3D: Game Day

All Maya’s adult life, she dreamed of three things: falling in love, meeting Octavia Moon, and hosting a game day party in her own home. Ranveer waltzed into her life with his almond-shaped, onyx eyes and disrupted the order of things like she never imagined. It did not take long for her to become hopelessly in love. Meeting Octavia was a beautiful surprise much like Ranveer. Maya halfway believed that night at the Starlight Accolade Awards even happened. Just remembering she actually knew the queen sent her into a catatonic state. Their Simstagram friendship was more than enough for the moment. Maybe later, when she could acknowledge their friendship without getting starry-eyed, she’d take her up on offers to hang out. Now, in her new home, with the man of her dreams, she checked the third item off the list. As far as she was concerned, life was complete; she needed nothing else. Everything from then on was a bonus.

Excited energy raced through her body like a pin ball searching for an exit. Sitting around waiting for their friends to arrive drive her mad, so she spent the energy by cleaning and preparing snacks. She even did it with a smile! With a clean house, party food, and enough booze to tranquilize a bear, she waited anxiously to receive their friends.

The party was not just a dream fulfilled but a celebration of an unexpected turn of events. Maya and Ranveer’s teams played against each other for the championship title. What contest did she lose to be forced to watch that poor excuse of a team cry for three hours? The Plumnuggets sucked, and the only championship they could dream of playing was the one in their dreams—Inception style! But, all season they played more furiously than ever like thirsty men running toward an oasis; they wanted it bad. Even Maya admitted their desperation. She was aghast at the score when the buzzer blared at 00:00 at the end of the last Plumnuggets game. The Llamacorns vs. the Plumnuggets?? The world had gone mad!

When game week arrived, tension hovered in the Pruett-Singh residence like a specter with unfinished business. Meal times were short and quiet. They didn’t even have sex! The crazy part was she didn’t care. For that one week, Ranveer was the enemy. On normal game days, they bickered and trash talked each other’s teams; it was fun. But, the championship? This was serious. Nothing so monumental had ever occurred. Maya and Ranveer were so unhinged, they didn’t know how to coexist. What if the Plumnuggets actually beat the Llamacorns? Would she have to admit they were a worthy opponent? Did the fact they even made it to the championship make them worthy? This game changed everything.

Maya knew Ranveer’s friends but never hung with them much. Ramon Curtis, his best friend, was the only married guy in the group. She and his wife, Venus, became fast friends. Maya had no qualms about being the only woman in the room, but it was nice to hang with another female on guys’ night. Venus arrived solo but promised Ramon was on his way.

Taylor, the friend with the cute dog, arrived next with all his best flirts. Maya never rejected a good flirt, but it put her off when they first met because he did it right in front of Ranveer. Later, Taylor explained he’s harmless and flirts with everyone. He also had a dramatic flare.

“There’s my Llamacorn angel. I swear, you are the most stunning woman on earth when you wear that jersey.”

“Where is your jersey, Taylor? You’re letting us down!”

“I am but a fool, but you are the most rabid Llamacorns fan there ever was. I could never do our team justice.”

“Oh brother,” Ranveer said under his breath. “When you’re done drooling on my fiance, get yourself a drink.”

“Careful, now,” Maya said. “I just might keep him.”

Ranveer shook his head and went inside.

Moments later, Jonah Wade arrived. Maya high-key thought he was one of the most gorgeous men that walked the planet. He had swagger for days and even out-swagged Ranveer though she’d never admit it. His eyes were deep, dark just like Ranveer’s; that must have been her type: gorgeous with black hole eyes. Every time he was near, she felt butterflies and did not enjoy the sensation. But, as Ranveer’s close friend, she couldn’t hide forever. So, she got to know him from a safe distance. Even though now and then those chestnut eyes catch her off guard causing her to stare longer than appropriate, he’s just one of the guys now. Every so often he’d seek her advice when he needed a woman’s perspective. So far, so good; it better stay that way.

Ramon arrived finally, and Ranveer scolded him for letting down the team. Maya thought of an awesome dig but didn’t make it. The game alone hurt enough and living with each other had its own challenges. No need to make it worse.

“You show up late on the most important day of the year?”

His narrowed eye and pursed lips were so cute. Like a good girl drawn to bad boys, she desired to kiss them. Though she’d never rush away an opportunity to cheer on her team, game week was torture; she needed her sweetheart back.

Ramon glared at him. “I’m here, ain’t I? Game ain’t even start yet.”

Jonah sat alone on the loveseat, eyes to the floor and leg jumping. Maya knew exactly what bothered him and slid next to him.

“So, uhhh, I take it you haven’t talked to Nova yet.”

