Sweeter Than Candy (The Davenports 1)

We continue out the door reminiscing about our favorite roleplaying games on the way toward downtown.

The entrance to the Rook is hidden. A white Rook stands out against a small black flag hung on a metal pole above the building. The black color scheme is broken up with strategically painted white squares and vertical lines going down the tall pillars on either side of the building. Glass windows stand out on either side of the recessed entryway. Set back from the sidewalk, the doorway adds to the mystery the shop invokes.

“I never would have noticed this place on my own.”

“I know. I hadn’t even heard about it until a buddy brought me here.” He holds the door open, and I walk inside. The walls are a mixture of gray and exposed brick. A large wooden bar takes up the majority of the right side of the building with gray stools lining it. An oversized version of Kerplunk rests on the corner of the bar top. The left wall is covered from ceiling to floor with bookshelves full of board games.

“Wow.”

“Welcome to the Rook,” Asher says. The pride in his voice is child-like. He’s sharing his secret getaway with me. Round tables with brightly colored chairs fill the available space leading up to the door and a rectangular opening that leads to the kitchen.

“Since we have a large party, we’ll go up to the second floor, but I wanted to get you started with a drink first.”

“Am I going to need it?” I ask.

“Ha. No, but you’ll want it once you see the menu. Everyone coming today is chill. I promise.” We grab two stools, and I look over the yellow sheet of paper with the cocktails and appetizers listed.

“Capri Against Humanity? Pretty Pretty Princess? Pixie Stick Martini?” The themed drinks made with iconic items like Capri sun pouches, candy necklaces, and pop culture themes is genius. This is going to be a fun evening. The Pretty Pretty Princess exceeds all my expectations. Poured over cotton candy and served with a candy necklace around the glass, it actually sparkles because it has flakes of gold. I take a sip of the sweet concoction and nod my approval.

“Okay, this place is legit.”

“I told you,” Ash says as he leads me up the stairs. The layout is similar to downstairs with its gray walls, exposed brick, and round tables with bright chairs. The space is taken up by areas to play, leaving the games downstairs.

“Looks like we aren’t the first ones here.” Asher waves at a plump redhead with a chin-length bob, black-rimmed glasses, and a welcoming smile. The tall, stocky blonde beside her waves back, too.

“Hey, guys, this is Clara. Clara this is Shannon and Carl.”

“It’s so nice to get another girl to play with this testosterone-fueled group.” Shannon reaches out her hand, and we shake.

“Teammates?” I ask.

Shannon beams. “Of course.”

It’s impossible to stay nervous when they’re so kind. Thirty minutes later, the gang is all here, everyone has a drink, and the appetizers are flowing. We’re all getting our first taste of life after the apocalypse. Zombies, lies, and survival skills. The game has me completely engaged. We all try to work together to make our camps succeed, knowing there’s a sabotager in our midst. I eyeball Asher, wondering if he’s the one trying to take over the camp. He catches my gaze and raises an eyebrow. I hold up two fingers to my eyes and point them at him.

“I think the lady is calling you out, bro,” Brian says with a laugh. The sandy-haired, blue-eyed man with cupid’s bow lips and a deep laugh is irresistible. Constantly joking, his jovial spirit is like a magnet attracting everyone.

The group is an eclectic blend of entrepreneurs, computer engineers, and independently wealthy types. They have the effortless connection that comes from being friends for years, but I don’t feel excluded.

“Just because we came together, doesn’t automatically give you my trust, Ash.”

“Casting the attention on me makes you pretty shady, you know?”

“Hmm. The man doth protest too much, I think,” I counter.

“We’ll see.”

The heckling continues as we play. In the end, Shannon is the traitor.

“You little liar.” Ash points to her, and I laugh. She played us all masterfully.

“Less is more my friends. If you blend into the background, you’d be amazed what you can accomplish.”

“My wife, ladies and gentleman,” Carl says proudly. They’re adorable together. We wrap up, cleaning off tables and returning our games to the library.

“You’re welcome back any time, Clara. With or without our wandering friend,” Carl says as we prepare to leave.

“It’s not wandering when it’s for work,” Ash protests.