“I’m busy.”
I snort. “Too busy to … what do you call it here … get laid?”
His whole face flushes down to his neck this time. It’s oddly endearing.
“Yes, too busy to … do that.”
He can’t even say it.God, is this guy a virgin?
Before I can say anything more, we’re interrupted.
“Hey, here you guys are.”
Ben’s head snaps up at the sound of Nate’s voice. What does he see in that guy? He’s so boring-looking. If you asked me to describe a typical college athlete-type frat boy, it would be Nate. All floppy brown hair and boringly handsome features. Probably a six pack under that shirt.
Nate turns to Ben, blocking me out. “Mackenzie’s cousin’s getting here soon. He wants to meet you.”
Ben’s shoulders sag. I feel sorry for the guy. I’m about to jump in and save him when I consider the possibility that if he’s distracted by all this nonsense, he won’t be able to overshadow me on the court.
I throw him another glance and see that he’s biting his lip, looking uncomfortable and deeply unhappy. I’m reminded of my first unrequited crush. How I had to see the guy every day for years and how much it hurt seeing him with someone else.
Scheiße.
“Ben was just about to take me home, actually. I have a terrible headache.”
They both look at me like they don’t understand. Did I slip out of English?
Nate blinks a few times before composing himself. “I can call you an Uber if you need to leave. One of the pledges can?—”
“No, Nate, I’m captain of the team. I should make sure he gets home alright.”
Go Ben! Way to finally stand up for yourself. Wait, why am I cheering him on?
“Well, if you’re sure, I guess I’ll tell Mackenzie her cousin can meet you some other time.”
We’resilent as we make our way down the driveway of the sorority house. It’s only once we’re halfway down the street that Ben speaks.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“You know.”
“I really do have a headache.”
He looks at me dubiously.
“All that frat/sorority talk and whatever terrible music they were playing in there was bringing on a migraine.”
We’re quiet again for a moment. I want to ask him how far he’s walking with me, and where his frat house is. But something tells me I don’t need to worry. I probably won’t end up naked and tied to a lamppost tonight. I may have incorrect information on fraternities after all.
“Why did you save me back there?” Ben asks.
“I wanted to leave and it seemed like a good out for us both.”
He seems momentarily satisfied at least with that explanation.
“Where are we going?”