He shook his head.

Nova was Venus’ older sister with whom he was hopelessly in love. The feelings ate at him like ants on a discarded piece of candy.

“Won’t it be weird? I’m still living with Venus and Ramon.”

She shrugged. “I mean … It might be, but how would you know unless you tried?”

“I know, but … I don’t know. She’s busy painting and trying to get into art galleries so she can build a house. I don’t want to get in her way.”

She shook her head. “You know what I think, Jonah?”

“Please, tell me.”

“You’re scared. Man up!”

He snorted. “You always keep it 100…even when you punch me in the gut.”

She slapped him on the back. “That’s what I’m here for. Get yourself a drink. The game’s almost starting!”

“Nah, I’m good.”

“Oh. Ok. Who are you rooting for, anyway?”

“I’m just here with my folk, that’s all.”

“Oh! Well…ok then!”

On some level she appreciated him wanting to be around friends, but why watch a game in which he had no vested interest? It was like going to a restaurant that served dishes she didn’t like for dessert. To each his own!

“Plumnuggets fans,” Ranveer yelled, “and Maya, are you ready for the game of the centuryyyyyy!”

Everyone pumped their fists in the air and made a great ruckus in preparation of victory. The singles sat on the chairs leaving the sofa for the couples though Maya was uncertain about sitting with Ranveer. She wanted to, but did he? They never watched a championship apart before; it would be weird. She stood off to the side like the new kid waiting for someone to invite her to play. Everything inside got warm and tingly when he beckoned for her to sit. The war between them wasn’t real, of course. But, sometimes it got so serious she couldn’t distinguish between real and fake.

He threw his arm across her shoulder and said, “I shouldn’t say this, but we’re among friends, so…I love you.”

She beamed at those words, releasing a sigh of relief. Still, the war wasn’t over yet. “Noted. I hope you remember that when you’re crying in your sleep tonight.”

He chuckled. “You know that’s the last nice thing I’m gonna say all night, right?”

“Mmm hmm. Bring it.”

“All right, all right, all right,” Ramon shouted. “Let’s get this game started!”

Venus sucked her teeth. “Whatever, Cowberries fan! You’re lucky I even let you wear this jersey.”

How refreshing to have an equally rabid female friend!

Finally, the kickoff!!

To Maya’s dismay, the Llamacorns did NOT have a strong start! Within the first 20 minutes, they used a timeout, made a foul, and fumbled the ball! Whoever those jerks were on the field, they were NOT Maya’s Llamacorns!

Maya playfully referred to Venus as Ranveer’s “game girlfriend.” All night, they high-fived and fist-bumped each other while Maya and Taylor drank away their sorrows. The farce on screen was a hot, stinking mess!

Just before halftime, however, the Llamacorns shaped up and closed the gap in score! It was so glorious!

“WHAT IS HAPPENING,” Ranveer yelled.

Maya punched him in the shoulder. “This is how you play the game, son!”

“I can’t even … I can’t even watch right now,” Venus whined.

Ramon swatted at the trio. “See? This is why I’m a Cowberries fan! Both these teams are whack!”

“UMMM, I suggest you find a hotel to sleep in tonight, sir,” Venus shouted.

Maya joined the chastisement. “And, I’m gonna kick you out my house if you don’t stop blaspheming my team!!”

At halftime, the Llamacorns trailed the Plumnuggets by three, and Maya had confidence they could take the lead quickly. The men dispersed to relieve themselves and refresh beverages, but Maya and Venus stayed behind to watch the halftime show. This year, the performing artist was a surprise! No one understood how they pulled off such a feat. The stage lights dimmed, and the crowd went nuts. The anticipation ate everyone alive! The voice sang one note before the spotlight hit her face, and Maya lost it. She could not contain her excitement and burst into tears.

“OH MY WATCHER! IS THAT…”

“Bailey Kay,” Jonah cried. “She was supposed to be my wife.”

“Says every man on the planet,” Taylor scoffed.

---

Ranveer pouted on the bed like a child in timeout. “Don’t talk to me.”

She grinned, not because of her victory but because he was insanely adorable in misery. “I think you’re gonna wanna hear what I have to say. Unless you’d rather me take all this to the couch.”

“You better not sleep on the couch.”

She flashed her best flirty smile and scooted next to him. “You suffered a great loss and are in deep pain. I believe I am uniquely equipped to heal you.”

He smirked. “Is that so? How fortuitous.”

She towered over him, gently forcing him to lie back. “Indeed. First, I think you should lie down. We don’t want the pain to spread.”

“Oh, you’re a good doctor. Then what do I do?”

“Be a good patient, and let me work.”