The whole series of events was put into motion on that day. My best friend Ripley had invited me and a group of friends to a "competition" of sorts. In reality, it was just an excuse for a social gathering, could have been anything really, but I guess my friend was really excited about his ability to offer 2 tickets to a concert at the Imperial Manifest Concert Hall, one of the most prestigious concert venues in the States.
It might be pertinent to point out that my friend is a world-class pianist. Even still, the opportunity to perform at the Imperial Manifest is career-defining. Getting tickets to such an event wasn’t impossible, at least in terms of availability, the barrier to entry is mostly monetary; tickets didn't come cheap. I wanted to support my friend if I could, so of course I took him up on his offer to "compete" for the tickets. Also, I probably needed to get out more.
The "competition" was held at his residence, a nice four-story townhouse, where I and some 5 other friends met up to compete for the coveted prize. Well, they were mostly his friends, I was familiar with them of course, but I was never one to have much of a social circle. Still, I enjoyed their company, and I like to think I added something to the gatherings when they occurred.
There was Tim and Kate, they were dating, well... engaged actually. They were quite "attached" to each other, and I found it a bit grating to be honest. Not in the making-out-in-the-middle-of-public kind of way, but more of the "schmoopy" from Seinfeld kind of way, for those of you who are students of the classics. They also engaged in excessive cuddling, which I found somehow more irritating, but that probably has more to do with my personal shortcomings than anything.
Demetry was also there, looking sharp as ever in his navy blue blazer. Say what you want about the man, he knew how to look good. Probably comes as little surprise, that he was a bit of a player, but he knew how to do it right... Well as right as any player can. He never led with false pretenses and tried to let them down easy if they became too attached. Not that this always played out smoothly...
My pal Brianne was in attendance as well. She would be the token lesbian of the group, and outside of the host of this get-together, the person I most got along with. Real down-to-earth type. Whenever you had a problem, you could count on her to put it into perspective. I was actually the one to introduce her to this social circle, and she hit it off fairly easily with everyone... I wonder how she could do it so effortlessly. Despite her apparent ability to readily make friends, she didn't do too well when it came to the ladies. For sure, there were plenty of women who came and went, but she would always say they had their heads in the clouds and weren't compatible. I would think that opposites would attract, her being the more earthbound sort, but she didn't apparently think so.
Finally, and most importantly for this story, we had Roa. She was an old friend of my friend Ripley; they went way back apparently. I think they may have dated at some point, but I never dared to ask. I formed something of a crush on her, perhaps because she was the only single—and straight—female in the group. More likely it was because she was SUPER CUTE and had a decent personality, a rare combination.
I had never been any good when it came to the ladies, and I could recognize that someone was out of my league when I saw it. I wouldn't disgrace myself with some bumbled attempt at making a move on her, I would simply resign myself to basking in her presence whenever it was available, something of a bittersweet sensation.
"And the competition shall be, Drum roll please," Ripley suddenly announced once everyone had arrived and was settled in, "Uber Crush Siblings!"
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"YES!" Roa exclaimed as she fist-pumped, looking assured of herself.
"Oh, come on Ripley, you know I'm terrible at these quick twitch games," I complained. "I'm more of a slow-twitch guy."
"Now—now, no complaining. This is what the gods have decreed." Ripley chided.
"What gods are you talking about, aren't you an atheist?"
"Ah, who cares?" Brianne interrupted, "Where the boos?
"Of course, of course." Ripley went off to fetch the sweet, sweet liquor. I never was much of a drinker, and I would definitely be passing today if I was to have any hope of winning. Still, it didn't seem like much of a chance of that happening, but I would at least make an honest effort.
Liquor was out in short order, along with the obligatory snacks, and the games were underway. Ripley had arranged a tournament bracket, with the best 3 out of 5 declared the winner. He must have brought out some of the really good stuff because I did much better than I expected with me coming in second, with everyone seeming pretty much drunk off their asses by the end of the night. Roa, was of course the MVP of the night, winning almost every pairing with a straight sweep, though she was indulging at least as much as anyone else. I say "almost" because I managed to somehow edge out a single win against her in the final round, much to my surprise.
"And we have our winners!" Ripley came over and raised both our hands into the air like we had just won a UFC fight. He then proceeded to hand us the tickets. "Now don't go scalp'en them now, ya hear!? I don't know if our friendship could bear it!" He said as he wiped his brow like a southern gentleman with a case of the vapers. He does like to make a show of things sometimes, guess the guy is technically in showbusiness, but I don't doubt that he would be deeply hurt if one of us did, in fact, sell off one of the tickets.
And so, the night closed out. Demetry decided to crash on the couch, along with Brianne, who was already out cold—that woman could really put them away. Tim and Kate were within walking distance. Roa decided to take an Uber after some thought.
"Why don't you offer to take her home, Seth?" Ripley postulated this absurd idea.
"Don't be ridiculous, Ripley."
"What is ridiculous about it?? He scrunched his face up as if I was the one being absurd. "She is nearly drunk off her ass, and your stone cold sober..."
I shot him a mock scrutinizing look, "What are you trying to say?"
"Don't play your games with me, you know what I mean." He shot back. "This is a great opportunity to take advantage of circumstances and get some one-on-one time. She needs a ride home, and you are more than able to provide that." As he said that he poked me in the chest several times. Clearly, he wasn't totally sober himself.
I should clarify that Ripley was aware of my crush on Roa; I tended to confide such things to him. When he learned of this, he immediately recommended that I “make a move.” Not sure what move he was suggesting, as I am a man of very few moves when it comes to women. That being said, he even offered to arrange a date with her. Of course, I had to decline; it would be weird if someone arranged a date between two people who knew each other. And besides, Roa was clearly out of my league.
"Well, I'm catching an Uber," Roa announced, "guess I will see you both at the concert." She offered what appeared to be a timid wave goodbye as she made for the front door.
"Yeah... I'll see you there," I offered back, and she was off.
"Ah... Missed your chance," He consolingly slapped my back. "Well, guess you will get another shot at the concert." He let out a small chuckle as he walked back to the living room, where snack debris and liquor bottles were strewn about. I guess in the end, he did, in a way, arrange that date between us, though I wouldn't call it that. Still, I would take the opportunity to enjoy it, as ephemeral as it may be.