Page 26 of Love, Literature, and the Linebacker

Darnell groans. “With Lucy? Come on, man.”

We sit just as Derek leans back in the chair at the next table, his purple button-up doing him no favors. “Did you guys see Library Girl is here serving tonight?”

“Her name’s Lucy,” Darnell says sharply.

Derek shrugs and turns back as Marcus hits the stage—pads off, shirt following. The crowd goes wild.

But my focus keeps drifting.

I spot Lucy weaving through tables, refilling drinks, collecting plates. Every time she passes my table, I have to stop myself from getting up.

“She’s coming,” Darnell whispers, elbowing me.

I straighten and smooth my tie, then freeze when Meredith slides into the empty seat beside me.

“You two were expensive,” she says smugly. “But worth it.”

Darnell groans.

Her fingers slide along my forearm with practiced familiarity.

“Don’t,” I say, swatting her hand away without hesitation.

Her attention shifts to the back of the room. “Afraid Library Girl might see?”

My jaw tenses. “What did you just say?”

“I saw you two earlier.” Her smile sharpens. “What were you talking about?”

“None of your business,” Darnell cuts in.

Meredith raises her hands. “Relax. I’m just curious.”

“What do you want?” I ask flatly.

“You,” she says, like it’s obvious.

“You won the bid,” I remind her, keeping my voice even. “You get mini-golf with me and Darnell. That’s it.”

She pouts. “I don’t get it.”

“Get what?”

“Why you’ve never given me a chance.”

“Because I’m not interested.”

Her mouth tightens. “You don’t have to say it like that.”

“I’ve said it every other way.”

Meredith is someone who pushes when you say no. She confuses access with entitlement. She doesn’t like me, not really. She just enjoys the chase. Lucy listens when I say no. Meredith treats it like the beginning of a negotiation. There’s no comparison.

“I’m focused on football,” I say to Meredith.

Darnell fake sneezes. “Liar.”

Meredith leans closer. “Football ends. We graduate. Then what?”