Playing Passion's Game (11 page)

When the nightmare returned, it wrenched Trent from her sleep, her ears ringing with the sound of her own screams. Shaking, she looked in every corner of her bedroom until she realized she was safe. She ran a trembling hand through her hair and searched her fingertips for any blood visible in the pale dawn light. Her fingers were clean.

“Fuck” slipped from her lips as she willed her heart to calm its frantic pace. Swallowing hard against the rise of bile in her throat, Trent resigned herself to getting up. Unsteady feet carried her into the bathroom, where she waited until the wave of nausea eased. She searched her face in the mirror, seeing only strained features instead of the battered visage that had been in her nightmare.

“I don’t care what time it is, I need a beer,” Trent told her reflection and headed downstairs to the kitchen. She caught the time on her kitchen clock: 4:33 a.m. “This is getting old fast.” She popped the tab on her can and drank half of it down in one swallow. Hands still shaking, Trent ran her fingers over the scar that lay partially hidden under her hair. She paced the length of the kitchen and back, draining her beer can.
Seventeen years ago, and I’m still ruled by that day, terrified by his anger and bearing the scars.
Trent slammed the can into the sink. “You have no control over my life now, Dad, so stay the fuck out of my dreams!” She flung open the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water. Taking the stairs two at a time, she ran back up to her bedroom where she hastily dressed in workout clothes. “Time to hit the Wii Fit, and if yoga doesn’t help me relax, then I am switching to boxing so I can beat the shit out of someone.”

*

It was still too early for the mall to be open to the public when Trent flashed her pass at the security guard manning the door. She walked the length of the mall to where Gamerz Paradise resided. At her banging on the shutters, Elton raised them to allow her to slip under and get in the shop.

“Christ, Trent, you look like shit,” he said. “You pull an all-nighter with the guys?”

Trent headed toward the back of the shop. “I wish. Damn nightmares are back.”

Elton let out an angry sigh. “Dammit. What brought those on again?”

Trent shrugged. “Guess I was long overdue a visit from the ghosts of a lifetime past. It’s been a while since the last bout.” She tapped on the keypad to go back into the staff quarters, Elton hard on her heels. Stowing her messenger bag in her locker and taking off her jacket, Trent was all too aware that Elton was watching her like a hawk.

“Do you think it’s because of Juliet?” he finally asked, putting Trent’s fears into words.

She leaned against the lockers and sighed. “Which is why I choose never to get close. Women are a nightmare in more ways than one.”

“You like this one, though. Maybe your subconscious is fighting while your heart is trying to draw you closer.”

“You are way too profound for this ungodly hour of the morning.” She moved to walk past, but Elton deftly stepped in her path.

“You look like crap, little sister. I’ll go get you some coffee and a doughnut from the food court, but first…” He put his arms around her shoulders and just held her close. Trent relaxed into the hug and willed herself not to cry. After a long moment, Elton let her go. “There, all better now.”

Trent coughed at the emotional lump that had lodged in her throat. “Thank you, Uncle Elton.”

“Hey, my hugs have healing powers, and all my nieces and nephews think I’m the coolest thing on the planet.”

“Second only to me.” Trent slipped past him back to the shop floor while he blustered. “I’d like a frosted doughnut, please. Heavy on the sprinkles.”

Elton bowed at her request and raised the door shutters again. Leaning back against the counter, Trent closed her eyes briefly.
I can’t live my life like this, haunted by the past and not getting beyond it. Always being in control so I’m not caught off guard again. Yet Juliet’s touch makes me want so much more. Can I really let my guard down now? Can I let go of it all with Juliet?
Trent was still considering this when Elton returned.

“I could hear your mind working overtime from out there. What are you plotting and planning?”

Trent gave him a tired look, her mind made up. “I’m going to ask Juliet to accompany me to Zoe’s birthday party.”

Elton handed her the coffee and doughnut. “Like in a date?”

Trent nodded, quickly taking a big mouthful of her doughnut.

