Katherine Fallow, Unemployed

I really shouldn't have had that second margarita. Although in hindsight, I'm certain being sober would have made everything worse to start.

The loud din info the restaurant filled my brain, leaving only enough thought to lock in on the skeeball machine. "Shit. Damnit!" My last ball bounces off the rim of the 1,000 point hole, rolling pitifully to the 100 point gimme at the bottom of the board.

I run a hand through my hair, looking up at the score. Not the worst I've gotten recently, but not as close to Luke's as I'd like. Oh well, I had fun.

"Kat!" I turn to the person running up to me. "Check it!" It's Riley, holding a purple plastic ring. The lanky enby adjusts their glasses and smiles.

"You're already spending tickets?"

They stick their tongue out. "Yeah what of it? Found a couple tickets cards from the last time my cousins came to town. Anyway... I thought you'd like it."

I take the ring, not really planning to wear it but appreciating the thought. "Thanks, Riley. Have you seen Olivia?" I glance around the game room, but the machines block sightlines really well. "Luke and Evan are over at the hoops game, but I haven't seen her in a bit."

Riley thinks for a second. "Y'know, I think she might be by the kart racers?" An announcement over the PA interrupts our talk.

"Olivia, party of five. Olivia, party of five."

"Well there we go, our table's ready!" I head to the entrance, fiddling with the ring still in my hand and absent-mindedly sliding it onto a finger.