Page 77 of Love, Literature, and the Linebacker

He starts tossing them out. Marcus. Derek. Meredith. Blue bands across the board. Meredith fastens hers with a smirk, her gaze flicking toward Lucy like she’s already plotting something.

“Dylan,” Darnell calls.

I catch the red band and slide it onto my wrist, already bracing myself. I glance at Lucy, hoping—

“Lucy.”

Blue.

Of course.

I shoot Darnell a look, but he just grins, unapologetic. He probably thinks he’s doing us a favor by forcing Lucy into the mix, giving her a chance to “bond.” I’d be fine with that if Meredith weren’t on her team.

Lucy meets my eyes, one corner of her mouth lifting. “Opposite sides.”

“I’ll go easy on you,” I say, bending to kiss her forehead.

She laughs softly, nerves still tucked behind her smile. “I’ll try not to take you out first.”

I grin. “That’s what I’m worried about.”

The teams finish grabbing their wristbands, and Darnell claps his hands again. “Alright! Ten minutes to strategize. After that, we head inside. No mercy.”

The crowd splits into two loose clusters. I drift toward the Red team. Marcus’s female friend stares boredly at her nails. Darnell looks far too pleased with himself. Greg stands off to the side, jaw set, eyes fixed on something across the lot.

I follow his gaze.

Lucy stands with the Blue team, Meredith angled close to her, leaning in like she’s sharing a secret. Meredith’s smile is all sugar and pointy edges, and it immediately puts me on alert.

“You worried about Library Girl?” Greg mutters, mockery lacing every word.

I don’t look at him. “Let’s just play.”

But even as we finish talking strategy, my attention keeps drifting back to Lucy. Being on opposite teams shouldn’t feel this unnerving, but it does. Especially with Meredith orbiting her like a vulture.

The buzzer sounds, and the arena doors slide open. Inside, the lights dim to a pulsing neon glow, transforming the space into a maze of tunnels, barricades, and glowing obstacles. The second we step in, everyone scatters.

Everyone except me.

My focus finds Lucy instantly.

She moves carefully, laser gun held a little stiff in her hands, red hair glowing under the black light.

I take cover behind a low wall, firing off a few distracted shots at a passing blue vest. I don’t even check if I land the hit.

Fog curls around the low barriers while electronic music pounds through hidden speakers. Every successful hit triggers a burst of light and a sharp vibration from the vests.

Lucy’s crouched behind a barrel now, scanning the arena like she’s mapping it out in her head. Meredith stands a few yards away, whispering to another teammate. I don’t like it. Not one bit.

I shift positions, moving closer to the center. Marcus pops into my line of sight and I tag him, but my attention snaps right back to Lucy as she makes a break for one of the tunnels.

That’s when I see Greg.

He’s posted near the tunnel entrance, waiting.

I don’t hesitate. I cut across the arena, weaving between barriers as Greg lifts his gun and fires.

“Where you headed, Library Girl?” he calls out, the sound carrying through the maze.