Page 34 of Buzzer Beater

I rolled over to my stomach, hiding my face in my folded arms.

Who would have known flying a country away would have brought me back to this?

A tap on my shoulder pulled me out of my spiraling thoughts. I looked up, blinded by the sun. “Yeah?”

“You should probably cover up or reapply. You’re getting really pink.” Elena said while lifting her sunglasses to look at me.

I groaned and grabbed my cover up from my bag. “Thanks. I’m going to head back to the room for a bit.”

She nodded and relaxed back in her chair.

I was able to sneak away without questions from the rest of my group and relaxed once I got to my room. The air conditioner was on, keeping it nice and chill. A much-needed reprieve from the hot, humid air outside.

I set my bag down on the bed and turned to the TV and froze.

White tulips.

A clear vase with a bouquet of white tulips was sitting on the dresser. I took a step closer. How did these get here? Did someone have a key or was it room service?

Was I being pranked?

I looked around the rest of the room, but nothing was out of place. No one was hiding with a camera waiting to jump out.

Taking a step closer, I noticed a small white envelope sitting in the flowers. I reached out and took it, holding it in my hand. I turned it over, but it was blank.

I could throw it away. Put the flowers in a trash bin out in the hall. No one would ever know. The girls wouldn’t ask about it. No one would pressure me to tell them how I felt about it. I wouldn’t agonize over what it meant. It would be like it never happened.

The idea was promising, but I knew I’d regret it in a second. I’d wonder. I’d stay up all night thinking about it. I’d probably get back home and agonize over not knowing.

Fine.

I tore open the envelope and ripped out the card.

Dinner? At 7? -C

That was it? How much more cryptic could you get?

I assumed it was from Colin, but who really knew? It could be anyone. One of his teammates pulling a prank, maybe.

How would they know about the flowers though?

I set the card on the bed and flopped down next to it. I stayed like that until Elena walked in. Her face appeared over me, looking down with concern. “What are you doing?”

“Questioning life.”

She nodded. “Okay, how’s that working for you? Any answers yet?”

I shook my head.

“Where’d the flowers come from?”

Judging by the pitch of her voice, she knew.

“I think Colin.”

“You think?”

I slid my hand on the bed until I found the card and held it up for her. She took it from me and smiled.