Page 86 of Glitched Play

Immediately, I understand what Witt is up against with his family. They don’t understand the intricacies of gaming. Sutton, yeah because she’s a big picture CEO.

“The door was open,” I point out.

Parker looks pleased. “Good detail.”

Witt sets his tablet down with more force than necessary. “Why are you here?”

“Witley’s birthday. She’s four today. Pizza, cake, games, chaos. You’re coming.”

“I have work.”

“You always have work.”

“Because people keep interrupting it.”

Parker ignores him completely and looks at me. “You should come too.”

My mouth opens, then closes. “Oh, no. I can’t intrude.”

Parker laughs like I’ve said something adorable. “There are so many of us no one will notice an extra.”

Without looking up, Witt says, “Then I don’t need to come.”

Parker grabs a small stress ball from Witt’s desk and throws it at him. Witt catches it one-handed without looking, which is both unfairly cool and deeply annoying because of course he can do that.

“You’re coming,” Parker says.

“I haven’t agreed.”

“You don’t have to. Birdie already marked you down as attending.”

“That is not legally binding.”

“In this family, it is.”

I bite my lip to keep from laughing.

Parker points at me. “Six-thirty. Casual. Wear something you can beat him at arcade games in.”

“I never said I was coming,” I say not knowing if that will interrupt Witt and his family. Does he even want me there?

“You’re coming.”

I look at Witt, expecting him to give me an out. Instead, he’s watching the tablet again, expression unreadable.

Parker grins. “Great. See you both there.”

Then he’s gone, leaving the office somehow louder even after the door shuts behind him.

I turn back to Witt. “Does your family always make plans for you?”

“Yes.”

“And you go?”

“No.”

“Except when you do.”