“Good for you. Do you realize that Zoe has invited my family as well?”

“Mama Simons will be there?”

“Yes, Mother is gracing us with her presence along with a sibling or two. You know how they love a party, and Zoe invited the whole Simons clan.”

Trent’s tightness in her chest eased. “I’ll do it. I’ll ask her this week. Maybe she can bring Kayleigh along.”

“A little chaperone to keep you two in line?”

“That woman just bowls me over, Elton. I’ve never experienced anything like it.”

“You need it, Trent. You’re too wonderful to be alone in this world.”

Trent held out her doughnut to share, and Elton took a sizeable bite. “You’re slightly biased.”

“I know you better than anyone. My word stands.”

“I suppose you want a share of my coffee too?”

“Just some of the whipped cream off the top. You can have the rest.”

Trent dutifully handed it over and experienced her first peace in hours.

*

Managing to find a quiet spot in the day, Trent tucked herself away in the locker room to text Juliet. She hesitated only for a second before sending the message. She sat staring at the screen for a moment, then raised her eyes heavenward. “She’s working. She isn’t waiting for you to call.” She was just slipping her cell phone away when it announced an incoming text message.

Yes 2 bday. Will CU tonight.

Trent left the locker room with a massive smile on her face. Elton instantly sidled over to her.

“The fair Juliet said yes, I take it?”

Trent nodded, both nervous and excited and at a loss to explain either feeling. “Now what do I do?”

Elton patted her on the shoulder comfortingly. “Welcome to the dizzy world of dating for dummies.”

*

The yard’s overgrowth had been ripped out and the bareness was quite a contrast to what Trent had been used to seeing from her window. She sat on the back doorstep, handheld console in her grasp as she split her attention between the game and the women in her yard. One woman in particular, Trent had to admit, as she paused her game for the umpteenth time just to watch Juliet move something or reach to push a branch aside.

“Are you really playing that or just using it as cover to ogle my coworker?” Monica spoke so only Trent could hear.

Trent jumped at being caught staring. “I was not ogling, merely admiring her dedication and commitment to the work in this yard.” Trent shaded her eyes to look up at Monica. “She’s really taken to it, hasn’t she?”

“She’s marvelous in the yard, as I knew she would be. But your eyes aren’t following her every move because you admire her work ethic.”

Trent stared at her. “Haven’t you got something to dig?”

“I’m too busy tripping over your line of vision going straight to her ass.”

“Monica, I can’t lift this slab up.” Juliet’s voice cut through Monica’s taunt. Trent gave her a toothy grin.

“I’ll be right there. Don’t pick it up on your own.” Monica turned her attention back to Trent. “The party this weekend, Zoe’s birthday bash? Elton tells me his sisters will be there.”

“Stevie and Anne and their assorted kids plus husbands, no doubt.” Trent realized Monica was uncomfortable. “They’re going to love you. The family needs another splash of darkness so it’s not all on Elton’s shoulders to carry the Goth banner.”

“Thank you for that reassurance. I’ve met his mother. She’s a sweetheart, but siblings are…” She searched for the right words.

“Judgmental, overbearing…nosy?” Monica nodded at Trent’s assessment. “They’re all that and more, but you’ll do fine. Once they understand you like kids, they’ll just foist their offspring on you and go enjoy the party.” Trent considered for a moment. “Or is that just me they do that to?”

“So I shouldn’t be nervous?”

Trent turned back to her game. “They give you any grief, you come straight to me and I’ll tell you tales about them as teenagers. But I assure you, they won’t be any problem. They’ll love you as much as Elton does.”

Monica blustered. “We haven’t got that far yet.”

“
Yet
,” Trent said simply. “Just enjoy the party. Your friends will be there if you need us.”

“Monica,” Juliet called again. “Needing help here, please.”

Trent immediately went to get up but a hand stopped her. “You’re in your work clothes. You’re not stepping anywhere off your back step and touching stuff that could damage those game-playing hands.” Monica pushed her back down. “I am reliably told your hands are like a surgeon’s, not to be damaged or else.” Monica stepped away. “Personally, I think that’s your and Elton’s excuse to get out of any hard work.”

