Page 23 of Game Plan

She pushed her plate away. “Yeah, it’s kinda logical. Anyway, I tried. If your plans change, I’ll be happy to have you over. I have my own room with a bunk bed, so it would feel like summer camp, but with snow, hot chocolate, and cozy nights by the fireplace.”

“I like that.”

A bit later, we were strolling back to our dorm, arms linked, when we crossed paths with a group of guys on the sidewalk.

One wolf-whistled as Cassidy and I walked past them.

“Ladies,” another called after us.

“Dereck, shut the fuck off,” a voice I would recognize amongst a thousand said before a hand brushed my elbow. Under the sleeve of my sweater, goose bumps spread over my skin. Seconds later, Mason appeared in front of us, tenderness filling his gaze. “Mel, don’t mind them. They’re a bunch of idiots. Are you okay? Do you girls need a ride? I can drop you off. It’s late, and I’m about to go home. Or I can also walk you to your dorm.”

“Thanks, Mase, but we’re good. I walk to our dorm after ten almost every day. Night.”

Cassidy nudged my side as soon as the guys were out of earshot. “Roomie, that’s your Mase?”

I spoke through gritted teeth, my annoyance slipping through. “He’s not my Mase. Just Mason… Not mine… Never been.”

She halted her steps to face me, her arm still linked to mine. “Girl, get real, you’re in big trouble. More than you think.”

“No. I already told you, we’re nothing to each other anymore.”

“Okay, the guy I just saw had yearning painted all over his face when he stared at you. He cares, Mel. From what I just witnessed, that much was evident.”

“Can you not psychoanalyze him right now?”

Cassidy’s lips lifted into a soft smile. “Even if I wanted to, it was impossible to miss.”

“Well, I didn’t see the same thing you did.” Lie. “Maybe you’re tired and hallucinating. Did you get your eyes checked lately? Perhaps you need glasses.”

She chuckled. “I wish. And for the record, I’m not even a bit tired. You, girl, are in denial. Let’s mark tonight, because soon enough, I’ll get to say, Told you so.”

I murdered her with my eyes.

Cassidy resumed her walk, pulling at my arm. “C’mon, roomie. Never say I never warned you.”

8

Perhaps you should go commando from now on

With all the strength of my body, I kicked the tiled wall, propelling myself in a straight line, and used a well-paced flutter kick and backstrokes to reach the other end of the pool. I had blocked out all the sounds except my own breathing. My mind and body became one as I pushed myself harder. I steadied my breathing and sliced through the water with precision. I could challenge myself a bit more.

I accelerated the pace and curved my body as I executed a flip turn when I reached the opposite wall, using my legs to push off and propel myself forward. One last lap. I could finish first.

I was in the lead, but I could feel my opponent in the left lane right on my heels, matching my every stroke. One wrong move, and I’d lose to her.

I didn’t train this hard to finish second.

My arms swung in sync.

Three meters…

Two meters…

One meter to go.

My palm connected with the end of the pool, and I whipped off my goggles, squinting at the board, heart pounding as I waited for my placing.

I pumped my fist when my name appeared at the top of the board. “Yesss,” I whispered to myself, pumping my fist.