15. Burgers by the Pool

Caroline met us at the front door, kissed her husband warmly, and led us down the hallway, through the kitchen, and out to the pool deck. Lisa stood by the grill. All the other game victims were standing around, eating and talking. They were all wearing their "Love the Game" T-shirts, little denim shorts, and sandals.

​

Lianne was there too, along with John's friend Seth and his wife Kelly the lawyer, both of whom I'd met at the pre-Game party. Kelly and Lianne were dressed as the other ladies, in tiny shorts and "Love the Game" shirts.

 

Tina brought John and me a beer, and kissed me warmly as well.

​

"Had fun?" she asked.

 

"Sure did," I said.

 

"There's more," she said with a wink.

 

I chatted with Kelly, Seth and Tina while I ate my burger.

 

Then, Melanie whistled.

 

Melanie has an ear-piercing hear-it-in-space whistle, and everyone fell silent. I checked to make sure I could still hear.

 

"Thank you, Melanie," Caroline said as she stepped up onto a deck chair to give her some extra height.

​

"Sisters," she said, "and adopted brothers, as Death Mistress for this year's Game, I have a presentation to make.

 

"For serving with distinction as this year's Charon, Tommy Walters is awarded his very own 'Love the Game' T-shirt, together with a DVD of most of this year's action."

 

There was applause as Caroline handed me the items in question.

 

"Don't worry, John and Seth," she said more quietly. "We have copies of the DVD too."

 

Then, to me she said, "I believe a brief speech is in order, Tommy."

 

"Uh, thank you," I said, unprepared, "I'm honored."

 

Everyone clapped again, and Tina said, "See why I love him?"

 

"John?" Caroline called.

 

John rushed over to her. She stood over him on the deck chair and started to sway.

 

Caroline said in a weak voice, "I think... someone... put something... in my..."

 

She fell across John's shoulder, her long hair tumbling down, her arms falling limply and tapping John's rear.

 

"Looks like Caroline wants to play," John said. "I should take her home."

 

"You should," Tina said.

 

"Me, too," Seth added.

​

His wife, Kelly, was slumped over a patio table. Her long blond hair was spilled over the table, covering her hands which rested just above her head.

 

Seth lifted her onto his shoulder. Kelly was a rag doll.

 

John and Seth said goodbye, and carried their wives to their cars.

 

"Well, ladies," Lianne announced, "it must be time."

 

"Indeed it is," Tina said, and pulled off her T-shirt, revealing a sparkling bikini top.

 

To my surprise, the other women (even Lianne) followed suit, revealing identical little tops. They all then removed their shorts, showing that beneath they were all wearing little sparkling thongs. They all, all except Lianne, walked through the back door into the house.

 

Lianne walked over to me and looked me straight in the eye.

 

"Tommy," she said, and she shifted back and forth on her feet a bit, "the ladies were disappointed that the Game wasn't finished, that not everyone got Sleep Spray."

 

"Why are you so nervouse, Lianne?" I asked. "You look great in that costume, but if you don't want to wear it..."

 

"That's not it," Lianne said, "but thank you." She smiled.

 

She took a deep breath, and I struggled to keep my eyes on her face despite what her chest was doing to distract me.

 

"I haven't known you for years, Tommy," she said. "When I did, you were a kid. But your a man now, and my instincts tell me to distrust you, to be a little afraid of you."

​

I shook my head, and started to talk, but Lianne raised her hand.

​

"I've decided I don't want to live like that," she said. "I don't want to push people like you away just because you might hurt me. I've decided to trust you, Tommy. We've all decided to trust you."

 

She took a breath and continued, "But do remember how much you love Tina, and how hard it is for some of us to let go of our fear."

 

"I'll do my best to be worthy of your trust, Lianne," I said.

 

"Good," Lianne said, brightening, "because this is one hell of an act, and I don't know how I'll ever get the chance to do it again."

 

With that, she led me through the kitchen and to the lobby.

Continue The Game (16. Deep Hypnosis)

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