“Woah!” She blinks several times, taking in her surroundings. The faint buzz of machines hum from below us. “What is this place?”
“Follow me.”
We make our way down the staircase to another door, where I punch a code into the keycard.
The door swings open to reveal an underground arcade, the sounds of pinball machine flippers and tinny tunes greeting us.
Faye looks around in awe. “I didn’t know they had an arcade on campus.”
At this time of day, we’re the only people in here, having the entire place to ourselves.
“This is an exclusive, members-only club. Not many people know it exists, and for good reason. Many of the machines cost a fortune, and while membership is pricey, it’s worth every cent, considering how much time I spend down here. Gaming is my way to kick back and relax,” I explain. “Now, how about we play a game ofDance Dance Revolution, so I can show you my moves?”
She seems hesitant, her eyes downcast to where she’s playing with the hem of her dress. Have I fucked up somehow without realizing it? It wouldn’t be the first time.
“Or we can go,” I suggest. “I know games aren’t everyone’s thing. We don’t have to stay?—”
“No!” Faye cuts me off. “It’s not that.”
“What is it, honeybee?”
“I’ve never actually been to an arcade before.” I have to force myself to focus on what she’s saying when her top teeth sink into her pouty bottom lip. “I mean, I’ve seen them in movies, but there’s nothing like this in Clover Hollow. And we were so busy with the teashop that we’ve never been able to take a vacation before either.”
Now it’s my turn to look stunned. “You’ve never played video games before?”
Faye laughs at my look of horror, shaking her head.
“Well, you’ll be losing your arcade virginity tonight.” I declare. “Lancelot will guide you. I’m going to show you how to play everything, starting withDance Dance Revolution!”
It turns out that it doesn’t matter that Faye hasn’t played before. She’s surprisingly good at hitting the notes at the right times, and even though we start out on easy mode, we quickly level up.
“So?” I ask after our fourth song. “What do you think?”
“I love it!” She’s practically glowing, her previously immaculate braid now a little mussed with loose hairs flying out. “What next?”
“We could playAir Hockey?” I suggest. “Or something more old school.” I point to the row of’80s machines. “My favorite isGalaga, but there’s alsoCentipede, Ms. Pac-Man,Donkey Kong, andSpace Invaders.”
“Let’s start with that one!” She scampers over to the blue and pinkMs. Pac-Mangame. She isn’t quite as good atMs. Pac-Manas she thinks the ghosts are too cute for her to eat. “I can see why you like gaming.” She stomps her foot when she dies yet again,making it hard not to get distracted by the soft curve of her calf. “Do the other guys come here with you?”
“Occasionally, but they’re pretty busy. Ren’s always buried in a book, Cole’s study schedule is intense, and Damon works a lot. He’s a security guard on campus.”
“Do you have a job?”
“Me? Nah, I’m a man of leisure.” I pass her a wink. “Okay, that’s a lie. I’m pretty busy building my art portfolio and sometimes take on projects for clients—web design, branding, that kinda thing. But I don’t like working for other people.”
“I’d like to see some of your work sometime,” she says. “I loved the card you made me.”
“Oh, that.” I can’t stop the grin that stretches my lips. “That was just a goofy sketch.”
“How long have you been drawing?”
“My whole life. It started out with silly drawings for my family, then it turned into Christmas cards. I guess that’s when I realized this is what I want to do.”
“I love that you’ve found something you’re passionate about.” Faye meets my eyes as the game ends.
She seems genuinely interested in what I have to say. I’ve been on many dates in the past, but most girls just talked about themselves or wanted to know about my pack’s intentions for an omega. They never asked me questions about myself, my family, or hobbies.
“What about you?” I’m desperate to know everything about this woman. “What’re you most passionate about?”
