“Well, he totally made me nervous.”
My mouth drops open, and I understand the look on Bentley’s face. One of the first things Robin told me about herself is that she passes gas when she’s nervous. In fact, within the first two minutes of meeting, she ripped a big one.
It was so loud there was no way we could ignore it like it didn’t happen. Although I was going to try before she addressed it. I feel bad for her.
“Oh, you’re going somewhere?” she asks as I begin to pack a bag after I’ve thrown on a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt.
“Yeah, it’s my birthday and our one-year anniversary. Bent is taking me somewhere. Not sure where yet.”
“Oh, you’re always really busy. I thought I’d get a roommate with more time for me this year.”
“My schedule is always crazy with track and classes. My best friend is here now, and I have a boyfriend. I’m sorry.
“Maybe you can hang out with us sometime. I will warn you, we’ve all grown up together and have our own vibe,” I say.
“It’s fine. I’ll be okay.”
I sort of feel bad. I made friends pretty fast, and I had Bentley my first year. Track went a long way to give me a friend group. Ican’t imagine how hard this would have been if I didn’t have all of that working in my favor.
“I’ll see you later, Robin. Coffee on me later this week?”
“Oh, okay. Yes, I’ll be there.”
I smile and wave. She’s not so bad. I’m going to stop being so hung up on not rooming with Arlene this year.
Bentley
“This is so much fun,” Zah squeals into the mic in our helmets.
She has her arms wrapped tightly around me as we ride on a snowmobile. It’s the perfect day for this. We didn’t get moving as early as I wanted to, but we arrived in time to still enjoy the day I had planned.
“Want to go around the mountain again?” I reply.
“Please,” she drags out, sounding so adorable.
“Anything for my baby.”
She squeezes her arms around me. I can feel her joy without having to see her face. I’m glad I went with this as our date.
I wanted to do something romantic but fun for our anniversary. I brought her here to the ski resort, knowing we could have the best of both worlds. In the last year, Zah and I have gotten so much closer.
I didn’t enter the draft, as my coach convinced me to put in one more year. Zah had been all for me doing what I felt was right for me. In the end, I decided to stay because I know we have a shot at the championship this year and I have the potential to increase my draft stock.
The QB competition would have been stiff if I left my junior year. I have a better shot at the first round after this season as long as I remain healthy. My life feels like it’s right on track right now.
I have a huge smile on my face as the sun beams down on us. Erica plans to come up tomorrow. When I told her my plan, she totally wanted to tag along. However, she does understand that this is a romantic occasion for us.
I caved and told her to give me this day and night before she joins us. We’re all still getting used to this new dynamic now that Erica is a student here. It feels good to have them here with me.
“I don’t want this to end, but I’m getting hungry,” I say as we’re halfway through another pass.
“You don’t have to say that twice. I’m hungry and I have to go to the bathroom. Maybe we can come back out after,” Zah replies.
“Yeah, that would be cool. It’s sick out here at night with the lights and everything. Although you might change your mind once you see everything else I have planned.”
“Oh, hurry. I know this is going to be amazing. I can’t wait to see how you top last year.”
“Nothing will ever top our first time, but I did my best.”
