“You look exactly like your mom when you make that face.”
“Guess it’s genetic.”
I checked my phone and saw I was quickly approaching my bedtime. I also saw that Brittney had responded to my question.
Mango.
“We should wrap up here, but I need to get something to go first.”
“Sounds good, junior.”
It turned out Brittney had been rooming in the room directly above mine. I followed her instructions to meet her by the vending and ice machines on her floor, fighting a smile that wanted to sprout and expose all my secrets on the journey over. The night in Spain played over and over in my mind, her breaking down my walls, stealing sips from my ginger ale while I stole pieces of candy. It was all I’d been able to think about, and I felt like a pathetic loser.
But I also loved the feeling of having a crush.
Not that I’d ever admit that to anyone.
I heard Brittney before I saw her, a small snicker that meant she was trying not to be heard, but the girl’s whisper was as loud as an announcement through a megaphone. I crept up behind her and peered over her shoulder.
“What’s so funny?” I whispered in her ear.
“Jesus!” She yelped.
“Nope, just Nola.” I smirked as she turned to fully face me. Her hair was down, a break from the space buns she preferred to wear for every game. I saw her eyes drop to the stud in my nose at the same time I investigated her face. I smiled as I looked at her and the matching piercing. Evidence that I still existed. Like those eight days had left a lasting impression on her like it had on me.
“Young.”
“Lee.”
“I would say it’s good to see you, but I won’t mean that when it’s us in the natty.”
“Likewise.”
“Naturally, I’m obligated to ask if you poisoned my fro-yo before eating it.”
“Sorry, I’m above sabotage. I believe in beating you the old fashioned way.”
“I’m not above sabotage, but for you, I’ll behave and do the same. For the record, I prefer my beatings by way of a twenty point lead.” She smiled.
“I like buzzer beaters more.” I grinned and handed her the bag. I let my fingers linger as Brittney touched my hand. We both stood there, smiling like idiots, and not two competitors who had a high chance of facing off in two days.
“Were you going to eat out here? Do you want a hallway snack buddy?” I braved asking.
Brittney opened her mouth, her eyes brightened before suddenly dimming. She bit her lip. “I shouldn’t. We have an early practice tomorrow.”
I cooled my face, a habit I was practically raised to do, and nodded. Yes, we were not here for each other. I shouldn’t be looking to make friends with my competition, let alone not be able to get her out of my head.
“No, right, that makes sense. We have opposite schedules.”
“You memorized USC’s schedule?” she wondered, lingering in the hallway that we were both supposed to leave.
“Well, not like, foryouspecifically. Like for all of us, ya know.”
This time she didn’t bother hiding her smile or her obnoxious and cute laugh. “Sure, Nola.”
“Whatever, Lee. You’re welcome by the way.”
“You didn’t give a girl a chance! Here’s a token of my appreciation.” She pulled a sour watermelon candy and a ginger ale from the deep pockets of the sweatpants she wore.
