My goalie.
She laughed, deciding she should pay more attention in Spanish class.
Before she could think twice, Gemma picked up her phone and sent a text.
555-321-8097:Hey Caitlin, it's Gemma.
Gemma probably could have come up with a better opening.
Caitlin:Hey! I was wondering if you had read my note.
Gemma:I put it in my backpack yesterday and just saw it again now! I texted you right after :) How was practice?
Caitlin:It was good... although I saw this goalie get distracted by the squad during practice today and get hit with a soccer ball. I hope she's okay.
Gemma:So funny, I actually saw that too. I think she was only distracted by one cheerleader, though. But yeah, she was totally fine.
Gemma caught herself smiling. She loved being teased by Caitlin. They slipped into conversation naturally, like they’d been friends for years. Caitlin went into detail about cheer squad drama, and Gemma gave her the behind-the-scenes look of her new soccer team. Before she knew it, it was after ten o’clock, and Gemma hadn’t opened even one textbook.
Gemma:I should probably get to my homework. Hopefully I'll see you tomorrow at school.
Caitlin:I'll be sure to find you.
A blush spread across Gemma’s face as she read and then re-read the text from Caitlin. She plugged her phone into its charger on her nightstand to avoid further distraction.
About an hour and a half later, Gemma finished all of the schoolwork she had felt like doing that night. Whatever was left, she could finish tomorrow during her study period. She got ready for bed and shut off the lights, but before she could close her eyes, her phone screen lit up the dark room.
Caitlin:Hope homework's going well. If you're not busy this weekend, would you wanna do something?
Surely Caitlin wasn’t asking her out on a date. No, she couldn’t be—she had a boyfriend. This was just friendly. Gemma needed to stay cool, keep it casual. Still, she couldn’t help the way her heart skipped a beat at the thought of spending time together.
Gemma:I have a soccer game Saturday morning, but after that I'm free.
Caitlin:Perfect. come over to my house at 3 p.m.
Gemma:I'll be there.
Gemma was already counting down the minutes, excited to spend time with Caitlin outside of school. She could hardly wait, but with days still to go before the weekend, she would have to keep her nerves in check.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON HAD ARRIVED, ANDGemma was finally on her way over to Caitlin’s house. New Hope was growing on her, and the ability to ride her bike everywhere was a welcome change from Detroit. She used the time to calm her anxiety, reminding herself that this was not a date.
Her cool, calm poise had lasted for approximately ten seconds before Caitlin’s front door swung open. Gemma’s mind went blank as she took in Caitlin, standing in front of her with an expectant smile. The girl’s black yoga pants, paired with a cropped pink T-shirt and her usual confidence, lit Gemma up from within. She tried to keep her reaction neutral, but her eyes flitted down Caitlin’s outfit before landing on her face again.Her grin was unmistakable—playful, knowing, and holding a hint of mischief.
“Come in. Can I get you anything to drink?”
Oh, thank God, yes!
Gemma swallowed, suddenly feeling her mouth go drier than a desert. “A water would be great, thank you.”
She followed Caitlin into the kitchen to help carry the drinks and snacks downstairs.
The Stone’s basement felt like a second living room. It was warm and inviting, with a large TV perched on top of a sleek black entertainment center. In front of it, two dance mats lie side by side, each marked with four directional arrows like a compass, their cables trailing into a nearby gaming console. A beige leather couch, L-shaped and comfortably worn, sat behind the mats.
They placed their drinks and snack bowls onto the coffee table off to the side.
“Ever play?”
“Only once or twice.” Gemma nervously ran her fingers through her long straight ponytail that flowed over her shoulder. “It’s fun, but I’m not a great dancer.”
