Levi: So is this one:
Another image pops up, and it’s of Levi standing in front of the mirror, his thumb casually hooked over the band of his sweats, and he’s shirtless. I zoom in. I mean, when someone the caliber of Levi sends you another thirst trap, that’s the appropriate response.
Me: You are trying to seduce me, Mr. Soucy.
Levi: Is it working?
Me: I’ll see you at your game tomorrow.
Levi: I know.
Another text pops up a few moments later.
Levi: I’ll be the one staring up at the suite and looking lovestruck.
Me: I’ll be the one motioning for you to turn around so I can take a peek of dat ass.
Levi: LOL
Me: Night, Levi.
Levi: Night, Rapunzel.
A low humof butterflies in my stomach means my nerves are on the fritz. Levi messaged me first thing this morning to remind me that he’ll be at the game wearing the number nineteen across his jersey. Like I didn’t know. I gaze into the mirror and smooth my shirt down. It just so happens that one of the outfits Levi bought me from the store matches the Wildcats teal color. I’m beginning to wonder if he is a genius. It’s possible he’s had everything planned all along. Diabolical.
Smiling to myself, I turn to check out my backside at the same time Raeann knocks on my door. She opens it. “You ready? The car is almost here.”
“Ready,” I tell her. She hikes up an enormous bag on her shoulder, and I eye it. “What’s that?”
Her cheeks flush. “Nothing.”
“Rae-bae…”
“I just thought I should make sure we have everything for contingency plans.”
“Everything like what?”
She opens her bag and starts to rifle through it. “Well, I’ve got your pills, some bandages, some topical cream, a mask in case the air is too much for you, some hand sanitizer, chapstick.” She peers up, looking sheepish and shrugs.
I walk over to her and throw my arms around her. “You’re a good friend,” I say into her coconut-scented hair. “A little crazy, maybe, but a good friend.”
“I have tissues too.”
I pull away, holding her arms. “See, the bestest friend. You never know when you’re going to need a tissue.”
“Exactly what I believe,” she says animatedly.
Athena noses us, and then dips into a stretch. She and Raeann match, wearing Micah’s number in a mock jersey that’s beautifully feminine yet sporty at the same time. My stomach squeezes a bit, wondering if Levi would want me to wear his number. Not now, obviously. But in the future, maybe.
Wait a second. Raeann ushers me forward and to the elevator, telling me that the car is here, but my mind is stuck on the fact that I just thought about the future with Levi. That’s new. Before, there were hard barriers up to the notion that he and I could be together, but it seems as if those are crumbling in my mind.
Could it be possible that I believe he’s sincere? “That’s absolutely nuts.”
“What is?” Raeann asks as we walk into the elevator. She pushes the L button, and we stand there. She’s sifting through her purse again, most likely checking to see if she remembered to bring everything in the medicine cabinet as a backup.
“What?”
“You said something was nuts.”
