“Tonight’s theme is Movies and Music, from the 80s to today.” More cheers erupt. “We’ve got eight rounds, ten points per question. Winning team gets their tab covered and a $100 gift card for their next visit.”
Lizzy’s eyes light up at the mention of the theme. She’s always had the most eclectic taste in music—everything from classic rock to obscure indie bands I’d never even heard of.
“Teams of four,” Drew announces, gesturing to a chalkboardwhere the rules have been neatly written out. “No phones, no googling, and absolutely no sharing answers unless you want to get your ass banned from the game.”
“We need to split up, choose teams,” Ryder says, looking at everyone gathered around the two tables that’ve been pushed close together.
Pulling off his baseball cap, Jax grins. “Already got it covered.” He holds up a handful of small, folded pieces of paper and drops them into his hat. “This time, to make it fair, everyone draws.”
“Seriously?” Lizzy arches an eyebrow, sticking out her bottom lip into a tiny pout. “Why can’t we just do girls versus guys like we always do?”
Fuck, what I would give for another chance to suck on that pierced bottom lip.
“Don’t be a spoilsport,” Sasha nudges her. “It’ll be fun. Mix things up a bit.”
Jax shakes the cap, rustling the papers inside. “My lady goes first.”
“Aww, thanks, babe.” Sasha reaches in, unfolding her paper. “Team One.”
Noia’s next. “Team One.”
Claire, Ryder, Jax and I pick Team Two.
When Lizzy declares Team One, my heart sinks.
Carter draws last. “Team One,” he announces, cutting his gaze to Lizzy with a flirty grin.
Unexpected jealously flares hot in my veins.
Logan saves me from punching Carter in the face by clapping me on the shoulder. “Team Two it is, brother. Just like old times, yeah?”
For some reason, I feel like a lost puppy as I watch Lizzy slide over to join her team at the adjacent table, while the rest ofus scoot to huddle closer together. The distance between us feels like miles instead of just a few feet.
“You good?” Logan asks quietly.
“Yeah,” I lie, taking another swig of my beer. “Just getting into competitive mode.”
Ryder snorts. “Good, ‘cuz you’re gonna need it. Lizzy’s a trivia beast.”
“I remember,” I say, a smile tugging at my lips despite my irritation.
Memories of family game night competitions flash through my mind: Lizzy’s fierce concentration and the way she’d bounce in her seat when she knew an answer but couldn’t say it, how she’d stick her tongue out at me whenever her team beat mine.
“Alright, teams!” Drew’s voice booms through the speakers. “First round is ‘80s Movie Quotes. Write your team name at the top of your answer sheet and let’s get started!”
Jax grabs our sheet. “What are we calling ourselves?”
“The Inevitable’s,” I suggest with a smirk, my eyes landing on Lizzy.
“Why The Inevitable’s?” Claire asks, tucking a strand of purple hair behind her ear.
I shrug. “Because our victory…” Leaning in for dramatic effect, I waggle my eyebrows. “…isinevitable.”
Claire shakes her head with a snort as Ryder and Jax laugh.
“Wait,” Logan says, gesturing to the other table. “What’s their team name?”
I follow his gaze to see Sasha scrawling something on their answer sheet, the whole table giggling conspiratorially. When she holds it up, I can just make out the words “Trophy Wives.”
