Prompt: Two brothers compete for the same woman.
H.O.R.S.E.
"Horse!"
"What?" Peter threw his twin brother a bewildered look.
"Oh, I saw you staring at the pink tank-top and white short shorts." His tone was taunting, daring Peter to act. Peter and Dave were identical twins but couldn't be more different. Dave was bold and assertive. He is always ready to try new things, a real risk taker, he was never afraid to go up and talk to a pretty girl. Peter was the exact opposite. He hated taking risks and would never go up and talk to a pretty girl. He only tried new things if Dave did them first. That's how he got the nickname "Re-Pete".
"So!" Peter snorted back. He wasn't in the mood for Dave's teasing.
"I saw her too. I propose a game of H.O.R.S.E. to settle this. Whoever wins gets the girl." He gave Peter a smile that said 'You afraid I'll win?'
"Oh, really?" Peter shot him a challenging look. Dave was better than Peter at a lot of things but basketball was one activity where they were equals. "It's unlike you to give me a chance at a pretty girl!"
"I'm in a giving mood." Dave rolled the ball between his hands and then twirled it on one finger. Showing off his skill with the ball.
"My lucky day." Peter said as he knocked the ball from Dave's hand.
"Only if you get lucky!" They chuckled at the double meaning behind his words. Peter knew that he maybe lucky enough to win the girl but he wasn't that lucky.
Peter walked confidently to the foul line of the basketball court. He turned to Dave, "You go first" and he tossed him the ball.
"Cocky!" Dave said with a smile.
Dave started with an easy lay-up shot with his non-dominate hand. Peter thought he was going easy on him. He gave Dave a curious glance, wondering what he was up to starting off so easy. Dave noticed and replied "Just warming up." That was the end of the easy stuff.
With each turn, the brothers tried to out do one another. Shooting half-court, full-court, behind the backboard, lying down, eyes closed and backwards, anything to win.
Soon the game was tied, H.O.R.S. to H.O.R.S. "The next one to miss loses the game and the girl."
Dave taunted. Peter didn't need the reminder.
Peter lay on his back at the top of the key, facing the opposite hoop. His arms over his head, he tossed the ball as hard as he could. Swoosh! "Your turn." He said with a ting of shock and anxiety in his voice.
Dave assumed the position and took aim. SWOOSH! Peter couldn't believe Dave made it. He grabbed the ball and threw it at Dave.
Dave caught the ball with a huff. He took one last peek at the girl in pink. "This could be it, baby brother."
"Baby brother?" Peter gave a sarcastic laugh. "By 4 minutes."
"It doesn't matter, you're always second." Dave smiled, enjoying how Peter squirmed as each word bit into his pride. Dave did a dance with the ball, weaving it in and out of his legs and finished with backwards lay-up.
Peter watched with a look of confusion on his face. Why would Dave do such an easy shot, NOW? Brushing it off, with a thankful nod, Peter began his dance. As he made his lay-up, he had no fear that he wouldn't make it. He landed his shot with a proud 'take that' smile. The ball ricocheted off the rim and bounced off the court.
"E!" Dave said and threw his arms up in victory. Peter just stared at him with an annoyed and shocked expression on his face. "Seee, ya loser." Dave said as he turned and started to walk toward the pink tank-top.
Peter watched Dave as he schmoozed the pink tank-top, observing his practiced player mannerisms. The girl laughed and tossed her hair flirtatiously at Dave's pathetic jokes.
Peter noticed a silver Audi drive in and park. A well dressed man in an expensive suit go out and started walking toward the newly formed couple. Even from a distance, the man gave off an aura of money and power. If the man wasn't with the mob, Peter would be surprise. As he approached his carefree expression turned ominous. Dave quickly jumped to his feet and coward to the man. Dave nearly fell over himself apologizing.
As Dave retreated, Peter smiled to himself, "It is my lucky day after all."
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