Page 38 of Game Plan

“I didn’t want to mess with your head.”

I huffed. “It’s fine. Luciana, the woman leading the therapy sessions, said something similar about getting closure. I’m still debating if she’s right.”

“We can talk about it later, and I can help you decide. Sorry, but I’ve got to ditch you for my Intro to Psychology class like now.” From the pocket of her faux-leather skirt, my friend pulled out a twenty-dollar bill and set it on the table. “Just bring me the change tonight.”

I waved her off with a hand. “Sure. No worries. Go, or you’ll be late. I’ll stop by Hot Shot before my last class.”

“Perfect. I’ll make you a special order to go.”

“Awesome.”

Seconds later, she smiled at me from the sidewalk as I waited for the server to bring the check.

My phone pinged with a text notification.

Jett

Thursday night. Henri’s? I could pick you up around five forty-five.

I watched the screen, my fingers hovering over the keypad. It was just a date, not a marriage proposal. What did I have to lose? Jett and I had a great time the other night, so why was I hesitating? I typed fast before I could change my mind.

Me

Sure. We can meet there if you prefer.

Jett

Don’t be silly. I’ll text you when I’m outside your dorm. Can’t wait.

Again, I stared at my phone screen for longer than needed before I replied.

Me

Me too.

A tiny little piece of my heart fractured in my chest as I stared at his happy face emoji reply. If I were doing the right thing, then why was I feeling like a fraud right now?

12

You prefer a few extra inches—where it matters

My feet were killing me. I only had two hours left on my shift at Lola’s. I’d been rushing all day between classes, training, and schoolwork, which I had finished earlier in the staff break room.

I had one reading left, due tomorrow, and had already decided I would wake up a little earlier in the morning to tackle it. College life meant I was super busy, but I liked it that way. With my full-ride scholarship, I could have decreased my hours at Lola’s, but I loved working, and I would miss it if I had too much free time on my schedule. Anyway, the money was also a great incentive. I relished my independence too much to forfeit my job, even when it felt like I was overdoing it.

I carried a tray full of chicken wing baskets to a table occupied by some of Mason’s teammates. So far, no sign of him or Craig tonight, which made me feel more relaxed. Until I noticed Nichols had arrived and cringed mentally. We barely ever bumped into each other here or on campus, but every time we did, I could feel my skin crawling. Not wanting to let my emotions show, I pasted on a smile. No way would I give him any chance to see his presence affected me—in all the wrong ways.

Once I set the food on the table, I gathered the empty baskets and plates and stacked them onto my tray. Next, I refilled their glasses, added another pile of napkins in the middle of the table, and placed a cup of ranch dressing and packs of wet napkins before each of them.

Since Mason warned Nichols the night we reconnected, none of his teammates had given me a hard time. I knew he probably had said something to them afterward, even though I’d told him I could hold my own. I appreciated the fact that they’d been keeping their hands and their filthy comments to themselves lately. It was one less thing to worry about. “Would anyone like anything else?”

Busy digging into their food, most shook their heads no.

I turned my attention to Nichols, my tone clipped. “What can I get you?”

“Long time no see, ma jolie. After you sit on my dick, I’ll take a basket of Inferno wings with a side of coleslaw and a Tuxedo burger with extra mayo and a large pickle.” He winked, in that creepy way of his. “Think we can borrow a room back there? I really need to empty these suckers”—he pointed toward the restrooms before gesturing to his crotch—“and I think you’re the right woman for the job.”

I snorted, unable to keep my face straight. I should have silenced my thoughts earlier about Mason’s teammates keeping their filthy comments to themselves. “Too bad for you, the rumor mill says I’m not your type.” Since our first encounter, I had heard all kinds of rumors about Evan Nichols. I had no idea if any of them were true, but I was allowed to mess with him if he made dirty comments about me. Two could play his little game. “I’ll place your order. I’ll be right back.”