“Legs are okay. Still stiff, but I’m taking care of them. I ran at the gym at Alex’s house last night and did my salt soak. We had pizza, then watched a movie, and I slept on the couch by myself.” It seems prudent to mention the sleeping arrangements, since Zander seemed hesitant about my staying there yesterday. “It’s a cool apartment on the third floor, and the guys have rooms there. I got Seb to do a salt sock too and use my recovery cream.”
“Troy told me about the technical foul, but said he walked off the court okay?”
“Yeah, his arm and shoulder hit the wall hard. Seb said it didn’t affect his playing today, though.”
“I’m glad,” he nods. “What’s the plan for the rest of the day?”
“We;re meeting at a diner for lunch. You’re invited,” I smile. “The next game is at 3pm. I don’t know after that.” Zander agrees to join us for lunch, but has calls to make right now. He leaves for the conference room as I settle in to continue reading the driver’s manual. I finish the book for the second time and start the sample questions before it’s time for lunch.
I drive with Zander to the diner while Troy rides alone. We push a few tables together in the restaurant to fit us all, and I end up between Nick and Zander. After everyone puts in theirorders, I turn towards Nick. “How was class?” I ask. He grunts in response.
“We’re you teaching or participating?”
Nick looks over at me with a raised eyebrow, so I just smile sweetly at him.
“Teaching.”
“What exactly do you teach? Tai Kwan Do? Karate?”
“Why?” He grunts.
“Why, what?” I question. What is he asking about? The question was pretty straightforward.
“Why do you care?”
Furrowing my brows, I study him. What is so strange about light conversation? Does anyone outside our friend group talk to him? Nick is intimidating to look at, but he’s not mean. “Why wouldn’t I? You’re my friend,” I say, but only get another grunt in return.
Our food is delivered, so I don’t ask more questions. The table is lively with conversation as we enjoy our meal. After lunch, I drive back to the gym with the guys in Alex’s SUV. “I’m hitting the bathroom, guys. Save my seat, please.”
“We can wait if you would like?” Alex offers as everyone stops walking.
“No need. It’s not crowded, but thanks.” I wave them off. The bathroom is empty, so I take care of business quickly.
As I’m leaving, I find Ben leaning against the opposite wall. “Hi Summer,” he smiles.
“Ben,” I nod and start walking. Geez, this guy seems to be everywhere.
He steps into sync beside me, hands stuffed in his jeans. “Are you going to the party tonight? It’ll be fun.”
“No, I’m not.” I increase my pace, uncomfortable without the guys nearby.
“Ican take you if your friends don’t want to go.” He steps in front of me so I have to stop walking. “Come on. I’ll make sure you have a great time,” he says, reaching to touch my arm.
I quickly step backward out of his reach, cradling my arms across my stomach. “Ben. I’m sorry, but I’m not interested. I told you already, I have a boyfriend.”
“Then where is he?” Ben spreads his arms wide, looking around. “I’ve asked, and everyone says all your guy friends are single except Alex. I’m thinking you don’t actually have one, so what's the problem?” He takes a step towards me.
I step backwards but into the center of the hallway so he can’t trap me. “Listen to my words. I’m not interested in you, Ben.”
“You could be if you get to know me. You haven’t even given me a chance yet,” he smiles.
“Is there a problem here?” Alex interrupts, walking up behind Ben and continuing to stand beside me.
“No, let’s go, Alex,” I reply, just wanting to get away from Ben. Alex puts his hand on my lower back and guides me towards to court. Fortunately, Ben doesn’t follow us.
We watch the last quarter of the game that’s playing. Seb and E hang out with us for a while before they have to meet their team. Our section fills up the closer we get to our team playing, so I move to sit between Alex and Bay again, with Troy and Nick behind me. Ben shows up with his friends and sits in the bottom row, but turns and waves at me with a big smile. What is his deal? How can he ignore all our interactions and my lack of interest? He’s not getting the hint. He’s as persistent as Cara, it seems. Hopefully, it doesn’t escalate past this point.
The game is tough, and the two teams are evenly matched. There hasn’t been more than a 6-point lead since it started, and Seb and E haven’t taken a break yet. At halftime, the game is tied. Both teams are going hard at the beginning of the second half. Neither team is allowing any shots before the clock runs out.Finally, E intercepts a pass, and Seb takes off down the court. E sends a long throw down the court to him. As he’s going up for a layup, he gets fouled hard by a defender who hits Seb mid-air on his right side trying to block the shot. We all jump up, concerned, but Seb is still standing, rotating his shoulder and stays in the game. He misses one of his free throw shots but sinks the other.
