they’ve been sitting right next to me so it’s not like I can snoop around, but still. My dad never leaves his phone out, and he always leaves the room to take calls. Sometimes he even leaves the house.
“So the first day, you can see here,” says Felix pointing to the screen, “is for the next qualifying times. Everyone will have qualified to be there, but only the cubers with times below a certain threshold will get to compete in the actual semi-finals on day two.” Felix moves the screen down to show the schedule for the second day.
“So everyone competes on day one, and then only certain people will stay for day two?” I confirm.
“No, everyone stays for day two and day three, because no one wants to miss seeing who wins the national title for each event and they all want to know who is going to go to Worlds,” Elliot corrects.
If all of the competitors are also staying, I’m assuming there are going to be a lot more people in the audience at this competition than at the one where I met the guys. This is goodnews for my research. My four guys will of course be the stars of the article series, but it’ll be good to get some other perspectives.
The car ride lasts four hours, and while they do sneak in a few questions about me, mostly about my internship and my friendship with Ronnie, I’m able to keep the conversation mostly focused on them and the competition.
It’s been a long day, though, and eventually I get tired and rest my head on Lukas’s shoulder. It’s so cozy and warm sandwiched between him and Felix, and once the sun sets and it gets dark, I nod off, lulled to sleep by the car’s vibrations.
I’m awakened by a kiss to the side of my head. “We’re here,” says Lukas, his voice soft.
I blink awake. We’re idling in front of a massive hotel. Doormen are already pulling bags from our trunk as another guy in a red jacket slides into the driver’s seat, ready to pull away as soon as we step toward the front doors.
“Come on, sleepyhead,” says Felix, helping me out of the car.
Yawning, I try to clear my head and take in as much as I can of my surroundings.
“Welcome to New York City,” says the doorman, opening the front door for us to walk through. He doesn’t give us a second glance, even with my arms hooked through both Felix’s and Lukas’s.
The entrance is opulent, filled with people even at this late hour, lots of flowers, and a few cozy little sitting areas tucked into corners. We make our way to the front desk, Elliot and Sebastian behind us with my backpack and our three suitcases.
The woman at the desk takes Lukas’s information, then glances at us. “There are two queen beds. Do we need a trundle bed added to the room?”
“No,” says Lukas, frowning.
She nods and slides a packet of key cards across the desk.
“Enjoy your stay,” she says, but we’re already turning away.
“The elevator is over here,” says Lukas, pointing.
The guys nod at a few people huddled in groups, many of them solving cubes, but we don’t stop to say hello.
