Dave motioned toward the game. “Ladies first.”
“You bet your ass ladies first!” I said, a little aggressive, maybe.
Dave put his hands out. “Calm down.”
I enthusiastically rolled my eyes. “Said the loser.”
Katie pulled out the first big old Jenga piece, and we read it read together. “Finish a stranger’s drink.” Katie wrinkled her nose. “Gross, I can’t do it.”
I took her hands in mine and focused on an encouraging smile. “We do anything it takes to beat the guys.” I pointed.
Dan waved his hand in the air. “She can’t do it!” He laughed as Gabe gave him a high five.
“See, they think you’re a pussy. Are you a pussy, Katie?”
“Maybe.” Her shoulders shrugged. “I don’t want to get germs.”
“First off, you’re not a pussy. Say it!”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m not a pussy.”
“Louder, bitch!” Clearly, I needed to work on my motivational speaking skills.
“I’m not a pussy!”
“Better. Secondly, I’m a nurse. You can’t get germs from another’s alcoholic beverage. The alcohol level instantly kills any viruses by fifty-seven percent therefore there is no possibility of getting anything from another person’s drink.” A big old pile of steaming horse shit, but did I sound fabulous or what?
I took her hand and led her to a man in his thirties close by who gave off a friendly vibe and tapped his shoulder. He turned toward us and grinned. His light brown hair contrasted with his blue eyes, and he had chill written on his face.
“Excuse me, kind sir. We’re trying to beat a bunch of boys in a bar contest and wondered if you would help us by letting my beautiful friend finish your drink?”
He sat back and looked amused. “Really? She wants to finish my drink for a game?”
I tried to conceal my evil grin but failed. “You bet your ass, she does.”
Katie waved her hand. “Not really, but Fern is making me. Are you updated on your Covid booster by chance?”
“I can assure you I’m healthy.” He looked back at me before reaching out and grabbing my left hand. “Since it appears you’re single, I’ll let her have my drink if I can get your number.”
What was happening? Why were handsome men showing me attention? “Oh, I don’t live here.”
“That’s okay. I have a car and frequent flyer miles.” He stood up, fished his wallet out of his back pocket before reaching in, and grabbing two business cards. “I’m Chad Denton, and this is my contact info.” He then grabbed a pencil from the little Keno basket on his table. “Now, if you’ll jot down yours, my drink will belong to your friend.”
I stood for a second as Katie nudged me. “Do it before I say no to this challenge.”
“I, umm?—”
Katie leaned in close and whispered. “Give the handsome, single man your freaking number already.”
I nodded as I slid his card in my back pocket and wrote my number on the other as Katie guzzled down Chad’s drink.
We returned to our group as Katie did a dance. “I did it! I drank a stranger’s drink!” She gave me a fist bump. “And a hot dude asked for Fern’s digits!”
I kept my eyes down for a moment, and when I brought them up, Gabe was staring at me, wearing a cocky grin.
Ed drew a block. “Do the moonwalk.” He shrugged and started a delightful moonwalk while Gabe strolled my way.
“So you’re giving your number out to losers tonight?” His grin was casual while his eyes were anything but.
