Shoot, I would have loved that, but I’m with my parents today.
Noah
I can check the times for tomorrow.
Me
It’s a weekend thing. I should be back by Monday evening.
“What are you staring at?” Clay takes the seat beside me, his hands full of snacks from the buffet-like table.
“Just making plans.”
“With the hockey player?”
“His sister.” I’m not sure if that makes it worse or better, so I add, “For skating and book research purposes.”
“And he’s not your boyfriend because…”
“What makes you think I even want a boyfriend?”
“I’ve met you.” He winks at me. “You’re a hopeless romantic who sees the best in everyone, except when it comes to you.”
“He’s got a lot on his plate, and?—”
“He’s an athlete who doesn’t do relationships?” He pretends to be shocked, but he also looks at me like he knows exactly what we’re doing, and I’m sure my face is bright red, but Dallas goes back onto the field, so we watch and cheer. I think I’m safe, until they call a time out and Clay looks at me and sighs.
“Be careful with your heart, Banana. You’re an adult, and you’re a helluva lot smarter than me, so I’m not going to try and tell you what you shouldn’t do, as long as this guy is making you happy. But make sure it’s what you want, and not because you don’t think you deserve better.”
“Are you implying athletes are assholes and I can do better?”
“A lot of us are. At least until we wise up and want to settle down. It’s easy when you’re surrounded by girls who let you be that asshole, and there’s a new one ready to take her place the minute she complains, but you’re irreplaceable, Sav, and you need someone who knows that before he has to lose you to figure it out.”
“Noah isn’t like that? I know exactly what I’m getting into. If anything, he goes above and beyond what I thought this was. He’s a good guy.”
“Does he know you’re in love with him?”
“I’m not?—”
“Remember that we’re allowed to keep secrets, but we can’t lie to each other,” he brings up the pact we made when I was maybe ten after a surprise party almost went terribly wrong.
“He’s been great, Clay. I just broke the rules and am prepared to suffer the consequences.”
“You shouldn’t have to.”
“But I’d rather do that than have him end things,” I admit, hating it, but it’s the truth.
“Wouldn’t you want to try to tell him? See if he surprises you?”
“He’s a decent guy. The kind who wouldn’t want to lead me on if he knew I was more invested than he is.” Noah would end this so he wouldn’t hurt me, but if I’m going to be hurt either way, I’d much rather be with him for as long as I can.
“What did you say his last name was?”
“Please don’t look into him. Or try to send him a message.”
“Since when am I in the mafia?”
“You implying he won’t swim with the fishies if he hurts me?”
