But then his eyes locked with mine, and the look on his face made sweat start beading up on my temples.
I remembered telling him about Critical Games over text, before our failed date.
This was no coincidence.
“Hello there.” Devin stood up, greeting Anthony like he would any customer. “May I help you?”
Anthony was quiet, his eyes still locked on mine as he shuffled around the store. I gripped the edge of the table until the blood drained from my knuckles.
“Just looking around,” Anthony replied nonchalantly, and I forced back a scowl.Liar.
“Alright. Well, my name is Devin. Let me know if you need anything.”
Our game ofC&Ccontinued; except this time, I barely paid attention. Even Devin’s comical accent couldn’t save me from my panic. He attempted to continue his barkeep’s conversation with my character, but I struggled to squeak out one-word answers. Behind the table, Anthony was pacing up and down the shelves, browsing the merchandise while shooting long glances in my direction.
Thankfully, no one seemed to notice my thinly veiled terror. Devin went around the table, allowing each player to perform any desired tasks at the bar. Aaron’s character, being a bard, wanted to serenade everyone in the room, while Cassidy’s rogue character swindled patrons out of their coin with her magical gambling dice.
I laughed along, pretending that my throat wasn’t full of marbles and that I couldn’t feel Anthony’s gaze boring holes into the back of my head.
It’s okay. Calm down. Don’t panic. Everything is oka—
“Mind if I join your game?”
Yes.I hunched my shoulders as I realized Anthony was standing directly behind me. He was so close that I swore I could feel his breath on my back.
Yes, yes, yes. I very much do mind.
“We’re sorta in the middle of a game right now,” Devin replied, scratching his head. “But we run tables every Sunday afternoon if you want to stop by next week.”
My spasming muscles loosened as relief trickled through my veins. For once, I was incredibly grateful for Devin’s presence.
“Well, can I just watch?”
No. No, nonono—
“Uh,” Devin paused for a moment. Even he seemed uncomfortable. “Sure, I guess. Grab an empty chair.”
Anthony sat next to me, his chair just inches from my own. I pressed a palm to my cheek, refusing to glance in his direction.
God fucking damnit. Go away, you creepy, stubborn, lowlife basta—
“Sorcha?”
I looked up, my cheeks still burning from Anthony’s unwanted presence.
“You speak Demonic, correct?” Devin continued.
I nodded.
“Well, the only quest on the job board today is written in Demonic, and you’re the only character at this table who knows that language.”
“Ah, okay,” I sat up straight, feeling sweat on my palm as I pulled it away from my face. “Well, I guess I should read it.”
“Excellent,” Devin pressed his hands together. “Follow me to the back, and I’ll tell you what the note says.”
I nodded, grateful to be able to step away from the table. This was a common occurrence atC&Csessions; if only one character could understand a written language, they’d be pulled aside and told the message in secret. It was then up to them if they wanted to divulge the information to the rest of the party.
Normally, the CM would lead the player to the far end of the gaming room, a few feet away from the tables. I was confused and a bit concerned when Devin led me all the way past the retail area and into the back storage area next to the restrooms.
