“Because I’m frugal!”
“I have an idea,” Quentin interrupted us. “What if Jordan went to the celebration with you in the morning, and you drove up together and stayed the weekend? You said you wanted to go but couldn’t borrow your parents’ car that long.”
“Mm, not hating this idea.” I tried to hide my reaction, but I loved this. I wouldn’t be a burden on their familyandLogan, and we would have so much fun together.
It was strange to be selfish, just a little bit. We used to do everything her and I, but now that Quentin was there, who I loved for her, it wasn’t us girls. I’d never voice it because we legit lived together, ate every meal together, and hung out still all the time. It’d make me sound wild, but I loved being around Logan. She was one of those people who brought out the best version of you. She recharged me by being herself.
Yet I couldn’t share how much I wanted her to say yes to this. It’d give my cards away, and I learned early on, you kept your cards close to your chest. Never showed your hand. Even with the person I trusted most in the world, I had to protect myself.
“Hm.” Logan pursed her lips as she switched the song from Dua Lipa to Sabrina Carpenter. “Let me ask my parents. I’m sure they’ll say yes, but I’d hate to disappoint them.”
“You won’t disappoint them, but let me know. I know I’d loveseeing you in the stands.” He kissed the top of her head and sighed. “I’m heading to the rink for the rest of the night. See you later?”
“Of course.”
“Bye, sexy!” I shouted, earning a chuckle from him. I met Logan’s amused face. “Hey, I’d love if we could go up to the tournament together. It’d be fun to bond.”
“Are we not bonding now?”
“I want to bond harder. Bond me right now, Logan.”
She burst out laughing like I wanted her to, and my heart felt happy. Logan knew my family issues and weird quirks and never made me feel bad about myself. I was an attention whore (because I got none at home) and assumed everyone would leave me (due to my globe-trotting mother who never wanted to be a mom). I knew my issues. It was why I’d wanted to be an event planner, since it was absolute chaos with a timeline.
I knew start to finish without exceptions. I liked knowing an event could be anywhere in the world, yet I’d always come back here to Central State. The campus and Logan’s parent’s house were more home to me than my own childhood one, and sure, there were some weird issues about being a nomad in my personality as well. But one thing was for sure—my best friend had inspired me to hook up with someone I normally wouldn’t.
Hence my experience with athletes. Until New Year’s, I could try to find the spark that I’d been missing with all the nice guys I’d dated. They wouldn’t match my freak or wanted vanilla sex or would never be up for dares. I was wild—mostly safe—but a little wild, and I wanted to be wild before the huge fundraiser on New Year’s that I was planning. I’d spent hours planning and prepping, and it was so much serious work that I needed to balance it with fun.
There was also this slightly added pressure to kick ass at it because my damn professor and my mom were friends. Maybenot friends, because my mom didn’t have a heart, but they spoke and liked talking shit about me.
Don’t mess this fundraiser up, Jordan Vanderfleet. Your future depends on it. Your professor will let me know if you can’t cut it.
Nohi, how are you, honeytexts. I got shit like that.
“Do you want to hang out later?” Logan asked, bringing me to the present. “We could rearrange your closet again.”
I winced because I hated being the one to turn her down. “I wish. Actually, maybe I should cancel my date. Organizing clothes with you would be more fun.”
The funny thing was, I meant that. I loved organizing because it made me feel like I had some control in my chaotic life. “Let me text him.”
“What? No! You’re trying to find someone! You can’t back out.” Her eyes bugged out. “Come on, let’s pick your outfit. We can hang out while you get ready.”
I didn’t correct her aboutfinding someone.I wanted a passionate distraction not love, but now wasn’t the time to correct her. It wasn’t hard to style myself when I owned all dark clothing. Black boots, short black shirt, and a black long-sleeved shirt that was tight and showed off my ample chest. (Hey, thanks for the tits, Mom!) I pinned my hair back on the sides and applied a deep bloodred lipstick. “I look like a creature of the night.”
“You look beautiful.” Logan smiled at me in the mirror. “Where are you meeting this guy?”
We left the bathroom and headed downstairs, where I grabbed my purse and debated wearing a jacket. It was cold, but a jacket would ruin the look. “We agreed to meet at Little Jimmy’s.”
“What? Why are you going there?” Preston exited the kitchen, gray sweatpants hanging low on his hips, and he was wearing a long sleeve Henley. My best guy friend filled the shirtout quite nicely. He was hot, and I took my time checking him out before answering with attitude.
“For my date, dude.” I hid my annoyance athisannoyance. We’d been friends for years, but he kept butting his head into my plans and providing commentary that wasn’t necessary. “Tim wants to meet there.”
“Tim who?” Preston’s jaw clenched as he scanned my outfit. “Tim Deiders?”
I nodded. “Yup, he’s on the baseball team. Super ripped. A little swagger where its hot and not in your face.”
“Little Jimmy’s is not a great spot. There are always fights, and bad shit goes down. Our coach told us to never go there.”
“I can handle a little adventure, Preston.” I winked at him before turning to Logan. “You have my location on. I’ll text you when I arrive.”
