Page 57 of Game Plan

“For a twelve-year-old.”

My smile dipped as memories of Mason and me playing basketball and having dinner together the day I’d moved to Elk River flashed through my mind, followed by the words he had spoken last night. I once told you I was in love with you…that I’ve been for years. Since I was eleven years old, to be precise. I don’t see that changing in the near future.

Oh, Mason. I wanted to see him, to talk to him. How did he manage in just one day to jeopardize all my resolves when it came to him? Cassidy was right, I wasn’t done with him, no matter what our story would look like from now on. My thoughts started spinning. Would I be able to avoid putting pressure on myself if we rekindled what we once had? Would I be able to be unapologetically myself without second-guessing my appearance and my life in general? Gosh, there was so much at stake and so many uncertainties about us. It felt as if everyone was asking me to come to terms with my feelings, but the truth was, I would deal with them on my own terms. When I was ready. Baby steps, as my roommates had said. I should go slow and see how it evolved. Could I do that, though? The thought didn’t send me into a spiral of panic or make me want to drop weight, so it was good—really good. Luciana would approve. The realization soothed something inside me.

“Earth to Melinda.”

Donovan’s voice brought me back to the present. I blinked a few times. “What?”

“I was asking if you were ready to go. We’ll need a proper breakfast and some pre-meet visualization and warm up before we board the bus at noon.”

“I need to grab my bag from my dorm room first. We could go for a light jog or do some yoga.” We stood, and Donovan went to discard our plates, mugs, and food wrappers. “Are you walking me to my place?”

“Yes. You know how stressed I get before a meet. You’re stuck with me until we get there.” He snaked his arm through mine.

“I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

16

Don’t get on my bad side because I’ll have to handcuff you

“Okay, now it feels stalkerish. Why are you even here?”

“I swear it’s just a coincidence.”

“I don’t believe in coincidences... Neither do you.” I pivoted and stared at Mason standing behind me at the checkout counter in the campus bookstore. The mandatory reading material for my English class, I had ordered two weeks ago, had finally arrived.

“Then, it’s fate. We’re destined to see each other and spend time together. How is this as an explanation for both of us being here right now?”

“You’re so… God. You’re so…”

“Irresistible? Charming? One of a kind? Wonderful?”

“No.” I clutched my brand-new books against my chest. “Infuriating. Why do you act like I’m happy you’re here?”

His grin widened. “Because I know deep down you are. You’re just too proud to admit it.”

“Stop smiling. There’s nothing funny.”

“Well, I agree to disagree. Coincidences don’t exist, so we’re here because destiny put this meeting into motion. See? I have many reasons to smile right now.”

“Whatever.” A tiny smile of my own tipped my lips up. This boy.

“Nah. I think what you mean is Mason, I’m so happy I ran into you here. We should do something since we haven’t spent an afternoon together in so long, and I’ve missed you so much. Your walking me home every night I work late isn’t enough to get my Mason-fix anymore. What do you say?” He shrugged. “See? Easy-peasy. And yes, Mel, I think it’s a fantastic idea to spend time together. Did you have something in mind? I want to repaint my bedroom and would like your opinion on which shade of blue would fit better. I was hesitating between denim blue, a more grayish-teal blue tone, and a dark cerulean blue. I have some free time right now. Do you want to help me out?”

“Wow, did you rehearse that spiel before?”

“Nope. I saw you, and I got inspired. What do you say?”

“I already have plans.”

“What plans? Care if I join? I long for some company. Everyone is busy today. This fall’s three-day study break is no joke. Even the team has paused training.”

“Mase, you’re not some Golden Retriever in desperate need of being petted. I’m sure there’re plenty of things you could be doing right now.”

“Nope. Nothing. It’s rare, but it’s true. Just for the record, I would never say no to being petted. Anyway, we could also grab a bite. Catch a movie. Take a walk. Or check out my bedroom for that paint job. Try that new skydiving simulator twenty minutes from here or drive home for a few hours and come back this evening. It’s lasagna night, and you know I can’t resist my mom’s cooking.”

“Some things never change. Are you still letting your stomach rule your life?”