Twenty-One

“Let’s play twenty-one.” you told Marcus. You threw out the strictly shooting games. You weren’t a bad shooter, but shooting wasn’t your strength either. Besides, you figured that Twenty-One would allow you to take advantage of the guys’ greater height. And you really didn’t want to give the girls any more of a chance to win than you had to.

“Great,” Marcus exclaimed, “Just so we’re all on the same page. The game is Twenty-One. Baskets are worth two points and the chance to shoot a free throw. Free throws are worth one point and another free throw. After three free throws, the ball goes to the player with least number of points. If you finish shooting with twenty points, you drop to twelve points. First one to twenty-one wins.

“Now then,” Marcus continued, “The twist.” Five sets of eyes were glued to the big man.

“At the end of the round,” he told them, “Everyone with twelve points or less has to take off a piece of clothing. If everyone has more than twelve points, the person, or people, with the least number of points has to take something off. Shoes, socks, accessories don’t count.

“Everyone else has to take a drink.” Marcus finished.

“And to keep anyone from dominating,” Tom added, “The winner has to take an extra drink for each article of clothing removed.”

“What happens once you’re naked?” Linda asked.

“Like any striping game,” Marcus explained, “You have the right leave any time you want. However, you have to leave with only the clothes you have on. If we are in the middle of a game, you have to pay a forfeit.

“If you stay, you have a couple choices.” Cindy took over, “You can stand off to the side and watch, but you have to put on a show for us while you stand there.

“The other option is to continue to play.” Marcus continued, “However, if you lose… the forfeit gets… more severe.” You looked at him quizzically. The big man hesitated.

“Instead of taking off a piece of clothing,” Cindy said coming to Marcus’ rescue, “You are subjected to the perils of the ‘BAG.’” Cindy nodded towards the scorer’s table. A rather large gym bag sat on it. It looked as though it was stuffed.

“It is full of ‘TOYS.’” Cindy explained. The way the blonde said toys left no doubt that they were sexual in nature. “The winner will pull one out and you’ll have to play with it until he or she says you can stop.”

“Any questions?” Marcus asked. One by one the others shook their heads while Cindy took the bottle over to the sideline and placed it on her bag. Finally, Marcus asked you and you shook your head.

“In that case, Ball in!” Marcus called out. It took you a moment to realize that you still had the ball in your hands.