“Don’t worry.” I smile. “There won’t be a sequel.”
Across the room, Lois waves a slice of pizza at me and takes a bite.
“I’m pretty sure that’s a wrap.”
EPILOGUELANE
I’ve literally just parked along the sidewalk, when Lois throws herself against the car window, cheeks flushed.
“You’re late! I’ve been standing in the burning sun for fifteen minutes now! My Cardinals shirt is drenched.” She points at her head. “And my hair’s all wet and gross!”
“You should’ve just stayed home—you wouldn’t have had to wait.”
“You were late on purpose, I’m sure of it!”
“Nuh-uh.” I shake my head, beckoning her in. “Anyway, let’s get this party started.”
She narrows her eyes at me and runs around to the other side, slipping into the passenger seat, muttering to herself as she goes. Just when she’s about to buckle her seat belt, I cover her hand with mine.
“I meant this party here,” I say, pointing at my lap.
“Okay, so first of all—I’m dying of heat here, so thanks, but no thanks, Lane. And second—we’re on campus! Imagine what the dean would do if one of his spies caught us making out in a car.”
“Do not disobey me, woman!”
She pauses, her gaze sweeping over me, then suddenly she’s kissing me, hard. I grip her face and deepen the kiss, my tongue curling hungrily around hers.
“You think Don will be mad if we miss the first half? Because I really fucking need you—like, right now.”
“It’s the last game of the season.” Lois shakes her head. “He’ll kill us if we miss even the first minute.”
I sigh. “The Cardinals are already champions—what’s the point in playing a friendly when it won’t change the rankings?”
“Do not disobey me, boy!”
She gives me a quick peck on the lips, and settles back into her seat. It’s a glorious afternoon, and as we drive, she chatters about this and that, telling me about her exams, giving me the latest gossip on Hope and Prudence.
Pulling up outside the sports complex, I try again.
“Come on, just a quick—”
“Not until after the game!”
She darts out of the car, slamming the door shut as she goes.
“Meanie Lois!”
I jump out and sling an arm around her shoulders, and we walk side by side in the sunshine up to the entrance.
Just as we’re settling into our seats, the two teams spill out onto the court.
Don spots us immediately, nudging Lewis, who lets out a high-pitched “Loooiis!” I watch as Kirk jerks his head from side to side, surveying the crowd until we lock eyes. I really want to flip him the finger, but I decide to go for a smoother, deadlier blow instead: propping an elbow on the back of Lois’s seat, I tuck a lock of brown hair behind her ear and plant soft kisses along her neck.
“Does it feel weird to be at a basketball game?”
She shakes her head. “It’s all good, and I promised Don I’d scream his name, anyway.”
“What?!” I widen my eyes. “That’ssonot fair. I’ve been waiting weeks for you to scream mine!”
