Shay shrugs. “What do you have planned for my best friend? And if you say Netflix and chill, I will physically harm you.”
I glare at her. We agreed to a second date only minutes ago. There’s no way he’s going to have an answer without lying.
“I made reservations at Tandoori Tales for dinner. I’ve got tickets forUpat the park, and then we’ll likely spend the rest of the evening on your couch where I’ll quiz her on the material for her biochemistry exam that’s on Thursday.”
My gaze jumps to Kenneth. “Wait. When did you make those reservations? And how do you know I have a test?”
“Three days ago, and I’ve been using my planner. Duh.” He winks at me before looking back to Shay, with Adri and Jo now standing behind her.
Kenneth leans over and picks up a grocery bag I hadn’t noticed until now. Boxes of our favorite candy fill the plastic bag, the perfect addition to our post-date recap.
“Thanks for letting me steal her for a little bit before girl time,” he says.
“Look at you bribing us with sweets,” Adri beams, taking the bag. She digs around for a moment before pulling out a bag of peach rings. “I see you wore your favorite colors tonight, Kenneth. Two stars for creativity, but I’ll add an extra because you’re cute.”
Jo rips open a bag of jellybeans. “Five stars for consistency.”
I glare at my friends, pulling Kenneth’s head down to face me. “Ignore them. Tomorrow sounds great. See you.”
Kenneth gives me one last kiss before bidding my friends goodbye. My chest heaves from excitement, already thinking about what I’m going to wear for our second date.
Tomorrow.
Shit. I need to call my mom.
I slip off my shoes and flip both of my middle fingers at my three best friends. “You guys are the worst. Giving me a curfew like I’m your child, when in reality, I’m the mother of this group.”
“You’re just mad that we interrupted your makeout session on the porch,” Adri cackles, dragging me to the couch. “Jo! Grab the vodka!”
“Hell no! It’s a Monday!” I shriek, trying to slip out of her hold and escape to my bedroom. “I have class in the morning!”
“So do I, but we have a post-date recap tradition for a reason,” Jo reminds me, walking into the living room with a bottle of tequila in her hand. “Plus, you’re the one who bailed on your original date and had to reschedule for tonight.”
“So, if you really think about it, it’s your fault we’re drinking on a weekday, Cap.” Adri tosses me onto the couch and gives Jo a nasty look. “Gross! I know you heard me say vodka!”
As if the word vodka makes her physically ill, Jo grabs her stomach. “There’s no way in hell I’m drinking vodka with you ever again.”
All three of them take a seat on the rug. Jo crosses her arms impatiently, Adri bounces excitedly on her butt, and Shay pours tequila into four small cups.
Three pairs of eyes look up at me expectantly before we tilt our heads back and swallow the clear, bitter liquid.
“Alright.” Shay’s smile is bigger than I’ve ever seen. “Tell us everything.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
My voice is hoarsefrom screaming at Mallory all afternoon.
Well,forMallory.
With one minute left, CLU is up by one against Wyland University in the last off-season scrimmage. Wyland’s best kicker stands to the left of the ball, preparing for a penalty kick.
Mallory’s eyes are glistening, scanning the kicker with an intensity that would make anyone feel violated. It’s almost unseen, but the corner of Mallory’s lip ticks upward at the challenge before her. It’s amazing how composed she looks. Zen almost. Even with the roar of the crowd, the intimidating kicker, and all that space to protect, she’s calm in the eye of the storm.
The kicker dashes forward, and I have no clue how goalies decide which way to jump. A thump echoes as the ball flies to the lower right corner of the goal with incredible speed. The crowd gasps, but not because she scores.
It’s because of Mallory’s immediate response.
She leaps to the ground with her arms over her head. Everything moves in slow motion as the ball makes contact with the tip of her goalie gloves,only speeding back up when she knocks the ball around the goalpost and successfully keeps Wyland University from tying the game.
