I do a brisk walk each day, as well as some calisthenics.Of course, even Evie’s exercise routine is out of the past.Not that I’m complaining about the results; her body is lithe and supple.
Okaaay,says Cleo and then turns to Andy and asks her similar questions.
I’m relieved that Cleo is taking on this role so I don’t have to.I once broke up with someone after an Ultimate game because she wouldn’t put any effort in.You have to at least try.
Evie slips her hand into mine.Is laser tag important to you?
I shrug.It’s not like a hockey game.
She lifts a skeptical eyebrow.
Okay, do I need to get everyone else here as motivated as I am to beat Greco’s ass?Cleo asks.Fine.Andy.
She turns around from the front seat.Yes?
Greco once told me that women’s hockey wasn’t real hockey, and to let him know when one PWHL player made as much as the worst player in the NHL.
Andy’s eyes narrow.She works as an intern at theMinneapolis Star Tribuneand helps with coverage of the Frost.What a dick.She turns back around and says to Sinc,We have to beat him.
Cleo looks at me next.Release the real Big Z once we start playing, okay?
I laugh and shake my head.
Then she turns to Evie.I don’t know you yet, but what if—
Evie interrupts,Don’t worry.I know how competitive Viktor is.I’ll do my best to make sure we win.
How does she know how competitive I am?I can’t think of anything intense I’ve done in front of her, other than play hockey.
What about Mats?I want to see how you motivate him,I say.He always brings his A-game for big games, but I don’t think laser tag qualifies.
Cleo sighs.He’s too fucking stubborn.Believe me, I’ve tried.
I chuckle again.So Mats is an enigma to her too.
You’re in a good mood these days, Zee.Cleo nudges Evie.Must be your influence.I’ve never seen him smile this much.He’s usually all…She makes a face like an Easter Island head.
Oh, that’s interesting.Evie turns to look at my reaction.Her sweet exterior covers a sharp intellect that sometimes makes me nervous.Usually it’s easy to tell what the women I date want from me, but not Evie.
The arcade is bright and chaotic.A host outlines the rules of the laser tag game.It’s a Capture the Flag game where you have to hit the other team’s base.Grecs posts the schedule, and we go off to get ready.
Evie and I share a locker.I watch with amusement as she sheds her coat, sparkly scarf, and a ruffled green cardigan, and all that remains are black turtleneck and black pants.Then she exchanges her boots for a pair of black trainers.Finally, she pulls out a black toque and tucks her hair underneath that.
I put my arms around her.You look like the world’s cutest ninja.
She smiles up at me.I’m excited.I love this kind of role play.
I pull her in closer and whisper,You should have told me that earlier.We can role play in the bedroom.
Her cheeks flame immediately.Oh my.Well, yes.
Hey guys, let’s go,Cleo calls to us as we walk towards the laser tag area.We’re on the opposite side of the draw from Greco’s team, so we don’t have to meet him until the final game.How about we split up?Three of us can protect the base, and three can capture the flag?
Sounds good,I agree.
Me, you, and Mats will go.Sinc, Andy, and Evie will protect our base.
Part of me wants to stay and protect Evie, but Cleo’s strategy is probably the right one.Send your strongest players out to get there as fast as possible.The only other option would be leaving the women to protect the base, but Sinc will be more motivated if he’s alongside Andy.
