Everyone around the table shifted uncomfortably as Tommy spoke up even though, to me, it wasn't unexpected. I had started to wonder how long he could sit there as the spectator. That characterization wasn't in him—didn't suit his personality. Therefore, I was impressed that he had lasted as long as he had, but his penetrating stare also worried me. Why did I suddenly feel like I needed a kevlar helmet—one of those things used in the military to help protect you from falling debris. Oh yeah, that would be good right about now. Matthew strummed on his guitar again, and I threw him a narrowed glance as I recognized the tune he suddenly played. What was it about this guy and Howie Day songs although I couldn't argue their significance. He sang the lyrics suddenly as Tommy rolled his eyes at his brother.

Make me fall down

Make me get up

And if I'm alright

Make sure I'm scared to death

Maybe I'm useless

If I just could remember

Make me feel nervous and I'll

Make you surrender

I'll take you on

Yeah I'll take you on

Matthew sang as Tommy motioned toward the guitar.

"Cut it out with the theme songs." Tommy muttered as Matthew shrugged. I could see the mischievous glint in Matt's eyes as he grinned.

"Hey, Rocky Balboa had one. I'm thinking that these competitions deserve fine music." Matthew stated dryly as I chuckled. Oh yeah, we were certainly similar to Rocky Balboa weren't we? All we needed to do now was either hit each other in the faces or arm wrestle. Hey that's not a bad idea. Tom turned toward us again.

"Alright girls, define love for me." Tommy said firmly as the other three girls suddenly gulped as if uncomfortable in this new position—being asked to reveal themselves instead of berating Quincy. I had to agree with them right now. I didn't like the idea of answering any questions, but I wouldn't give the man the satisfaction of knowing that I was nervous, maybe even a little afraid. Tom raised a brow.

"What? None of you been in love before?" He asked pointedly as everyone straightened in their seats. Damn, but wasn't he getting personal. Izzie seemed to be our little leader--an attention hog that seemed to like answering first and we let her.

"I think love is joy—it's finding someone you can be happy with." Izzie replied as Heather laughed. Obviously, she thought her sister was wrong. There's a first time for everything, right?

"I think love is about trust and honor—letting yourself believe in someone else." Heather answered as she threw her sister a look. I couldn't stomach the tension between those two. Love was just that—love. It was different for everyone. Alexia cleared her throat, and I glanced at her.

"Love is unbiased—it's uncomplicated and full of no expectations." Lexi answered confidently as I slowly shook my head. That couldn't be more wrong. It was more than that. Tommy looked over at me and I met his expression stoically—narrowing my eyes at the challenge I saw in his pupils. If he thought he could unnerve me, he had another thing coming. The table had grown quiet. I think everyone had started to realize that this wasn't as much about a game anymore as it was about realization. I leaned forward.

"Love is like faith—it's believing in something you can't see, believing in something that you can't touch. It's about sacrificing yourself for the ultimate goal—about overlooking what everyone else refuses to see. It's like a game of chance—a game of strategy because sometimes we don't make the right moves or even the right choices. It's about learning what those right moves are. Love is complicated—it is full of expectation because it's complex and its draining—asking you to give yourself to someone even when you're afraid." I answered softly as my gaze lingered on Tommy's. I was afraid to look anywhere else—to look in any direction except at the man who was challenging us all. I was up to the challenge. Was he? Matthew had it right. Come on, Tom. I'll take you on. Next question please. He wanted to dance in circles did he? Then stick a rose in my mouth and let's tango.