“Nope. They didn’t realize he was an employee and not eligible. That’s when we changed all employee’s user names to have REKD in front of them to signal to everyone that the user is an employee.”
“And I programmed it so if anyone tries to choose a user name with it, the system won’t accept it,” Kayn said. He’d created a new account for her but must have done some internal tinkering to give her the same level and ranking as her previous one, so she hadn’t lost anything with the change.
“How are you going to sign up for that class?” Rafe asked as the game loaded.
“Your mother already has a continuing education account thatshe’s going to let me use. I’m more interested in what I’ll learn than getting the certificate of completion.”
The game began, and their chatter shifted to it. Once again, she found that she and Rafe worked well together. She knew how to help poke at the opposing champions to bring down their health but then to also support his champs by keeping them alive when they were in a battle.
The evening turned out to be the most fun that Ahri’d had in years. She loved how the guys bantered back and forth, keeping it light enough to make it fun. When they finished their last game, it was nearly midnight.
“Best. Birthday. EVER.” Ahri lifted her arms over her head and stretched.
“They didn’t believe me,” Kayn said, rising. “I taught you well.”
She stood and gave him a hug. “Thank you,” she whispered and let him go.
He just grinned as he shoved his laptop into its case.
“Let me know if you have any questions on that class,” Darius said. “I used to be an art teacher.”
“Thanks. I will.” She gave him a quick hug.
Ahri stepped back. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Ez edging around the table like he was afraid she might hug him too. She sat down again so he’d know she wouldn’t.
“Thanks for the game, Ez. Rafe. I really appreciate you guys taking the time to do this for me.”
Ez mumbled something to Rafe and hurried after Darius who’d gone into the living room to get his jacket.
“What was that about?” she asked Rafe who was taking his time to pack up his equipment.
“He said you were a good player and suggested that we make you a permanent team member.”
Ahri blinked. “Wow. Really?”
“I wouldn’t lie to you.” Rafe grinned. “He commented on that game we played at work and how you meshed well, but that it wasonly one game. You proved yourself in his eyes tonight. Well done.” He pulled a small gift bag from his laptop case and handed it to her. “Just a little something for your birthday.”
“You already helped buy my laptop.”
“It’s just a little something I thought you’d like.” He zipped his bag closed and picked it up. “You should have told Ma about your birthday.”
“I knew she really wanted to go on this trip with Alex, and she wouldn’t have gone if she’d known.”
“Well, I’ll let you deal with the consequences.” Rafe shot her an evil grin and strode from the room.
Ahri gave a soft laugh. She waited until the cars had driven away before she removed the colorful tissue paper from the bag and took out the content. It was a little keychain with her name—spelled correctly—engraved on it. Her heart gave a little hitch that he’d remembered.
11
RAFE HAD ALREADY PLANNED TO take Lessa and Nik out on Saturday. When his mother happened to mention that she and Alex were going to a conference for the weekend and leaving Ahri in charge, he’d checked the weather report. It’d be perfect for a little theme park visit. He hadn’t been sure about it until Kayn had mentioned it was also her birthday.
Knowing what early risers his brother and sister were, he waited until he thought they’d had breakfast before sending Ahri a text.
Happy Birthday! I forgot to mention that I’d planned to surprise the kids with a trip to Tweetsie today. Would you like to come along?
Rafe tried not to hold his breath as he waited for her response, surprised at his racing heart. What if she’d already made plans with the kids for the day? Maybe he could invite himself along if she had. He was like her big brother, after all.
Tweetsie?
