“I love you.”
The blank screen doesn’t answer.
26
PHOEBE
Oh no.I turn off my TV, wincing.They lost.Again.Ollie looks so dejected as he skates off the ice.He scored the team’s only goal.It’s not his fault the New York team scored two.
I don’t know if he’ll answer, but I text anyway.
Me: Great goal!
Ollie: Thanks.Sucks there was only one of them.
Me: You’re one person on a team.It’s not only your job to get goals.And it’s Brick’s job to keep theirs out.You’ll be home for the next game and can turn it around.
Ollie: We’re coming home tonight, no one wants to go out.We want to be home.
Me: Let me know your ETA, and I’ll pick you up.
Ollie: No, I’m getting a ride home with Colby, don’t wait up.
Ouch.But he called it home, and that makes my tummy flip.
Me: Okay.Where are you sleeping?Your bed will arrive in the afternoon.
Ollie: Oh.Yeah.I can sleep on the couch.
Me: You can share mine, but it’s smaller than you’re used to.
Ollie: Guess we’ll have to cuddle.Darn.
Forget flipping, my tummy is doing twists and handsprings and cartwheels too.
Me: Where are you?
Ollie: Bus.
Me: Oh, good.Text me when you’re on the way home with Colby.Do you need anything to eat?
Ollie: You.
Taking a sip of water was a mistake because I start choking on it when I read that.
“What?”Andie says from her spot at the other end of the couch.She’s on her phone, probably texting with Colby.She swears they’re only friends, and maybe they haven’t done anything physical yet, but they’re moving toward friends-with-benefits territory.
“Nothing,” I say quickly.
She gives me a knowing smirk.“If it was nothing, you wouldn’t be turning as red as a cherry tomato.”
Ollie: I meant I only need to see you.I’m not hungry.For food.Shit.Shutting up now.I swear I’m sober, awkward AF as usual.Text you when I’m on the way home with Colby.Bye.
Now I’m red and grinning from ear to ear.He is so adorable.
Me: Be safe.See you when you get here.
Should I?Is it going to be weird?Screw it.
