Page 86 of Something Like Hail

Felix chuckled nervously. “I was trying totone down my geekiness. Anyway, I doubt Shigeru Miyamoto had anyidea how famous his character would become, or knew that he wascreating an entire genre of gaming. Video game designers back thenwere true pioneers. It must have been an amazing time. I wish Icould go back and live through it all.”

“It’s better this way,”Noah said. “You have access to all of those games now. I’m sure youcan get most of them as an app on your phone.”

“Not the same,” Felix said,shaking his head. “I want to play them how they were originallyintended. They have aDonkey Kongcabinet at this bar. Did you know that? I’ve onlyever seen it once before, at a bowling alley, and the screen wastoo messed up to play.” They rounded a corner, the sign for Bottoms1UP visible ahead. “I hope I can get in!”

He sounded like someone approaching a trendyNew York nightclub, not a person about to enter a murky bar withoverpriced drinks and worn-down furnishings. As for Noah, he wasn’tworried about getting in because he had already talked to the ownerearlier in the day. Still, as they approached the bouncer, he madesure to put on a show.

“Better stay back here,”Noah said, holding an arm out to stop Felix. “Wait by the curb.I’ll see what I can do.”

He strolled up to the bouncer, making sureto stand where Felix wouldn’t be able to see the other man’s face.After showing his ID, Noah nodded toward the interior.

“Is Albert still here? He’sexpecting me.”

“You’re Noah?” the bouncerasked, standing up from his stool and looking more attentive. “Youcan go on in or—”

“Just a sec. I need you toact like I’m causing trouble. There’s a kid waiting by the curb.Don’t look yet. When you do, be sure to glare and shake yourhead.”

The bouncer seemed confused. “Why?”

“Just having some fun witha friend of mine.”

The bouncer shrugged, then put on animpressive show, scowling past Noah and frowning as he slowly shookhis head. Maybe it was a little overkill, but it worked, because anaudible groan came from behind.

“Okay,” Noah said with alow chuckle. “I’m going to act like I’m telling you off. Then we’llget Albert out here.” He started gesticulating broadly and evenpounded his chest once, like some deranged alpha male. He tried tokeep a straight face, but the bouncer was laughing, which made himwant to also. He just hoped that Felix couldn’t see theirexpressions from where he stood. “I think that’s enough. Let’s seewhat the boss man has to say.”

The bouncer took out his phone to contactAlbert. Noah turned around and shrugged at Felix, whose saggedshoulders and downtrodden appearance made him want to rush over andgive the guy a hug.

“Noah!” a voicesaid.

Albert appeared dressed in a T-shirt toosmall to cover the bottom of his gut and jeans that were stainedwith oil and at least one burn. He was into electronics and nerdyas hell, but also a super nice guy. Albert preferred variety, soNoah had been with him only once, but he had tried to make itmemorable. Judging from the warm reception to his call, he had.

Albert beamed at him, then caught sight ofFelix. “And that must be who you’re trying to impress.”

“It is,” Noah said whilegiving the man a hug. “What do you think?”

“Precious,” Albert said.“Those ears are the cutest things I’ve ever seen!”

“Aren’t they?” Noah grinnedproudly. It felt good that someone so sweet wanted to be around himat all. “He’s really into retro-gaming. Like I said on the phone,he’s not old enough to drink, but that’s not why we’rehere.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine,”Albert said, waving away any concerns. “Just promise that I’ll getto hear details if you two hit it off. And if you don’t, I wouldn’tmind his phone number!”

Noah laughed and offered a handshake. “I oweyou one. That’s all I can promise.”

“Sounds good. Here. On thehouse.” Albert reached into a pocket and scooped out a handful oftokens. He placed them in Noah’s hand, took another look at Felix,and then addressed the bouncer. “Friends of mine.”

The bouncer nodded in understanding. Albertwent back inside. As for Noah, he turned around wearing a grimexpression. He maintained this while approaching Felix, then said,“Bad news. They won’t let you in to drink, no matter how much Iargued. They’re okay with you playing video games though, but onlyif you stay away from the bar.”

“Really?” Felix said, eyeslighting up. “You’re the best!” He moved forward and started toopen his arms, like a hug was imminent, but then got himself undercontrol. “Um. Thanks. Can we go in now?”

Noah chuckled. “Sure. Let’sgo play someDonkeyKong.”

Once they were inside,Felix ran from machine to machine, babbling incoherently. “Oh mygosh!Skulls &Crossbones. Terrible game. Can’t waitto—Oh!Joust! Thecocktail version. So perfect! I’m gonna get me some eggs! Ha ha!Hey!Turkey Shoot?I’ve never even heard of that one. Do you like pinball?”

Noah didn’t answer because Felix was alreadyracing off in a new direction. Instead of trying to keep up, hewent to the bar to get them both Cokes. While waiting for thedrinks, he looked around. The place seemed okay. Games lined everywall, and some stood in clusters in the center of the room. Adecent number of people were playing, some with determinedexpressions, like video games were serious business. Once Noah hadthe drinks, he found his date next to a token machine, feeding indollar bills.

“I have a bunch already,”Noah said, jerking his head toward the nearest bank of cabinets.“Let’s go play.”

“I don’t even know what tostart with,” Felix said, clearly overwhelmed.