“I could go change,” Trent said.

“Yeah, like you’d be any use whatsoever. All I’d hear is how you got a splinter and then Elton would start grumbling, and it’s not worth the hassle.” Monica walked away to aid Juliet.

Trent kept an eye on them while still playing her game, but she lingered too long on Juliet’s face set in concentration, and the level she’d been working so hard on in her game slipped from her grasp. Trent stared at the screen as the taunting “Game Over” message played. “Well, that was unfortunate.” She started the level again. The level wasn’t as difficult as Trent’s inability to keep her eyes from Juliet, so she saved her progress, switched the machine off, and conceded defeat for now in both playing and observing.

*

The nightmares mercifully stayed away for a few nights and Trent got to catch up on her sleep. She was still wired, edgy, and almost hyper by the time the weekend drew close.

“Geez, will you turn it down a notch? You’re like a ten-year-old who’s been force-fed additives and fizzy orange pop!”

Trent skidded to a halt in front of Elton. “What? I’m just stocking the shelves with the new releases.”

“It’s your way-too-happy face while you are doing it that’s going to scare the customers away.”

“I can do serious.” She hardened her face, but the grin soon broke free. Elton sighed and swatted at her playfully. “I can’t help it. I’ve actually slept three nights in a row, my yard no longer looks like the Amazon, and I have a date this Saturday.”

Zoe and Rick seemed amused at Trent’s unusual giddy enthusiasm. “Dad’s getting the barbecue all fired up,” Zoe said. “It’s going to be a great party.”

“She’s invited all the neighbors so no one can complain if we get too rowdy,” Rick added.

“So you’re bringing Juliet? Actually bringing and not just tagging along with?” Zoe leaned back against the counter, regarding Trent with a fond look. At Trent’s confirmation, Zoe beamed. “Good, we like her. I wonder if Kayleigh would like a sleepover with Sam? That way you wouldn’t have to worry about getting her home and having to leave early.”

Trent grasped Zoe’s face between her hands and placed a loud kiss on her forehead. “I knew there was a reason why I liked you so much.”

Zoe laughed at Trent’s silliness and looked over her shoulder at Elton. “Keep her away from the doughnuts.” She got her cell phone and began typing away. “I’ll get Sam to invite her. They’ve been e-mailing each other daily since Kayleigh’s birthday party.”

“So you gonna use not having the kid to worry about as an excuse to get all up close and personal with this woman when the stars come out?” Elton asked.

Trent just shrugged. “Who needs an excuse when the lady is so damn hot?”

The weekend arrived without a cloud in the sky and the temperature in the upper seventies. Trent had no problem dressing for this party. She pulled out a pair of surfer style shorts in camouflage grays and matched it with a T-shirt emblazoned with a character from a war game. She picked up her solid silver dog tags that Elton had brought for her, suitably inscribed with her name and rank from their favorite game. Then gathering up her sunglasses, she hung them from the neck of her T-shirt. Finally lifting the large present that was Zoe’s gift from the Gamerz Paradise employees, Trent set her house alarm and closed the front door behind her.

“Trent, you’re doing some gallivanting these days. It’s a blessing to see.”

Trent peered over the fence at Mrs. Tweedy, bedecked in a wide-brimmed hat that dwarfed her head. “Mrs. Tweedy, I’m not always stuck in the house. I do venture out to work.”

“I know you do, dear, but now you’re accompanied by that pretty blond girl. That’s different.”

Yes, it is
, Trent admitted to herself.

“You look happy, my dear.”

Trent peered over the fence. “Thank you, must be the weather making me smile.”

Mrs. Tweedy snorted. “Of course it is, not the thought of your sweetie whose car I can hear turning into the top of our road.”

“Why is it you can hear that but not the cats fighting on your front lawn ripping up your pansies?”

