“Don’t just sit there, I have to pack!” Olivia threw her wet hair up into a top knot and proceeded to stuff her overnight bag with workout gear, shorts, jeans, and a few shirts. Nadia was perched on her dresser, impervious to Olivia’s panic. She’d really pushed her luck squeezing in a trip to the gym this morning.
“You’re awful nervous. It’s not too late to tell Jake to forget it.”
Olivia chewed her thumbnail, keeping her eyes on her bag. Nadia was notoriously anti-dating. They’d all been burnt in the past, one way or another, and most of the squad had been of the mind that they should focus on careers rather than guys. All except Mia, who tended to just jump from one disaster to the next.
“It’s not that. I just don’t want to be late. You know how my mom is. And it’s my entire family, not just the immediate family. Grandparents, cousins, second cousins whose names I can’t possibly remember …”
“Okay, okay. I get it. Staying up late playingMario Kartwith us was a bad life choice.”
They’d spent the time they weren’t smack-talking each other dissecting Olivia’s plan for the weekend. None of them were happy about the arrangement.
“You’re a terrible liar, Olivia. This is never going to work.” Nadia had said.
“I just need them off my back for a bit. Jake offered to act as a buffer, it’s not that different from what happened in Annapolis.”
“Except in Annapolis you didn’t know anyone. You have to see these people for the rest of your life.” Jade pointed out.
“What if someone finds out?” Rosie had asked. “Your mom will be devastated.”
Mia had been unusually quiet while waiting her turn for the controller. Once everyone had plotted out every single way this could possibly go wrong, she’d twirled a pink-tipped strand around her finger. “But guys, what if it turns out shelikeshim? What if he’s the one?”
It might have been the wine, or it might have been the late hour, but no one had anything to say to that. But Mia’s suggestion was too scary for Olivia to even think about. Sure, she’d been flirting with him, but she still didn’t have time for a real relationship.
In went her underwear, her shower supplies, and deodorant. A hairbrush was next. “Yeah, I should have started this before you guys came over. Hopefully Jake’s on time.” Satisfied that she had everything she needed, Olivia shouldered her bag and turned to Nadia. “Thanks so much for taking care of Kusanagi for me.” The cat in question leaped up onto the bed and headbutted her hand. Olivia took the hint and scratched the beautiful black and white cat behind her ears, then she spied the time on her clock.
“I better get going. He’s going to be here soon.” Kusanagi yowled as she pulled her hand away. “I’m sorry, Kus-kus, but I have to go.” She gave her cat one more scratch. “I’ll be back in a couple days.”
“Mrow!” Kusanagi was indignant.
The buzzer sounded. Nadia hopped off the dresser. “I’ll go out with you. She’s in good hands, don’t worry.”
“Feel free to come over and play with her if you have time.” Olivia locked her apartment and hugged Nadia goodbye.
“Text me when you get there. And have fun with your … fake boyfriend.” Nadia crossed her arms.
“I will. Let’s just hope this works. Love your face!” Olivia waved over her shoulder as she raced down the stairs.
Jake leaned against his black SUV, his mirrored aviators shielding his eyes. She drank in the sight of his t-shirt pulled taut across his muscular chest, his biceps bulging from crossing his arms over his chest as he looked at his phone. When he saw her, he straightened up and tucked his phone back into his jeans pocket.
“Hey there.”
“Hey, yourself.” She threw her bag into the backseat when he opened the door for her. “You ready to get this show on the road?”
“Yep. I was just checking in with my assistant coach to see how the kids’ game is going.”
“Oh? How are they doing?”
He shrugged. “No one’s scored yet. And it’s halftime.”
She chuckled as she hoisted herself into the front seat using the handle in the door frame. “I hope they do better next half.”
“Me, too. The Dragons need a win.”
She twisted to face him, propping her arm on the console. “What’s it like, teaching kids football?”
His smile blinded her as he pulled out of the space. “Like herding cats.”
He regaled her with tales from peewee football as they made their way to I-95 South. He was a great storyteller, and the kids’ antics made for engaging conversation. They stopped for gas along the interstate outside Richmond, grabbing lunch as well. He got a video call from his assistant coach while they were outside eating their sandwiches and chips.
