“I scored in the second.”
“I know. I watched it. Stanley was wide open, and you didn’t pass.”
“Stan was wide open, and he had three guys on him. I had the lane.”
“You were showing off, Mr. Big Shot.”
I grin. “Maybe a little.”
“So, G. I wanted to ask you something.”
“Alright, then ask me,” she says without missing a beat.
I inhale. “I wanted to know if you’re okay with me asking Lucy to be my girlfriend.” I pause. She doesn’t respond right away, so I add, “When I get back. On Sunday.”
“Are you serious?” she scoffs. “You haven’t asked her yet?”
I blow out air, confused. “No.”
“Well, why the hell not, Benson? What’s wrong with you?”
I shrug, releasing the tension in my face. “I don’t know. Should I have asked her already? The guys said it was too soon.”
“You took advice from the guys?” she scoffs.
I run my hand through my hair.Well, shit.“Yes, I did.”
“Did they tell you to ask for my permission?” She laughs sarcastically.
“No, this one’s on me. Boys said I needed to let her move back and figure things out.” I sigh. “I wanted to give her time.”
“Oh,” she says. “Yeah, that makes sense. But we’re good now.” Her voice changes. “I can’t believe you haven’t asked her yet.”
“Yeah, so do I have your permission?”
She chuckles. “Like you ever needed it in the first place, Benson.” I stay quiet. “But yeah, ask her. How are you going to do it?”
“I wanted to make it special, but I don’t think Lucy cares for a public display.”
“It doesn’t have to be a public display for it to be special,” she says, and I nod. “She’s pretty shy.”
“Yeah, we’re opposites.”
The line falls quiet for a moment.
“You really like her,” Gianna says.
I nod. “Yeah, I do.”
“I’m happy for you, Benson, but I need to get to sleep because I’m an hour ahead of you.”
“Right.”
“Good luck in Chicago tomorrow, and I’ll see you later.”
“Thanks, G. Love ya.”
“I love ya, too.”