“Selective hearing, my dear. You’re automatically equipped with it once you hit seventy years of age.”

Trent looked up as, sure enough, Juliet’s car pulled up at the bottom of her drive. “No loud parties now, Mrs. Tweedy. You know the neighbors will talk.”

“Back in my day, I’d have given them something to talk about, mark my words,” she replied.

Trent returned Kayleigh’s wave as she got closer to the car. Juliet leaned over to open Trent’s door. It afforded an all-too-brief flash of cleavage that Trent immediately grew hot over.
And so it starts.

“Good afternoon, ladies,” she managed to utter as she slipped into the car. “Are we ready to party?”

“I’m staying over at Sam’s house tonight,” Kayleigh said. She held up her bag. “I’ve got my pajamas and everything.”

“But have you brought your DS? I know Sam has one too.”

“She never goes anywhere without it,” Juliet answered. She looked Trent over. “You look like you’re ready for battle. Is the line for the barbecue going to turn into a skirmish?”

Trent managed to fasten her seat belt under the large box she rested on her lap. “I’m ready for any battle in order to get my share of Zoe’s dad’s spare ribs.” She smacked her lips loudly. “He does the best barbecue ever, and we would fight over it. War is never pretty.” Trent cast an eye over Juliet. “Now you, on the other hand…” She admired the pale skin that emerged from thigh-length shorts. “Nice weather for shorts, isn’t it?”

“It’s too hot for anything else.” Juliet pulled away from the curb.

“That’s a very big present, Trent,” Kayleigh said. “What is it?”

“You’ll see when Zoe opens it, squirt. It’s a big present because all of us from work chipped in to get her something she really wanted. I think she’ll be pleased.” Trent settled back to watch Juliet drive, her eyes firmly fixed on the way Juliet handled the steering wheel in her hands.

“Stop looking at me,” Juliet whispered from the corner of her mouth.

“I can’t help it,” Trent whispered back. “That shirt looks really good on you.”

Juliet glanced down at her pale lilac top. “Zoe said it was strictly casual.”

Trent nodded. “Barbecue parties are for letting your inner scruff out. You just know whatever you wear is going to get covered in drippy sauce.”

“Trent, you have lots of muscles in your arms,” Kayleigh said matter-of-factly from the backseat. She leaned forward and lifted the cuff of Trent’s T-shirt. “And you have a tattoo! Juliet, Trent has a tattoo!”

“And before you even ask, no, you’re not old enough to have one,” Juliet said swiftly, her eyes on the traffic as she drove up the main road.

“Did it hurt?” Kayleigh asked, keeping Trent’s T-shirt lifted so she could see the pattern that ran around her upper arm.

“No, I was very brave,” Trent answered, then said under her breath for Juliet, “and more than a little drunk thanks to Elton.” Kayleigh poked at a muscle.

“Did you get this strong playing games, Trent?”

Trent coped with Kayleigh’s endless stream of questions. “I work out, Kayleigh, with weights and stuff, but the Wii has some fitness discs that I use too to keep me in shape.”

“She looks great, doesn’t she, Juliet?” Kayleigh asked.

Juliet’s eyes left the road for just a moment and seared Trent with their heat. “Yes, she does, Kayleigh.” Trent’s stomach clenched at the husky cadence to Juliet’s voice and she swallowed hard. It was with some relief that Juliet pulled into Zoe’s road and parked her car on the street outside the house.

Kayleigh was instantly getting out of her seat belt. “There’s Sam!” She scrambled from the car, leaving Trent and Juliet behind.

“Good thing you’d put the parking brake on,” Trent said as the girls met in the middle of the pavement and squealed their hellos. She jumped as warm fingers touched her skin. Trent’s eyes followed Juliet’s fingers as they traced the tattoo that was inked into her skin.

“What’s with the Space Invader theme, Trent?” Juliet’s fingertips traced the familiar blocky artwork of the alien characters as they wound their way around Trent’s bicep in a band. “Is this your favorite game?”

