“Yes. Go. I didn’t go through all that, so you get kicked off the team for talking to me. Go!”
“I’ll call you.” And then he turns and sprints across the field. I watch him go. My eyes zero in on his calf muscles as he runs. Ishake my head and force myself to turn away and head back to my dorm. When I pass Damien, I thank him again.
“That was longer than thirty seconds,” he points out.
“I know, but it was worth it. Thank you. And it won’t happen again.”
I make the walk back to my dorm room much slower this time. When I finally make it back to my room, there’s a Styrofoam box sitting on the dresser with my name written in marker. “Oh, hey, you’re back,” Stephanie says, coming out of the bathroom. “A guy stopped me and gave that to me for you.”
“A guy?” I ask.
“Yeah. He said he was a friend of Slater Thorne’s, the good-looking one.” She puts her hands up. “His words, not mine.”
I laugh. “Then it was probably Quint.”
“Yeah, I think I remember him saying that.”
I open the box and groan. “Street tacos.” I take the box and carry it over to my bed. “I am so hungry. You want some? I won’t be able to eat all this.”
“Yes, please. I was hoping you’d ask. It smells amazing.”
I rip off the lid and put a taco in for her and some chips and salsa. We eat in silence for the first few minutes. “These are so good.”
“Yes, they are,” Stephanie says after a big bite. “Thanks for sharing with me.”
“Of course.” Together, we finish off the chips and salsa.
I pull out my phone, so I can ask Evie for Quint’s number to text him. But when I look at my messages, I realize I won’t have to.
Unknown number-Tessa, this is Quint. You know, the good-looking one in the group. I heard you got our boy back on the team. You’re amazing! Thank you!
Evie-Thank you, Tess!!
Unknown number-Tessa, this is Zane. Thank you for what you did for Slate. We owe you.
I read all the texts again, and my heart fills with warmth. I save Quint’s and Zane’s numbers and send replies to each of them. Then I get to work. I need to study before I have to go to work. Before I know it, it’s time to get changed and ready for work. I keep an eye on my phone but don't hear anything from Slater. I figure he got busy and forgot to text, but it doesn’t bother me. I’m so glad he got his spot back. They’re going to need him this week. I throw my vest on and grab my cell phone. “You heading out?” Stephanie asks, standing and stretching. She’s been bent over books for the last few hours as well. I don’t know anybody who studies as much as she does.
“Yeah, I have to get to work.”
“All right. Have a good night. Be safe.”
“Thanks, you too.” I head out into the hallway and head downstairs. I make my way across campus to the security shack where I check in. “Hey, Dan.”
“Hey, Tessa.”
“Busy night?” I ask.
“Not really. There’s a swim meet happening right now, but other than that, not too crazy of a night.”
“Got it.” I gather all my supplies and get ready to head out. “I’m by myself tonight, right?”
He nods. “Yep, you are officially trained on your route and good to go. If you need anything, just radio in. Cliff's on tonight.”
“Got it. Thanks.” I head out and make my way towards my first check-in. It’s chilly tonight, and I’m glad I’m wearing a long-sleeved shirt under my work shirt. I make it to my first check-in and make my way around the building, scanning my phone when I need to. When I step back outside, I nearly step right into somebody. I take a step back in surprise, and a hand reaches out to steady me.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“Slater?” I ask, looking up at him in the dark. “What are you doing here?”
