“Nope. We’ve talked about it, but it hasn’t happened yet.”
“According to their website, they say it’s like a roller coaster and 3D video game combined.”
“Cool huh,” I said, with a smile. “I know we get to shoot things so don’t be surprised if we make a bet about the loser having to do something.”
“You guys play video games all the time. I don’t think that’s really fair to us girls.”
“Maybe we can do guys vs girls. Whatever we do it’ll make it more fun.”
She snorted. “Yeah, for the winner. But I’m up for the challenge.”
Major, Kayleigh and Gabbi were already there when we arrived.
“I paid for the whole room,” Major told me when I went to pay. “Actually, since each game is only fifteen minutes long, I booked three in a row. We get to shoot zombies, werewolves and killer robots. I figured we’d really get the competition going when we play.”
“Sounds good to me. I know you have something else in mind,” I told him. “What’s the bet?”
He chuckled. “Three games means three winners and three losers. I think the winners get to choose what the losers have to do.”
“Within reason,” Tiffany said.
“Yeah, I agree with her,” Kayleigh added. “We’re new to this whole betting thing.”
“How about this,” I said, “each loser has to stand up in a crowded restaurant and yell the winners name and tell everyone they are the greatest gamer in the world, and everyone should strive to become that person.”
“So,” Tiffany started, “you mean, if you win and I lose I have to yell to a crowd of people that Bodie West is the greatest gamer in the world and everyone should strive to be Bodie?”
“Yep,” I said, with a grin.
“I think I can handle that. Girls?
Both Kayleigh and Gabbi agreed. Just before seven Zach and Chad got there, then it was game on.
I had no idea what this was going to be like, but I was ready to find out. We were shown to the room and told to pick any seat and do up the seatbelt. I rolled my eyes at that, but the guy told us it wouldn’t run if we didn’t. So, I buckled up, put on the 3D glasses, and picked up the plastic laser gun.
As soon as it started, I heard one of the girls scream, but I didn’t have time to figure out who it was. I was surrounded by zombies and it took everything I had to try and shoot them. I was surprised at how realistic it was. My heart was racing like the zombies were really going to eat me.
“That was awesome!” Chad said, when it was over. “And look, Kayleigh was the winner.”
“But you were the loser,” I yelled to Chad.
“Whatever,” he said, but I could see he was smiling.
The next two rounds were just as much fun. I won against the werewolves and Gabbi lost. And when it came to the killer robots Major came out on top and Tiffany lost.
When we were done, we found a restaurant that was close and got a table. It was super crowded, which was great since the losers of the bet were going to have to do their thing. After we ordered our drinks, it was time to honor the bet. Chad was the first one to stand on his chair and tell the entire restaurant that Kayleigh was the best gamer in the world. We all laughed so hard, that at least half of us had tears. Gabbi and Tiffany were good sports and did the same thing.
“We have to do that again,” Tiffany said.
“Even though you lost,” I teased.
She grinned. “Yeah. That just gives me incentive to win next time. It’s too bad Karma isn’t here.”
“Her loss,” I said, not really meaning it. I knew she’d have loved to do this tonight.
Tiffany smiled at me like she knew what I was thinking. Hell, for all I knew she did.
The rest of dinner was loud and fun. We laughed, made fun of each other and talked about stupid things we did as kids. It was exactly what I needed. The only thing missing was Karma.
Chapter 31
Karma
The ride in the limo was fun, but I still had no idea where we were going. I looked out the windows and saw we were downtown. Finally, we pulled up in front of a fancy hotel.
“Are you ready?” Anthony asked me.
“I guess so. This seems a little over the top for dinner though.”
“We’re here for dinner, but not just dinner. It’s a fundraiser for a children’s charity. Dad is a sponsor so that’s why we’re here.”
“Oh.” I wasn’t sure what else to say.
“Are you okay with being here?”
“I guess. I wish you would have said something though.”
“You said I should surprise you.”
“Yeah, a surprise as in what restaurant we were going to. This is entirely different. I’ve never been to something like this before.”
“You’ll be fine, and you look incredible. I have to put in an appearance at dinner. After that, if you feel at all uncomfortable or you really don’t want to be here, just let me know and we can leave. I promise.”
“Alright. I’ll try to keep an open mind.”
Anthony got out of the limo and helped me out. He took my arm and escorted me into the hotel. We walked into a huge ballroom and I was suddenly fidgety. My hand went to the necklace that he’d given me earlier. I was afraid it was going to fall off or something.
We went straight to the bar that was set up on the far side of the room. The bartender didn’t look twice when Anthony handed me a drink. It was red and fruity and very tasty. If I had too many of these, I’d be drunk in no time.
As we made our way around the room, people stopped and talked to Anthony. He introduced me every time, but there was no way I was going to remember any of them. To be honest, I was a little overwhelmed by the whole thing. When they announced dinner was to be served, he led us to a table.
I stiffened a little when I saw his parents were already sitting there. This was the first time I’d seen his father since I learned what he did.
“How lovely to see you again Karma,” his mother said. “You look stunning tonight.”
“Thank you,” I said. I had no problem with his mother. She seemed to be nice enough. His father on the other hand was a different story.
“Have you been to something like this before?” she asked me.
“No, this is a first for me.”
“A little overwhelming isn’t it?”
“Yes,” I said with a little smile.
“It gets easier,” she said, returning my smile.
At least, I could say one thing about this event, the dinner was amazing.
After the plates were cleared, there were a few speeches about the charity and the sponsors were thanked. They announced the silent auction then the music started. Anthony held out his hand and we went to the dance floor.
“How are you doing?” he asked me.
“So far so good.”
“I’m proud of you for sitting at the same table as my father.”
“I didn’t want to make a scene and I actually like your mom.”
“I appreciate that.”
We danced for a few songs then went to look at the silent auction items. It was crazy what was donated, and the donation amounts were even crazier. One item I really liked was a gift basket of imported Belgian chocolate, but the current bid was a thousand dollars. Who the hell was going to pay a thousand dollars for chocolate?