Lucy
Idon’t think I’ll ever be warm again, but it’s worth the perpetual frostbite nipping at my fingers and toes to have witnessed TJ playing in person. The River Foxes Stadium is a venue unlike any other. Thousands upon thousands of fanswillinglysitting on ice-cold, hard bleachers for a three-hour game? Are they crazy? Maybe. No one can argue with their commitment. Even when the River Foxes had the game under control early in the fourth quarter, no one left before the clock read zero.
I could have taken a break in the box and warmed up, but I didn’t want to take my disguise off. It’s difficult to explain why you’re fully scarved with sunglasses on when indoors, and I didn’t want to have to try.
I’m sitting in my car in the underground parking structure of Lawrence Poe’s condo complex now. Freezing, but happy. It felt good to be there for TJ today, and if I’m being honest, I’m even more excited to see him tonight. Even if there are other people around. TJ has assured me that his friends are safe and that their families are good people. At some point, I’m going to have to trust him if I want to make this—whateverthisis—between us work.
My nerves are on edge because the last time I spoke to him, the last time I saw him, he basically turned me into a puddle of love mush with his words. I would very much like to continue that moment immediately and then again and again, but I don’t know how to do that. Or how to broach the subject with him. He’s TJ Wilson—he could have his pick of any woman. I’ve told him on several occasions that I wasn’t interested in a romanticrelationship. We might have friend-zoned each other. Which was real stupid of both of us, if you ask me.
I square my shoulders. I’m going to walk into this party with confidence. I’m going to try my best to be how I was the night at the gala, even without the mask.
My phone buzzes on the console, and I pick it up to find a new text message in my group with Cassie, Philly, and Bex.
Bex
Merry Christmas to my favorites! Lu, saw you on TV looking like a true fan!
I mean, I only knew it was you because I know you, but still. There you were!
She sends a photo that she took of her TV screen. She’s outlined my bundled-up body in yellow, as if I’d have any issues picking out the abominable snowman in the box.
Philly
Aww, I missed this. Bex, since when do you watch football?
Bex
Richie had it on. I was mostly watching for Anton and Rose content. Love those two.
I huff out a laugh and then tap out a message.
Lucy
I’m about to see Rose and Anton. Should I ask for an autograph?
I’m being facetious, but Bex’s response comes in too quickly for her to be kidding.
Bex
Would you? Please!?
I shake my head.
Lucy
No! That would be weird. They’re TJ’s friends. I’m not going to fan girl.
Bex
I thoughtwewere friends, Lu!
Cassie
Glad you’re getting out there, Lucy! Hope the game was fun. Where are you now?
Lucy
Afterparty at one of TJ’s teammate’s condos.
