Page 89

I stare at him, saying nothing.

“Your best friend’s sister? It’s probably best if you don’t pull a center sneak. Everyone knows it’s an illegal move.”

“I thought you were my best friend? I didn’t realize you have a sister?” I add with a smirk.

Quinn rolls his eyes in return. He places one hand gently on my lower back and leans in slightly. “Just be careful,” he repeats his warning, despite my intention of distraction. “I know how much he means to you. Think about it before you move forward.”

Quinn disappears into another part of the building, but I can’t stop thinking about what he said.

* * *

I’m sitting at my kitchen counter with a protein drink in hand when I finally receive a response from my earlier text to Lettie.

Lettie: I’ll see you at the game Sunday

I crinkle my face at the reply on my phone. Something has been bothering Scarlett lately, and for the life of me, I can’t figure out what it is. We were fine, more than fine at the holiday party and the next morning, but it’s been five days since then, and she hasn’t reached out at all. Practically a week. I texted her to check when I’d see her again, hours ago, and this is what I get.

I scratch my head to check if I missed any signs.

But I come back blank. Again.

Things have been easy and fun between us.

She’s been calling all the shots, and I’ve been reaping the rewards.

It’s been mainly physical and fun between us as we explore and experiment. Though I have also seen her walls drop, letting me in little by little—or so I thought.

Not sure what this is, but I can only hope that this isn’t the end, just a road bump.

Chapter Forty-Five

Scarlett

I’m a terrible person.

Yup. It’s true.

Because my little brother and Calvin are about to win their playoff game and move on to the conference championship, and all I can think about is myself.

What it means for me if they win, and then win again.

They would go to the Super Bowl, and then I would need to make a decision.

If they don’t win, the decision will be made for me.

“Will you stop moving?” Olivia whines in the seat next to me.

“I’m not moving,” I retort back. “There’s no place to go.” I point around to the very crowded football stadium to make my point. I’m also packed into this row with her beside me and a random fan on my other side. Annie and all her brothers are flanking my sister by the aisle, but we’re farther into the row.

Olivia is trying to keep a straight face, but she’s failing. “You’ve stood up and sat back down like ten times during this drive, and they didn’t even convert. It was like a two-minute drive, and nothing happened. Plus, even if the other team scored, it wouldn’t matter much.”

“It wasn’t ten,” I mutter back. Maybe like six times at most.

“Also, will you stop fidgeting?” She places her winter glove on top of mine.

“When did you become so bossy? You’re the baby. I’m the oldest; aren’t I supposed to tell you what to do?”

“Well, if you believe in stereotypes, then aren’t I supposed to be annoying you and not the other way around?” She raises her eyebrows as though saying she’s got me there, although I’m not so sure.