A Brief Meeting

Even with Andi’s assurances, a single depraved night was not enough to free Sophie from her lifetime of repression. The hot and cold game was, in its way, helping.

The pair searched for their matches together, holding hands. Every time they met someone, booped bands, and had an entirely friendly and joyful interaction, Sophie became a tiny bit bolder. People weren’t condemning her. They weren’t judging her for her bared chest and shoulders in the gossamer sundress she was wearing, nor were they leering at her with lecherous intent.

It made her want to stay forever in this magical place.

Their explorations had let them down a cobblestone street filled with adorable shops. Sophie’s band claimed she was flaming hot, but here was nobody with them on the cobblestone walkway except a cute staff member in a pleated skirt and halter top, wiping a café table. She was, unlike other staff members, wearing a convenience band, so they took a chance on her.

“Excuse me,” said Sophie.

Katie snapped to alert at the sound of a guest. She hopped to attention, her brown ponytail bouncing, and very nearly saluted. “Yes, miss. Is there anything I can help you with?”

“Are you playing the game?” asked Sophie. “I think you’re my match.”

Katie checked her own band, which was similarly flaming. “Oh, I think I am.” She presented her arm for convenient booping. “Thank you for finding me.”

+1 VP Katie and Sophie match

“Very much my pleasure,” she replied. “I think you were our waitress on our first day here. Do you also work here?”

“They have me training on all the jobs. I’m on ice cream this afternoon. Would either of you like a scoop.”

Sophie accepted with vigor, though Megan responded with a mere nod, unusually silent. She appeared stunned and bewildered.

“Thanks so much,” said Sophie on their behalf as they parted ways. “Keep up the good work.”

Katie absolutely glowed at the simple praise. She gave the couple a smile that would be burned into their retinas.

Once safely out of earshot, Sophie confessed to her partner, “She’s adorable isn’t she?”

“Oh, yeah,” Andi said, still seeming rattled. “Is it okay if I tell you something kind of weird?”

“I suppose I’d be a hypocrite to refuse,” Sophie said, remembering the previous night.

“When I saw her, I got the overwhelming urge to bow down and lick her feet.”

Sophie thought long and hard about that, through several licks of her ice cream. Reaching some kind of conclusion, and after confirming there was nobody in, she said at last “I think I’d kind of like to see that.”