Is there any other way to follow a cathartic revealing-of-emotional-scars-in-the-freezing-rain scene than with a rousing game of Ms. Pac-Man? Not in this book, there isn’t.
Today’s WIP snippet is sponsored by My Childhood, which was, in turn, sponsored by Nintendo.
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Sean walked the last hundred yards to the Cove a few steps ahead of her.
When they ducked inside, the mohawked teenager at the counter stared at them wide-eyed. They were soaking wet, obviously idiots to have been out in this weather. Her hands were freezing, and when she raised them toward her face, she had the pleasure of watching her fingers go from white to bright pink as the warmth of the room dilated her capillaries and brought the blood rushing back to the surface of her skin.
We want a large pepperoni and some garlic bread, Sean said. To go.
And quarters, Katie said. She wriggled one numb hand into her front pants pocket and pulled out a wet, wrinkled dollar bill, which she laid on the counter.
For Ms. Pac-man, she said to Sean.
Are you any good?
Im amazing. Incredible. Stupendous. Unparalleled.
A slow smile spread over Seans face, and his wary eyes warmed up some. You better bring your A-game, Clark. The teenager slid the quarters onto the counter, clearly wanting to keep his distance from the both of them. Sean scraped the change into the flat of his palm, shaking his head. You know? Its not going to matter. Im sure youre good for a chick, but I doubt youve ever played a genuine nerd.
They battled for forty-five minutes on four quarters. Their order came up, but Sean didnt pay it any attention, and neither did she. She forgot about Judah. Forgot about the ugly past and the uncertain future. Ignored the way her fingers hurt, her dripping hair and her responsibilities.
She just played with him. They made each other laugh.
He kicked her ass.
