“I’m majoring in sports management, but I don’t enjoy studying that much. I’d rather be on the field, you know?”
“Yeah, well, you must love studying the game, though, right? I bet you have that playbook memorized from cover to cover.”
His lips curl into a slow smile, and he nods. “Yeah, pretty much.”
“I don’t know if I’ve ever been that passionate about anything, you know?”Except Atlas, but I don’t want to bring him into this right now.“Maybe music. Or… traveling? I’d love to see the world.”
“Really?” Lincoln seems confused by this answer.
“Yeah. Don’t you ever want to go overseas?”
He doesn’t seem too excited by the idea, and then he goes and kills it completely. “We live in the best country on the planet. Why would I want to leave it?”
My gut twists as I try to keep my voice light and amiable. “I don’t know… to experience other cultures. To enrich your life.”
“I’ve got everything I want.” He smiles, and now I’m scrambling to think of something else to talk about.
Tyrell is answering one of Chastity’s questions, and I try to tune in to what he’s saying.
“…and that about sums it up, I guess.”
“Wow.” Chastity smiles at him across the table. “You’re amazing.”
“No.” Tyrell shakes his head. “I’m nothin’ special.” When he sees me looking, he says, “I was just explaining how growing up with a brother who has special needs is… well, it’s been challenging, but ultimately made us better versions of ourselves,you know? You can’t be selfish when there’s someone who needs you like that.”
“Thatdoesmake you amazing, whether you want to accept it or not.” Chastity’s smile is dreamy, and I get it.
Tyrell has always been a great guy. A protector, yet so humble about it.
“Yeah, he’s great.” Lincoln lifts his chin to his buddy. “Good brother, great football player, and an awesome study partner.” He grins. “Actually, how are you all feeling about finals week only being a month away?” Glancing at his watch, he sits up a little higher in his seat. “Time’s just ticking by, and I feel like I’m having to snatch every free second of studying that I can, you know?”
Tyrell’s eyebrows dip into a deep frown as he stares across the table. I can’t quite read his expression. Is he pissed off or confused? Why is he reacting this way to Lincoln’s comments about studying?
He was always pretty studious at school. Does he not want to?—
“I don’t want to be rude or anything.” Lincoln clears his throat. “But I’ve got a study schedule I’m really trying to stick to. You girls don’t mind if Tyrell and I wrap this up and hit the books, do you?”
“Oh.” Chastity blinks, checking her phone screen. “Yeah, actually that’s not a totally heinous idea, but…” Glancing up, she drinks Tyrell in. “Can we do this again sometime?”
“Uh…” He swallows and so obviously forces himself to nod.
Yikes.
Poor Chastity. She picks up his hesitation immediately, and the way her expression drops…
Oh shit.
“Sorry. I mean, I was just…” He closes his eyes, cringing, and I quickly jump in with a save.
“I’m guessing your mind has already shifted to the books. Are you worried about an upcoming exam?” I touch his arm, and he turns to give me a grateful smile. It doesn’t reach his lips, but I can see his eyes warm with relief.
“Yeah, I have one doozy that’s been keeping me up at night.”
“Oh really? Exam worry? Yeah, I get that.” Chastity laughs, but the sound is fake.
Lincoln rises from his chair. “I’ll go track down that bill, and then we can get out of here.”
“I’ll help you pay.” Tyrell jumps up, following him to the counter while Chastity and I gather our things.