“No, just the one that survived with me.” Trent knew she was being evasive, but she didn’t want to explain now. “Maybe one day I’ll tell you the story behind the tattoo, but for now I just want to go enjoy the party with you by my side.” She met Juliet’s eyes. “Please?”

Juliet leaned forward and kissed her, slowly but with a gentle pressure that promised of passion to come. Trent’s whole body shivered when Juliet finally drew back.

“I like how you say please,” Juliet said, touching her lips with her tongue as if tasting Trent there.

Trent couldn’t look away as Juliet reapplied her lipstick. She followed every sweep of the color as it was spread on Juliet’s mouth. It only served to make her want to kiss it all back off again.

“You ready to go join the rabble I can hear from here?” Juliet asked.

I’d rather spend the day kissing your lips Passion Pink free.
“Sure, like I don’t see them enough at work.” She forced herself from the car, away from the temptation of Juliet’s lips.

*

Juliet was startled when Trent shifted the large box in her grasp and reached out with her free hand to hold on to Juliet’s. Trent led the way up the path toward the front door that had been left wide open by the two younger girls. Juliet loved the feel of Trent’s strong hand in her own. It was comforting and she liked what it signified. She was
with
Trent. Juliet wondered if Trent realized her own actions. She was letting everyone know that Juliet was with her, staking a claim. Entering the house, Juliet spotted a small woman bustling her way from the kitchen and making a beeline toward them.

“You’re here at last!” The woman imperiously waved a hand for Trent to dutifully lean forward so the woman could pat her on the cheek in welcome. Her gaze fell on Trent’s occupied hand and her eyebrow rose.

“Miranda, this is Juliet, Kayleigh’s big sister,” Trent said.

“Glad to meet you, sweetie. Everyone is out in the backyard.” She guided them through to where there was already a crowd growing. “Go make your presence known, Trent.”

Juliet felt Trent’s hand tighten on hers as they walked out into the backyard. Everywhere was strung with balloons, streamers, and Happy Birthday banners. Zoe came bounding up and gave Juliet a sideways hug seeing as Trent still hadn’t released her hold.

“Happy birthday, Zoe,” Trent said, brushing a kiss on Zoe’s forehead.

“Yes, happy birthday.” Juliet handed over her gift.

“You didn’t have to get me anything. It’s just cool you and Kayleigh are here.” Zoe looked pretty in her sparkly shorts and top, her eyes shining from all the attention. She held the small present to her chest. “Thank you, though. Can I open it now?” At Juliet’s nod, Zoe tore open the wrapping and exclaimed over the necklace Juliet had picked out for her. “This is gorgeous.” Zoe quickly swept up her hair and handed the chain to Rick. “Fasten it on me, honey.” The gold chain rested just below her neck and the attached pendant shone in the sunshine. “Juliet, thank you. I love it.”

Juliet was thrilled to have her gift so well received. She’d taken a long time choosing the exact piece she’d wanted for someone she didn’t know all that much about. But she knew Zoe liked Juliet’s jewelry from the things Kayleigh had said via Sam so had sought the perfect piece.

“Where is the littlest Sullivan? She came in with us, then disappeared with Sam.” Trent looked around the yard but couldn’t see either girl.

Zoe rolled her eyes at them both. “She and Sam are upstairs making sure Kayleigh’s stuff is put just right for tonight.”

Juliet could see all the Gamerz Paradise crew converging toward them, Elton included. They circled around Trent, and Juliet was disappointed when Trent finally had to let go of her hand.

“Now that the gang is all here.” Trent seemed to be counting heads, then obviously satisfied, took a deep breath. “Happy birthday, Zoe, from all your friends at Gamerz Paradise who all chipped in to get you this present.” She held out the box for Zoe. Zoe tested the weight of her present, then lifted her eyes to Trent.

“You didn’t?” she asked hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper as she clearly recognized the shape and weight of the box.

“Open it and see,” Rick said, urging her on.

