Page 102 of Game Plan

“You got as far as having a guy matching his Halloween costume to yours, a magician and his magic wand casting a love spell on you, and a real-size hot dog professing his love to you in front of your class, and I got asked out on a walk.” She hid her face with her palms before dropping them to her thighs. “I really need a boyfriend. Do you think Mason has some decent friend he could match me with?”

“No idea. I’ll ask him.”

“Have you talked to him since the hot dog love declaration?”

“Nope. Let’s just say today has been busy. I’m not sure what to say to him. He thinks I want a grand gesture, but I want reassurance. I shouldn’t be thinking about dating right now. After everything I’ve been through, I should make myself the priority. Anyway, my head and my heart don’t agree. Until they come to an understanding, I’m keeping him in the friend zone.”

“Ouch. Not a place any guy wants to be.”

“I know.”

“Do you feel like being with him could trigger your eating disorder again? Maybe that’s why you’re reluctant to get together because clearly, you have feelings for him that you’re not ready to admit out loud.”

“I thought about it, and I think I used it as an excuse at first. I’m not so sure anymore. I don’t feel not good enough around him like I used to, but I’ve been scarred in the past, so I’m being extra careful—maybe a little too much. If it were possible, I’d prefer being friends with him without all the love stuff because it makes me anxious just thinking about us being intimate or kissing. If we do, there will be no turning back. Deep down, I know it. Also, I’m not sure we can stay just friends, even though I keep telling him that’s what I wish for.”

“Give yourself some time.”

“I feel bad about what happened earlier. You should have seen his face. His declaration of love was just too much to handle in front of an audience.” When I had walked her to Hot Shot earlier, I’d updated her on what had gone down in my sociology class. “It feels like everyone is asking me to come to terms with my feelings these days, but I’ll face them when I’m ready. Otherwise, I’ll panic, and when I panic, I tend to run away.”

She took my hand between hers. “It’s okay. Go at your own pace. There is no rush. Talk to him.”

A single nod. “I will.”

“What are you going to do with his teammate?”

“I’ll see how it goes. I would almost like him to come to Lola’s once more to see if he tries to intimidate me again.”

Cassidy flopped back onto her bed, placing her bent arm over her eyes, and sighed. The phone rang, and she jumped to her feet to answer. “Hello? Helllllo? Seriously, prank someone else. I’m tired of dealing with this.” She paused, and her eyes grew big. She cursed and hung up. “I thought we were done with these.”

“Me too. It’s been a while. What did they say?”

“They called me a stupid slut. Some days, it feels like life is prepping me for my future career or testing me. The phone calls, Carl, the stalker, the guy harassing you. I’ll have enough material to write a novel—or a biography—before I even graduate. At least my term paper should be interesting. Let’s get out of here. I need shots. There’s a party on Greek Row. We should go.”

“I don’t feel like dancing.”

“We’re not going to dance, roomie, we’re going to get drunk.” She pulled at my arm. “Come on. We both need a change of air. One night out won’t kill you.”

26

Fine. I’ll be your wing woman

“Ohmygod, you’re a savior.” I accepted the to-go cup of coffee Jules handed me the next morning. I took a hefty sip, not a care in the world if I burned my tongue.

“What’s going on with you? You look wrinkled.”

“I went out with Cassie last night. I’m a bit hungover.”

“You, hungover?”

“It doesn’t happen often. We both had a rough couple of days.”

Craig walked past us.

“Hey,” I greeted him.

He nodded in reply and kept strolling down the path.

I was sure Mason would appear, but my heart deflated when I realized he wasn’t around. Knowing him, he was probably busy planning another grand gesture to prove we belonged together.