Short Story Saturday

This started out much differently....


Embarrassed didn't even begin to describe Harriot's feelings. Betrayed, humiliated, violated even. She could feel everyone's eyes leering at her. They didn't even try to hide it. Her breasts were their focus. She closed her eyes and swallowed hard before leaning over to whisper in her boyfriend, Brian's, ear.

"Why did you bring me here?"

"This is my hobby place, babe. I come here all the time. I wanted you to see what it is I do." He smiled.

"These guys are creepy." She said, eyes darting about the gaming store. She could see a few guys chuckling and pointing at her not-to-subtly at the back. "It's like they've never seen a girl before."

"Well, not a lot of girls are into gaming." Brian admitted. "But Steve has a girlfriend. She lives in Canada."

Harriot rolled her eyes.

"Just give them a chance." Brian pleaded.

"Fine." Harriot crossed her arms across her chest doing he best to hide her breasts from view. A couple of the skinny geeks averted their gaze blushing ashamedly.

Brian made his way around the store showing off his girlfriend with pride. Each person shook her hand for an extra long time. One particularly fat and greasy man gave her a big hug much to her chagrin. After being show cased like some rare piece of meat Harriot slunk into a corner to observe.

Brain and the other guys smiled. They slapped each other on the back in camaraderie. The way they spoke to each other and the sense of community was kind of unusual. Harriot expected greasy neck beards and fart jokes and nerds comparing the "finer points of Star Wars vs. Star Trek." In fact, if not for the backdrop you'd confuse them to be normal people.

Harriot let her guard down a bit and slowly sneaked into the edge of the crowd to watch. Brian had been pulled into a game with another guy there named Curtis. They set up their miniatures and laid out painted hills forests and other "battlefield" accessories before agreeing on a scenario.

It was completely foreign to Harriot, but she was impressed at the amount of dedication that must've gone into each mini. The level of detail on the mini's was astounding. From the whites of the tiny models eyes to the insignia's on their should guards not a single piece was glossed over.

As the game began the two rolled some dice and began to move the models around the table. Harriot watched mostly in confusion. She didn't understand the game but she could appreciate the spectacle. She began to silently coach Brain in her head.

As the game reached its apex Harriot could feel herself getting nervous. She had practically pushed her way next to Brian at this point. She watched nervously.

Brian's miniatures were surrounded on all sides by his opponents forces. He had to hold his position to win the game. It was Curtis' turn.

Curtis' forces rushed Brian's to gain the advantage. Brian braced for impact. After a few rolls of the dice it was time for Brian to see if his toy soldiers had stood their ground or died trying.

"You need a 9 or higher." Curtis grinned as he held out two dice to Brian. Everyone in the shop was silent as Brian took the dice and began rolling them in his hand. Harriot gripped the edge of the table.

Brian rolled the dice.

11.

The store erupted in cheers. Harriot screamed in relief grabbing Brian and hugging him tightly. The other men took turns giving Brian high fives.

Brian smiled at Curtis. "I win again." Brian reached across the table to shake hands. Curtis remained still with his arms folded across his chest.

Curtis, looking bitter, unfolded his arms and reached across and heartily shook hands. "I'll get you next time." He smiled warmly.

As Brian packed his things Harriot couldn't contain her pride. She retold her favorite parts of the game to Brian.

"And when you snuck around the side to out flank him, I kept thinking how brilliant that was!" She sighed and leaned on Brian. "I'm sorry."

"About what?" Brian asked looking clueless.

"I judged this place and all the people here before I even knew what it was about. When you brought me here I totally thought I'd be leaving single. But seeing how much fun you have and how nice everyone can be, I dunno. It makes me want to get to know this side of you more."

"Were you really going to break up with me?"

"No. Well, maybe." Harriot joked. "Now help me pick out an army so I can whoop your ass!"