Zoe ripped off the paper and her face told them all how pleased she was with her present.

“Your old Xbox succumbed to the red ring of death. I’m not facing the online clans without my best sniper beside me.”

Juliet saw tears well up in Zoe’s eyes at Trent’s declaration. Zoe flung her arms around Trent and squeezed her as tight as she could while still holding onto her new console.

“Group hug,” Elton bellowed and everyone piled in to clutch Zoe close. When the group finally broke, Trent placed a hand on Zoe’s shoulder.

“Just tell me you backed up all your save files.”

Zoe nodded and Juliet was amused at how everyone let out a collective sigh of relief.

“You got me the Resident Evil red,” Zoe said, running her hands reverently over the box. “You guys are the best!”

Elton flipped a thumb in Trent’s direction. “She phoned around all our stores after that one. We never even got one in ours. Trent pulled in some pretty big favors to get it for you.”

Zoe blew Trent a big kiss. “You are my hero.”

Juliet was captivated by Trent’s shy discomfort. It made her look sweet, not that she’d ever tell her that.

“Well, it’s for all of our sakes because when a console dies it’s said that a star goes out in the sky,” Trent said mournfully, inciting a round of sniggers around her. “I got an extra controller thrown in so that Rick here can play too.”

“You guys are the best,” Zoe said. “I couldn’t have wished for a better present.”

“Next Friday night, mark your calendar; we’re all going hunting,” Trent said. “Our sharpshooter will be back online.” Zoe nodded enthusiastically and the others all high-fived each other.

“Games night cometh!” Elton roared and laughed maniacally. He grabbed for Trent’s arm. “Come here a minute. Someone’s been asking for you.” He caught Juliet’s eye. “I promise I’ll send her back.”

Trent tossed Juliet an apologetic look as she was pulled away.

“I can’t believe they did that,” Zoe said to Juliet, hugging her present to her chest like a precious child.

“Trent sorted it all for you,” Rick said. “The minute your machine died she started making phone calls.”

“I’m beginning to realize that anything game related means a lot to all of you,” Juliet said, amazed by how serious they all seemed to be about a machine.

“For some of us, it’s all we have, our friends online, the competitions, proving that the hours we spend on the machines are worth it. You hone your skills and climb up the leader boards. I’m lucky that when I met Rick, I got to share it all with him. It’s more than just playing, it’s a whole social network. And our team is showing that we are very good at what we do. It’s what we live for, the next big game to pit ourselves against.”

Juliet laughed. “It’s weird, but for a moment there I could distinctly hear Trent’s voice.”

“She’s brilliant, and could and would wipe the floor with all of us in any game she plays. But she uses her skills to encourage the team, and she never puts us down if we lose.”

“Not even Eddie,” Rick muttered.

“Elton would have killed him by now if it wasn’t for Trent,” Zoe said. She paused a moment, looked around surreptitiously, then back to Juliet. “Trent has never brought a girl to any of our get-togethers before.”

Juliet’s eyebrow rose and she wondered how she should answer.

“You must be very special,” Zoe added.

“
She’s
special.”

Zoe drew Juliet’s attention over to where Trent was surrounded by people slapping her on the back in welcome.

“Yes, she is and she doesn’t realize it at all. We all love her. She’s part of our families because she doesn’t have one of her own and because, quite honestly, we want her with us. I can tell you care for her too.”

“It’s that obvious, eh?” Juliet’s eyes followed Trent as she was gathered into the crowd.

“She looks at you in the same way, when you don’t notice it, when you’re not looking,” Zoe said. “Like she can’t believe you’d be with her. Even now, while she’s doing the meet and greet with my family her eyes haven’t strayed far from you. She’s making sure you’re still here, that she can see you, that you’re safe.”

Juliet’s chest swelled. “Ever the protector. She seems to watch over a lot of people.”

“Yes, she does. She’s a very good friend.” Zoe leaned in closer to speak confidentially. “But she doesn’t look at any of us the same way she does
you
.”