211 Playing games 1 (2/2)

Hunter didn't see a problem with that. ”Sure, you guys warm up. We will be busy with snacks…”

Mia glanced at Hunter in panic and quickly added: ”One round only.”

Hunter frowned at Mia and when Liz and Max walked away he asked: ”Why are you so nervous?”

”Don't you want to win?”

Hunter smirked smugly. ”That is a given.”

One of the biggest things Hunter and Mia have in common is their competitive spirit. Losing is not an option!

Mia exhaled and shook her head. ”Then you shouldn't allow Liz a warmup.”

”It's her first time. How can I refuse? Max is good at bowling, but a newbie will impact their score.” Hunter saw that Mia's expression is troubled. ”What got into you?”

Mia waved toward the lane where Max and Liz are. ”Just watch…”

Quentin saw that Brianna is smiling while watching Max and Liz. And that confirmed his previous conclusion: that she is acting strangely only around him, and that should be a good thing. Maybe. He joined her in observing the duo silently.

Max gave few explanations to Liz and then he demonstrated how to do it with a perfect throw which took down all ten pins.

Next, Liz had a go and her ball ended up in the gutter on the left. On the next try, her ball went to the gutter on the right, and her third attempt ended up taking down one pin on the far left.

Max gave few more instructions and then Liz took down five pins to which Max responded with an approving nod and: ”Again.”

To the four people watching, it was obvious that Liz is improving with every throw in a systematic way under Max's guidance.

After Liz completed about twenty throws (with last three taking down all ten pins), Max waved at Hunter and Mia, indicating that they are ready to start.

”How do you think this game will end?”, Quentin asked Brianna when Hunter and Mia joined Max and Liz at the bowling lane.

Brianna was not sure if he is talking about the bowling or about the two of them. ”Which game?”

Quentin gestured toward the four people who were determining who will go first. ”Is there another game ongoing?”

Brianna will not admit that she thought about how Quentin's question is related to this thing between them. After all, the whole evening he is talking to her normally, without obvious flirting or any other intentions and it's driving her insane. Doesn't he want this to go beyond dinner and a chat in the bowling-brewery? She wondered if she is overthinking it. She reminded herself to act normally and not to show him how his proximity affects her.

”If Max can keep up, Liz will win.”, Bri said confidently.

Quentin was happy that Brianna is talking to him and decided to prolong the conversation. ”Regardless of the skills Hunter and Mia have?”

Bri confirmed. ”Liz is good with her hands, but her strength is in her mind. She is an extremely fast learner. You saw the warmup; her hits are getting better without slipping. I can guarantee that unless Mia does something to shake Liz up, Liz will be unstoppable.”

”Are you overestimating Liz or underestimating Mia?”

”Neither. I know them both. Compared to Liz, Mia has the physical advantage, and if this is a game of stamina or strength or reflexes, Mia would win. But bowling is about control and Liz has the lead and Mia knows it. That is why she complained when Hunter approved a warmup.”

”It is about concentration also.”, Quentin added.

”That is another disadvantage for Mia because she is already riled up. For Mia, it's all about winning and when the game is close, Mia's nerves will get to her.”, Brianna responded and gestured toward the game which is starting. ”You don't need to believe me.”

”It's not that I don't believe you, but what you said sounded like you are describing Max and Hunter. Max is a fast learner and he can analyze any situation and make the right steps to the point of manipulating people while Hunter is more… physical. That is why their dad decided to leave the company to Max.”, Quentin explained.

Brianna nodded. ”I also think that they are a good match.”

Quentin wanted to ask Brianna if she thinks that the two of them are a good match, but he decided to keep that question for himself. He knows the answer and if he brings it up, there is a chance that Brianna's stubbornness will act out again. Like this, at least they are talking.

They snacked on nuts and tasting a variety of beers while keeping their talk focused on the game in front of them.

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